Hoses are full of bacteria. If there is a water main break while your hose is running, the water in the hose will flow back into your water service and contaminate it for you and your neighbors.

You know, it’s not like there are civil servants that sit around trying to think up random rules just to annoy the citizenry. In this case, people got sick and then the agency responsible came up with a way to prevent it from happening. That idea then became code.

I removed mine for the same reason.

go with the towel idea

[i'm confused thought backckflow preventers wereusually installed on sanitary sewer lines,,, are you thinking frost-proof devices? i used channel locks but small pipe wrench ( vise grips will also do the trick!.placing hand over spray also did the job......

Just tie a ribbon of cloth around the brass fitting. It will substantially reduce the spray.

They’re required by code on hose bibs. That being said, we’re on a closed loop system, so there is no chance of contaminated water from a hose, or hose end sprayer, affecting anything but your home. And even that is highly unlikely

Jus have Ur spouse shut it off.

Keep an old umbrella by the hose bid!

Only in the South.
 

Coming from WI I can tell you that these backflow preventers are indigenous to the South. Comments above are true with respect to backflow and there is reference to water main breaks which do happen and the backflow preventer does it job. However, it does not need a main break to be useful. If the hose is left connected out in the sun with the spigot nearly closed or closed, the pressure buildup in the hose will exceed the city water pressure and the hose water will backflow through the spigot. The spigot is not designed to stop water in both directions.

Sorry, but that does not work.

Works for me. If it doesn't for you, just put your cry towel over it.

I'm amazed at the amount of effort people will exert to deal with an "inconvenience" at most. If this amount of effort and brain power and effort to deal with them was applied to the real problems we face this world would be a much better place. Just sayin!

Well, if you think you get wet turning the hose off, try adjusting your sprinkler heads:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

If you hook up your hose to a fertilizer. or put the end of the hose into a bucket of foul water, you can contaminate the water supply if any kind of negative pressure occurs, which can be something as simple as flushing a toilet. This device breaks the connection to stop it from happening.

The Best Way To Remove It
 

That’s exactly how I removed mine as well. I sprayed a little CRC Knock’r Loose penetrating oil on it & let it do it’s thing for about 10 minutes before attempting to turn it because it’s really on the spigot tight. Like others said, use another pair of Channel Locks or Vice Grips to hold the spigot in place while removing the backflow to prevent damage to the plumbing.
Remember! Righty Tighty, Lefty Loosey! 😎