Using Hose Backflow Preventer AND Quick Disconnect

[PCMusicGuy]

So my new home has them and I certainly understand their purpose. The builders actually broke off the set screw so they couldn't be removed without a fight. The trouble is that I have a quick disconnect that I want to install on the outlet to make connecting/disconnecting the hose a quick and easy affair, but the way both pieces are designed, the quick-disconnect piece conflicts with the piece on the inside of the backflow preventer.

My possible solutions:

1. Take off the backflow preventer - easiest route, but I'd rather have them in place.

2. Replace the backflow preventer with a different one. I can't find any simple vacuum breakers that are designed significantly different that what I have.

3. Replace the quick disconnect with a different one. Once again, most seem to be designed the same.

4. Use an extension or valve of some sort to space them out.

I am open to the extension idea. Ideally, I want a single piece, made of metal, that is 3/4" GHT male to 3/4" GHT female that is no longer than an inch or two. As far as I can tell, it does not exist. The only other all metal option I can think of is to build one with many adapters like 3/4" GHT male to 1/2" NPT male to 1/2" NPT female to 3/4" GHT female. This result is almost as long as a normal garden hose extension and you have 4 times as many potential leak points to worry about.

Does any one know of a backflow preventer / quick disconnect combination that works and will mate with one another without the important pieces of each physically hitting? I can live with a solution I don't particularly care for, I'd just rather know if I'm missing any other options I haven't considered. Thanks.

 

[mygarageone]

Your best beat is to use some sort of spacer , if you try to remove the BFP , you'll strip the hose threads. They do have a hose to hose thread adapter , most hardware stores carry them.
By the way , we used to leave the set screw unbroken , when the plumbing inspector saw it , he would beak it off.

 

[PCMusicGuy]

I will likely end up buying a spacer. Traditional hose to hose thread adapters don't work as I need one that goes from and to the same size, which doesn't exist as far as I can tell. Of course, I could always buy several adapters to make what I need, but it would probably be easier just to get the hose extension, lol.

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

Can you put a Wye on it something like this:
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Melnor-Y-Shut-Off-2-Way-Metal-Hose-Connector-312S/203136672

 

[PCMusicGuy]

I certainly can. That is currently my leading option. It will serve as the spacer I need.

 

[Delta74]

yea think you best bet is either a Y adaptor, or two other suggestions for you. a Kink saver, or small shut off valve.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Melnor-Kink-Free-Hose-Saver-557-063/203062309

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Melnor-Metal-Hose-Shut-Off-395S/203136689

the one is about 6 inches, the other is only an inch or two based off HD's info.
good luck.

 

[72Anthony]

I had to remove one of those backflow preventers to install a drip irrigation system. The backflow preventers will leak if they are kept pressurized.

The set screw or pin holding it in place was made of brass or some other type of soft metal. I used a sharp drill bit and carefully drilled into it, stopping constantly to check the depth. Before I drilled into the threads on the hose bib, the set screw or pin was weakened enough that I was able to remove the backflow preventer with a pair of pliers.