Toro 53300 1-Inch Sprinkler System Pressure Vacuum Breaker

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Jan Pijpelink

Minister of Fire
Jan 2, 2015
1,990
South Jersey
The PVB of our sprinkler system is leaking water like a geyser. It's an older system. Is this just a gasket or something or should I replace it?
 
The PVB of our sprinkler system is leaking water like a geyser. It's an older system. Is this just a gasket or something or should I replace it?
I just replaced mine, when it went bad. It’s exposed to the sun and weather, and by the time the innards went, the plastic lid was baked and the valve handles were rusting off. It was just easier to replace, and have a fully functioning rig, than rebuild.

There is a specific start up procedure that, if not followed, may lead folks to believe theirs is broken when it’s actually fine. I assume you know the procedure?
 
I just replaced mine, when it went bad. It’s exposed to the sun and weather, and by the time the innards went, the plastic lid was baked and the valve handles were rusting off. It was just easier to replace, and have a fully functioning rig, than rebuild.

There is a specific start up procedure that, if not followed, may lead folks to believe theirs is broken when it’s actually fine. I assume you know the procedure?
Educate me.
 
Educate me.

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See card that comes attached to the valve (photo above). Also, when shutting off for the winter, blow it out with air compressor, then leave both valves turned to 45 degrees. This will prevent any water trapped in the valves from cracking them.
 
See card that comes attached to the valve (photo above). Also, when shutting off for the winter, blow it out with air compressor, then leave both valves turned to 45 degrees. This will prevent any water trapped in the valves from cracking them.

I always blow out the system in November. I read about the 45 degrees. Thanks again.
 
Replaced the PVB. No leaks from the PVB. Me happy. Testing the system, no water from any of the sprinklers. Noticed I have a leak in one of the underground pipes. Me not so happy anymore.
 
Replaced the PVB. No leaks from the PVB. Me happy. Testing the system, no water from any of the sprinklers. Noticed I have a leak in one of the underground pipes. Me not so happy anymore.
I managed to hit a 1" lateral with a digging spade while scrambling in the dark one night to plant some trees that Arbor Day Foundation sent me last November, and had no idea it had happened, until I powered up the system this spring. The ground swelled up like some ugly balloon, then burst open to a sink hole that could swallow the average lawn tractor. Messy stuff, but I managed to get it dug out and repaired the next day.
 
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