Sprinkler company wanted $89 for first half hour, $60 for each additional hour and $295 for the back flow preventer. Home Depot's price was $83 for the part and I probably bought and additional $20 in pvc connectors, etc. After watching this video I did it myself (I'm a librarian) and it works great. Thank you so much.
Tom, thanks for taking the time to make this video. Replacing my cracked Febco was my first plumbing project and I used your video to get it done. Now I'm thinking of making my own cologne called "PVC Primer for Men."
Seriously! It's quite a distinct odor. PVC is a great way to "get into" plumbing... I'm still not an expert by any means, but I've got a few copper pipe projects lined up - but instead of soldering I'm going to use Sharkbite connectors... I'll post videos (if I survive!)
if water is coming out from the copper hat thing, maybe its just an oring that needs replace/kit due to weather, they are usually like 30-40$ no need to replace all unless crack like in the video
2021 Texas cold-snap victim checking in!!! I also have the same crack in the same spot. Question: Can I just replace the small valve only? Or replace the entire unit?
For all that are making this repair, he did it correctly. Word of advice pay the extra money for some union connections (quick disconnects) on both sides. It will save you time in case you make a mistake or the valve gets damage and can't be repaired. I learned from experience of gluing too soon and end up 1 foot high to 2 foot high 🤣🤣🤣🤣
I suggest putting in unions, one each in the vertical supply and downstream PVC pipes. This will allow you to remove the PVB without cutting the pipes. Also, insulate the piping and the two ball valves before the first freeze. No gaps in the insulation.
Yeah, my neighbor also suggested using unions and even working out some sort of "snap into place" system so the whole thing can be removed or swapped out. The next time it breaks I'll have to consider that!
Can you elaborate more on what a Union is and how it could be used ? Video link to it would be of great help. Basically i am in this situation, and waiting on amazon order to come in. Thanks in advance
anyone looking to do this repair, i recommend using a pvc cutter instead of a saw. if pvc debris falls thru that main line. your valves will catch debris and get stuck next time you turn it on, requiring a valve cleaning. Other than that tom executed this well
Agree homeowner did exactly that then had to call me to clear all his valves that were sticking open. He tried to save a few bucks and it cost him several bucks
Turned the water back on and all looks good. Now just have to figure out the system. When we moved in I knew nothing about sprinkler systems so I didn't winterize and it blew. I think I could have just replaced the internal pieces, but it had a big crack in the metal part of it so I just decided to start fresh. The valve was 85 bucks, then just some primer, cement, and PVC pieces and I was good. Had to add some PVC to keep it over 12 inches above ground. Interestingly, I was told I needed to have it inspected
@@HomeImprovementVideos it is to ensure that the chemicals that are sprayed in the lawn does not seep through the sprinkler system and back into the city drainage or water system
Thanks for the video. Very helpful. I now have to go back to town and get some pvc pipe, unions and etc for replacing the soon to be cut pipe. My question though, why did you not cut the new pipe so your Backflow Preventer Valve wasn't so high? My plan is to maintain the current height that I have.
I *think* I made it a little higher because I wanted to give myself some space to cut the pipes again if the darn thing was to split again. As some of the other comments mentioned, I'd probably be better off using some sort of connection which would allow me to take off and replace the backflow preventer a little more easily. I'll make a video if I ever do that!
Sounds good. My valve is threaded to copper pipe at the bottom. I bought way too many pieces of connections and unions. Part of it is because I forgot about the pipe at the bottom. LOL 😆
Tom, thanks for the video. My question is regarding the winter storm we just had in Houston, Texas, 15-Feb-2021, where we saw -8Deg F temperatures. I thought I had my system well insulated and still craked one of the valves. Do you think those temperatures were too cold for our sprinkler systems?
Same thing happened to me. Properly winterized the backflow preventer but it still cracked near the valves. The Wilkins 720a are designed for "light freezes"
I'm not sure why they crack sometimes. I've had a few of them go. I would agree that they probably can handle a little freezing (small water expansion). I'm not an expert in these things but when you close them up for the winter I *think* you should also make sure the pressure valves on the side are OPEN so that water has a place to escape if it starts to expand. Just gotta remember to close them back up before you turn your water back on.
@@HomeImprovementVideos - The ones on mine were installed in 2007, I believe. They'd been drained for weeks prior to the freeze, including the pressure valves open. They broke at 90 degrees from the handle on one, and 180 from the handle on the other. These cheap Chinesium "brass" valves apparently trap liquid against the ball, and can't handle any expansion. You could probably have just made your assembly two inches shorter without adding all of the extra extensions :)
Great video!! From personal experience, BE CAREFUL BUYING THIS FROM AMAZON, although I entered the Febco 765-1, I bought the 765. I can’t blame anyone but myself. The 765 is NOT the correct size if indeed 765-1 is embossed on your valve. I’ll revisit video when the correct unit arrives. Thanks
Great job, Tom. Very informative video. I need to take care of the SAME EXACT project today with the same hardware. Do you know what the 2 small valves do on the right side just below the bonnet? They have little flat head screw adjustments. I have no idea what they’re used for. Thanks!
Yes! They’re venting screws (not sure if that’s the real name) and I’ve seen professional sprinkler guys use them to blow out the water at the end of the season. Tip: when winterizing make sure those two screw are OPEN so that any water in the valve can escape instead of freezing, expanding, and breaking the valve...
Good video, however, Instead of doing all this again if you have a crack ball valve why didn't you use unions that way it would be a whole lot easier to change without cutting PVC?
Nice video! Is cutting the PVC always necessary? Is it just to allow you to unscrew the assembly? Seems like a lot of extra work for something that should be pretty simple to install.
I don't think I could unscrew my PVC. Usually PVC is glued together at the joints. I've seen A LOT of different setups for these outdoor sprinklers. It seems everyone does it just a little bit differently.
One split ball valve is the only likely broken part, so sure, buy an entire unit. Insulation without a heat source, like heat wrap under it, is pointless. Draining the system properly if in a cold climate is the only way to avoid valve damage, or actual unit failure. The union connection idea is very wise, as it makes disassembly easy, without need of cutting/regluing pipes every time a repair is needed. Really, if this is one's level of knowledge, pay a plumber.
My daughter was walking to her car during a really bad thunderstorm and slipped on our green sprinkler system box in front yard. The lid flew off and she fell in all the way up to her thigh. One leg in, one leg out. Her foot came down on a pipe because water was spewing out of it and down our street. A neighbor was able to turn the water off but we need to get this fixed. We have a Rainbird e6c. What is an estimate for a repair like this? We aren't the original installers so unfamiliar with sprinkler systems. Are we talking hundreds or thousands to repair?
That green box in the ground is where the sprinkler switches are typically housed. I can't begin to guess if she damaged anything or not (hope she's okay) but I would imagine a repair like that might cost a few hundred bucks, not thousands. But you'll want to get a sprinkler expert in to see what the real damage is.
Tom's Home Improvement Videos She’s doing OK. She had a thin cut going straight up her shin But once the blood was cleaned off it wasn’t as bad as it appeared. She’s a nursing student so she’s practicing caring for it. I found out the part that was broken off May cost between three and $700. It’s called a backflow. Thank you so much for responding and for your good videos I really enjoy them!
See, i'm not sure if I should really do that. I think they're actually required to prevent dirty water from flowing back into your home's water supply (or the public water system). We actually have water company people visit our house to read the water meter every few months. The meter sensors are those little black pucks on the outside wall. I'm guessing they wouldn't like seeing a sprinkler system without the backflow preventer in place.
You need a hose Bibb vacuum breaker for your hose Bibb. Once installed, assembly should be tested by a licensed master plumber with backflow endorsement to be sure assembly is working properly
SOOOOO tempted to do this next year! The problem is that our water meter gauge (little black thing with wires) is right there and I'm afraid the township would see our sprinkler system without it and not like it. I had to (yet again) replace the plastic parts this year...
Sprinkler company wanted $89 for first half hour, $60 for each additional hour and $295 for the back flow preventer. Home Depot's price was $83 for the part and I probably bought and additional $20 in pvc connectors, etc. After watching this video I did it myself (I'm a librarian) and it works great. Thank you so much.
Tom, thanks for taking the time to make this video. Replacing my cracked Febco was my first plumbing project and I used your video to get it done. Now I'm thinking of making my own cologne called "PVC Primer for Men."
Seriously! It's quite a distinct odor. PVC is a great way to "get into" plumbing... I'm still not an expert by any means, but I've got a few copper pipe projects lined up - but instead of soldering I'm going to use Sharkbite connectors... I'll post videos (if I survive!)
Thanks very much for this. My Febco busted due to the unusual cold snap here in Texas. This video is spot-on.
Me too. Will be doing this in the next month or so!
if water is coming out from the copper hat thing, maybe its just an oring that needs replace/kit due to weather, they are usually like 30-40$ no need to replace all unless crack like in the video
@@Fgalvezpool I went ahead and order the the whole valve. $80 on amazon a few days ago, but I'm not seeing it listed now
Lol I’m going to be doing this also
2021 Texas cold-snap victim checking in!!! I also have the same crack in the same spot. Question: Can I just replace the small valve only? Or replace the entire unit?
Thanks! You've convinced me to give it a try by making it look very doable!
Thanks our plumber is no call no show will try it. A million thanks.
Thank you so so so much. You saved me right 250. I owe you a drink 🍻
For all that are making this repair, he did it correctly. Word of advice pay the extra money for some union connections (quick disconnects) on both sides. It will save you time in case you make a mistake or the valve gets damage and can't be repaired. I learned from experience of gluing too soon and end up 1 foot high to 2 foot high 🤣🤣🤣🤣
You just save me a $300 very helpful video, thanks Tom
I suggest putting in unions, one each in the vertical supply and downstream PVC pipes. This will allow you to remove the PVB without cutting the pipes. Also, insulate the piping and the two ball valves before the first freeze. No gaps in the insulation.
Yeah, my neighbor also suggested using unions and even working out some sort of "snap into place" system so the whole thing can be removed or swapped out. The next time it breaks I'll have to consider that!
Can you elaborate more on what a Union is and how it could be used ? Video link to it would be of great help.
Basically i am in this situation, and waiting on amazon order to come in.
Thanks in advance
NM i googled using unions with PVC and was able to better understand. Thanks for the tip.
sem your video I learned a lot of things? thank you my friend
Gonna save me some money! Thanks for the video.
dude you just saved me so much money
Job Done! Thanks
Just had Rooter Plumbing quote $875 to do this! Thanks!!
Got all information needed to repair my system.
Thanks super good
anyone looking to do this repair, i recommend using a pvc cutter instead of a saw. if pvc debris falls thru that main line. your valves will catch debris and get stuck next time you turn it on, requiring a valve cleaning. Other than that tom executed this well
I agree with this. I used what I had, but have since learned about PVC cutters.
Agree homeowner did exactly that then had to call me to clear all his valves that were sticking open. He tried to save a few bucks and it cost him several bucks
Plumber in my area (Colorado) wanted $1300 to do the same repair!! Thanks for this video!
So the guy got $1200 an hour for his labor. Did he have a gun to your back?
Tackling this very same project this week, thanks for the video! Doesn't seem too bad.
Turned the water back on and all looks good. Now just have to figure out the system. When we moved in I knew nothing about sprinkler systems so I didn't winterize and it blew. I think I could have just replaced the internal pieces, but it had a big crack in the metal part of it so I just decided to start fresh. The valve was 85 bucks, then just some primer, cement, and PVC pieces and I was good. Had to add some PVC to keep it over 12 inches above ground. Interestingly, I was told I needed to have it inspected
@@davearredondo4915 Huh.. I've never heard of an outdoor sprinkler system needing to be inspected.... Wonder why?
@@HomeImprovementVideos - probably a HOA/deed restriction "idiot with a clipboard" requirement.
@@HomeImprovementVideos it is to ensure that the chemicals that are sprayed in the lawn does not seep through the sprinkler system and back into the city drainage or water system
Well done sir. Thanks for the video!
Well done, thank you!
Great info bro. Thank you
Thank you! Love the lil tips e.g. wrap the tape clockwise etc.
Thanks for the video. Very helpful. I now have to go back to town and get some pvc pipe, unions and etc for replacing the soon to be cut pipe. My question though, why did you not cut the new pipe so your Backflow Preventer Valve wasn't so high? My plan is to maintain the current height that I have.
I *think* I made it a little higher because I wanted to give myself some space to cut the pipes again if the darn thing was to split again. As some of the other comments mentioned, I'd probably be better off using some sort of connection which would allow me to take off and replace the backflow preventer a little more easily. I'll make a video if I ever do that!
Sounds good. My valve is threaded to copper pipe at the bottom. I bought way too many pieces of connections and unions. Part of it is because I forgot about the pipe at the bottom. LOL 😆
Hi, Tom, thanks for the video, very clear and useful. For the PVC pipe, the product says suitable for non-pressure, is it correct?
Those male adapters are going to leak. I always put 6 wraps of Teflon and put the male adapters on snug with channellocks
What hangers are you using to support the unit?
I have a valve that has the number 785-1 embossed on it. What is the difference if any from a 785-1 and a 765-1 valve?
Great how to video,
Tom, thanks for the video. My question is regarding the winter storm we just had in Houston, Texas, 15-Feb-2021, where we saw -8Deg F temperatures. I thought I had my system well insulated and still craked one of the valves. Do you think those temperatures were too cold for our sprinkler systems?
Same thing happened to me. Properly winterized the backflow preventer but it still cracked near the valves. The Wilkins 720a are designed for "light freezes"
I'm not sure why they crack sometimes. I've had a few of them go. I would agree that they probably can handle a little freezing (small water expansion). I'm not an expert in these things but when you close them up for the winter I *think* you should also make sure the pressure valves on the side are OPEN so that water has a place to escape if it starts to expand. Just gotta remember to close them back up before you turn your water back on.
@@HomeImprovementVideos - The ones on mine were installed in 2007, I believe. They'd been drained for weeks prior to the freeze, including the pressure valves open. They broke at 90 degrees from the handle on one, and 180 from the handle on the other. These cheap Chinesium "brass" valves apparently trap liquid against the ball, and can't handle any expansion.
You could probably have just made your assembly two inches shorter without adding all of the extra extensions :)
Thanks for the video. Trying this out for the first time.
Great video!! From personal experience, BE CAREFUL BUYING THIS FROM AMAZON, although I entered the Febco 765-1, I bought the 765. I can’t blame anyone but myself. The 765 is NOT the correct size if indeed 765-1 is embossed on your valve. I’ll revisit video when the correct unit arrives. Thanks
Great job, Tom. Very informative video. I need to take care of the SAME EXACT project today with the same hardware. Do you know what the 2 small valves do on the right side just below the bonnet? They have little flat head screw adjustments. I have no idea what they’re used for. Thanks!
Yes! They’re venting screws (not sure if that’s the real name) and I’ve seen professional sprinkler guys use them to blow out the water at the end of the season. Tip: when winterizing make sure those two screw are OPEN so that any water in the valve can escape instead of freezing, expanding, and breaking the valve...
They are ports for testing the backflow.
Good video, however, Instead of doing all this again if you have a crack ball valve why didn't you use unions that way it would be a whole lot easier to change without cutting PVC?
Yep, someone else had the same idea and I'll definitely look into that next time (I hope there isn't a next time... but there probably will be...)
how much pressure loss does this one have?
Umm..
10 psi max
Whatg is that 2 black things on the wall with wire?
Water meter sensor. They local company sends a guy around every month or two and he just reads the meter by holding a little device near it.
Nice video! Is cutting the PVC always necessary? Is it just to allow you to unscrew the assembly? Seems like a lot of extra work for something that should be pretty simple to install.
I don't think I could unscrew my PVC. Usually PVC is glued together at the joints. I've seen A LOT of different setups for these outdoor sprinklers. It seems everyone does it just a little bit differently.
@@HomeImprovementVideos Thanks, I'm new to DIY plumbing so these little details are helpful to know.
One split ball valve is the only likely broken part, so sure, buy an entire unit. Insulation without a heat source, like heat wrap under it, is pointless. Draining the system properly if in a cold climate is the only way to avoid valve damage, or actual unit failure. The union connection idea is very wise, as it makes disassembly easy, without need of cutting/regluing pipes every time a repair is needed. Really, if this is one's level of knowledge, pay a plumber.
🙄
My daughter was walking to her car during a really bad thunderstorm and slipped on our green sprinkler system box in front yard. The lid flew off and she fell in all the way up to her thigh. One leg in, one leg out. Her foot came down on a pipe because water was spewing out of it and down our street. A neighbor was able to turn the water off but we need to get this fixed. We have a Rainbird e6c. What is an estimate for a repair like this? We aren't the original installers so unfamiliar with sprinkler systems. Are we talking hundreds or thousands to repair?
That green box in the ground is where the sprinkler switches are typically housed. I can't begin to guess if she damaged anything or not (hope she's okay) but I would imagine a repair like that might cost a few hundred bucks, not thousands. But you'll want to get a sprinkler expert in to see what the real damage is.
Tom's Home Improvement Videos She’s doing OK. She had a thin cut going straight up her shin But once the blood was cleaned off it wasn’t as bad as it appeared. She’s a nursing student so she’s practicing caring for it. I found out the part that was broken off May cost between three and $700. It’s called a backflow. Thank you so much for responding and for your good videos I really enjoy them!
I would like to just omit that back flow prevent or, nothing but problems....
See, i'm not sure if I should really do that. I think they're actually required to prevent dirty water from flowing back into your home's water supply (or the public water system). We actually have water company people visit our house to read the water meter every few months. The meter sensors are those little black pucks on the outside wall. I'm guessing they wouldn't like seeing a sprinkler system without the backflow preventer in place.
It is code in most places
White PVC shouldn't be exposed to sunlight.
Couldn't you just replace the valve?
And on the left pipe why couldn't you cut it and use a coupling instead of building all over?
That was my thought. I have a crack in the ball valve assembly and plan on just replacing the valve.
Couldn't you just replace the bottom valve that broke? It looks like it screws off.
Let's see what happens ..
You need a hose Bibb vacuum breaker for your hose Bibb. Once installed, assembly should be tested by a licensed master plumber with backflow endorsement to be sure assembly is working properly
Just hook it up without the back flow.......it’s worthless
SOOOOO tempted to do this next year! The problem is that our water meter gauge (little black thing with wires) is right there and I'm afraid the township would see our sprinkler system without it and not like it. I had to (yet again) replace the plastic parts this year...