Turn off Backflow preventor

[nate379]

Ok guys, how do I bypass a backflow preventor?

I have one on the water main. Problem is my house drain valve is between the backflow and shut off valve so it can't work.

This weekend I went to put in a new water filter and while I got it changed out, I would have made less mess had I been able to drain the line.

I don't know the exact model, but it looks like this:
http://www.google.com/products/cata...lt&ct=result&resnum=6&sqi=2&ved=0CJMBEPMCMAU#

 

[snorky18]

Backflow preventers are there for a reason, and bypassing it will be enough to cause most water provider companies to have kittens.

Draining the line, for me, is always opening the lowest faucet and the house, as well as a nice high one to provide air to the system. Any work below that lowest faucet, I would let it drain as much as possible, after that put cheap white bread in the line to keep water from trickling into the joint I'm sweating.

 

[cowboy73]

I wouldn't worry about messing with the backflow preventer I would just construct a bypass for the filter like this:

View media item 7573

 

[acamato]

I wouldn't worry about messing with the backflow preventer I would just construct a bypass for the filter like this:

View media item 7573

you only need one valve in the bypass loop, not two as shown.

 

[Torque1st]

Put the backflow preventer between the shutoff valve and drain.

 

[bonanzace]

make an adapter to hook your air compressor hose to the house drain and blow the water out through the faucets.

 

[Eggman]

When we install pumps and filters, we put a simple ball valve both in front of and behind the pump or filter. That way the pump or filter can be changed out by simply turning the valves off. Very minimal fluid is lost. No bypass is needed.

 

[59 wagon man]

do not remove the backflow or waste your time putting in a loop . the loop should have been installed when the filter was put in . some filters have a bypass mode on the handle which will allow the water to bypass the filter thereby letting you change the filter and only draining the water in the filter housing. but if there is no bypass then it is pretty easy on the backflow shutoff the valve on the left or supply side then open the petcock( screwdriver slotted valve ) and you can drain the line nice and simple

 

[nate379]

I have no room to put anything. 1" pipe and I fit the main, backflow, water filter and softener in a very small area. It took my Dad and I a good solid day to put it all in and get it to work.

I was thinking about just hooking compressor to drain and blowing air through backflow, may do that.

Wasn't that bad to change the filter. When I am away I turn the water off, was thinking maybe of draining everything out as well next time so I don't need to worry about what's in the lines freezing in case power goes out.