Question

Purple Pipe   QUESTION: Hello,

On the outside of my home I have my backflow device. It has 3/4" copper one side and a Purple pipe on the other. My county uses reclaimed water for irrigation.

Would you happen to know what is the actual name for this purple pipe? Is it some type of PVC, Poly or Kitec pipe? A neighbor told me it was called kitec.

I would like to know, because I plan on shortening the height of my backflow device.

It is about 2 1/2 ft high and it right in front of my outside faucet.

I planned on using a sharkbite coupling for the copper side, however need to find out exactly what this purple pipe is so I can get the correct coupling to shorten it.

I attached an image so that you can see what I am talking about. It is a picture of my neighbors (His was painted to match his house, however the paint is coming off) mine is covered with pipe wrap.

Thank You.

Steve

ANSWER: Hello,  please take a picture of the backflow device that you are planning to lower. I'm a backflow tester and different types require different heights. The purple pipe is common pvc pipe that is required to be purple for non potable applications.

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FEBCO 765   QUESTION: Hi, Robert.

The backflow device is the common FEBCO 765 model. I measured how far it is above the rocks on the side of my house and it is 43" above the rocks. The rocks are a few inches deep.

I attached a picture of it to show.

Thanks.

Steve

Answer
Thanks for the pic, in order for that device to work it has to be a minimum of 12" above the highest sprinkler line and sprinkler head in the yard. So if your lot is completely flat you are able to lower it, if your lot slopes that you need to check the highest elevation compared to the height of the backflow. If the yard does slop and you would be placing at a height not approved for the 765 to work you would then have to swap the 765 device out to a Wilkins 975xl (Reducing Pressure) or similar. I would also consider placing a spigot on the downstream side of the backflow so that you have access to reclaimed water via a hose. Just a thought. It also looks like whom ever winterized it did a proper job of turning the ball valves to a 45 degree angle. As should the test port valves be in the same 45 degree angle. You may also consider placing brackets along wall to secure the piping and device. Good luck and let me know how it goes.