[Windguy]

Originally Posted by lorilorilori

alternative - remove the screen and leave the brass fitting. Wonder who in the world made these mandatory !!!

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.

[gemini5001]

I removed mine for the same reason.

[birdawg]

Originally Posted by Golfer222

tried that- didnt work for me- still drenched

go with the towel idea

[stadry]

[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......

[3105boy]

Originally Posted by Golfer222

Any way to remove these. I know they are code but I get drenched from the spray everytime I turn off spigot. There is an adapter sold called Spigot master but I shave to remove the backflow preventer first.

Anybody know of any work arounds?

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

[photo1902]

Originally Posted by stadry

[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......

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

[dewilson58]

Originally Posted by Golfer222

Anybody know of any work arounds?

Jus have Ur spouse shut it off.

[TNLAKEPANDA]

Keep an old umbrella by the hose bid!

[Mohawksin]

Originally Posted by Windguy

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.

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.

[BostonRich]

Originally Posted by villagetinker

Just hold the hose ON while turning the water off at the bib, I rarely get a shower, just a little water at the bib.

Sorry, but that does not work.

[dewilson58]

Originally Posted by BostonRich

Sorry, but that does not work.

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

[brick010207]

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!

[golfing eagles]

Originally Posted by BostonRich

Sorry, but that does not work.

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

[nick demis]

Originally Posted by lorilorilori

alternative - remove the screen and leave the brass fitting. Wonder who in the world made these mandatory !!!

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.

[HRDave]

Originally Posted by photo1902

Use a 3/16" drill bit and gently drill out the threaded screw. Then using a pair of Channel Locks, unscrew the vacuum breaker.

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! 😎