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  • #79446
    David.L
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    Last year, 2021, everyone heard of the Texas freeze in February. Having never had a pipe break before since I always Winterize, wrap pipes, drain and cover my Sprinkler Backflow, etc. is was a shock to have an inlet valve crack, thankfully, it only had a small leak.

    Just want to share what I did to update/prepare for any future freezes, time will tell if this works but I feel good knowing no water will be left in my Backflow/Pipes this way.

    Since I decided to re-pipe to replace the value I redesigned how I was going to drain my Backflow to Winterize. I have never heard of any pipes in our area ever freezing underground so I decided to put a shutoff value underground in it’s own box on the inlet side of my system. In order to drain the pipes fully I put two tees with caps, one on inlet and outlet side at ground level. Since I removed the Backflow I added unions to easily fix/replace the Backflow in needed in the future.

    Hope this Helps Someone…

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    #83563
    alinarizwan
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    Thanks for sharing your approach! Adding a shutoff valve underground and tees at ground level sounds like a smart way to fully drain the system and avoid freeze damage. I especially like the idea of using unions for easier maintenance. This gives me some good ideas for my own setup. Hopefully, it keeps everything safe during future freezes!

    #83564
    David.L
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    I can say it has worked perfectly these last three Winters. To Winterize; I first turn the underground shutoff valve to Off, then drain the backflow (bonnet/poppet) by opening the screw valves, then I unscrew the two caps on the tees to fully drain. Really don’t need to cover it now but I still do…habit…
    Tip: I leave a little dirt on top of the underground shutoff valve, have read some will fill the underground valve enclosure with insulation which my thought is it getting and remaining wet may defeat its purpose…fyi, the valve enclosure drains good and never holds water, just make sure no clay dirt is used…
    Attached a better picture of the Backflow-Union Assembly…

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