SPRINKLER TALK FORUM - You Got Questions, We've Got Answers

it probably had freeze damaage before you turned it on... I bet if you would have checked before hand it was already in pieces

I have found that the homeowners think it is the pressure that does this....ALMOST ALWAYS..they say "that new backflow valve you put in last spring exploded when I turned it on this spring"

Me: "Did you turn the system on after I winterized before today?"
Them: "NO...."
Me: "Really?"
Them: "Oh wait...I did turn it on back in February to water for about a week, but I turned it right back off"

Sigh.....

BSME is right....the freezed damage doesn't always show up when you look at it....then when you ratchet that first ball valve open as fast as you can...hint ....it blows the already cracked and disconnected parts pretty high and it is VERY dangerous"

Its plastic so the whole dang thing doesn't break, although its fairly common for one of the ball valves to split.

You could also insulate the pvb.

it won't happen again and again if you don't let it freeze. They make an insulated cover that will help during shoulder months....but truthfully.....leave it off until the possibility of 2 or more freezing nights is gone.

They make the plastic so it will absorb the damage....$49 is much cheaper than paying somebody 175-200 for replacement.

Good luck..

To answer your question...I don't know about the Watts....but most PVBs will have some plastic "disposable" parts inside for the same reasons.

Any backflow preventer will break when it freezes. Leave the water turned off until it's absolutely safe.

I just replace the complete unit since it is cheaper then the parts. Parts are $20 to $35 or $48 online for the complete unit.

But the price on the 860’s (as you posted) is the same I can find. Good price.