[MandoMan]

Originally Posted by New Englander

Both my hose bibs have back-flo preventers that spray water all the time the water is on so they need to be replaced. The problem is the set screws are on the bottom making it impossible to drill out the screws. Looking for a way to do this. I have a hack saw but that could make a mess. Any idea's?

They have set screws? I removed one for a friend last month using a couple locking pliers. I didn’t see a set screw, but if there was one that broke off, no wonder it was so hard to unscrew. Are these required. I figured the back flow preventer was on there because she used to have a hot tub that got water from that hose bib.

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by MandoMan

They have set screws? I removed one for a friend last month using a couple locking pliers. I didn’t see a set screw, but if there was one that broke off, no wonder it was so hard to unscrew. Are these required. I figured the back flow preventer was on there because she used to have a hot tub that got water from that hose bib.

They are required by the Plumbing code for all outside hose bibbs. The purpose is to prevent a negative pressure in the line from contaminating the potable water system in the house. The set screw is designed to make the device non-removable.

[MidWestIA]

I didn't like them had Roger get rid of them I think he said you have to be careful doing it

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by photo1902

Thats a common occurrence. Take some PB Blaster penetrant. Spray the threads (or as close as you can). Let it sit for a few minutes. Using Channel Locks, twist the vacuum-breaker to the point you can access the set screw.

As other posters mentioned, use care while doing this, especially if it's on a vinyl siding house, as the hose bibb isn't always securely mounted to the wall. On most stucco/block homes, holding off the fitting isn't necessary. Once you get to the point you can drill out the screw, you'll be good. The problem with not drilling out the set screw is that it's almost a guarantee you'll screw up the threads on the hose bibb itself

When you twist the device with the set screw in place, doesn't that cause the set screw to cut into the threads and possibly damage them?

[JBizz]

Originally Posted by New Englander

Both my hose bibs have back-flo preventers that spray water all the time the water is on so they need to be replaced. The problem is the set screws are on the bottom making it impossible to drill out the screws. Looking for a way to do this. I have a hack saw but that could make a mess. Any idea's?

Hey,yes I had same problem
You slowly dril out set screw, while periodically turning hose bib loose with channel lock pliers until it spins all the way off. It should not damage threads.
Use Teflon tape when installing new one.

[jempat56]

I’m not sure I understand your explanation. How can a pressure drop create a backflow unless the valve is actually open. Even then how much “contaminated” water is in the hose? I’ve never seen these backflow preventers anywhere till I got to the villages. Is this a local problem or just a fix for a non existent issue. Interested to hear your thoughts.

[Topspinmo]

Originally Posted by MandoMan

They have set screws? I removed one for a friend last month using a couple locking pliers. I didn’t see a set screw, but if there was one that broke off, no wonder it was so hard to unscrew. Are these required. I figured the back flow preventer was on there because she used to have a hot tub that got water from that hose bib.

The set screw is soft metal designed to break off so backflow preventer can’t be removed easily. when installing yourself don’t tighten so right that it breaks off. Now it can be easily removed when needed.

[Topspinmo]

Originally Posted by jempat56

I’m not sure I understand your explanation. How can a pressure drop create a backflow unless the valve is actually open. Even then how much “contaminated” water is in the hose? I’ve never seen these backflow preventers anywhere till I got to the villages. Is this a local problem or just a fix for a non existent issue. Interested to hear your thoughts.

Incase don’t shut valve off. Kinda like planets aligning all in row for it actually happen.

[Topspinmo]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

When you twist the device with the set screw in place, doesn't that cause the set screw to cut into the threads and possibly damage them?

Set screw softer metal In theory no….

[New Englander]

Originally Posted by Windguy

Don’t y’all know the back flow preventers are on there for a reason?

My understanding is that if you have a hose connected to the faucet when water pressure drops for something like fire trucks trying to put out a fire, the contaminated water inside the hose will be sucked back into the water supply and not only contaminate your water, but that of your neighbors.

If there’s such a thing, I can see replacing a leaky device with one that doesn’t leak, but just removing it sounds like a bad idea.

Read my original post. I mentioned that the back-flo preventers are Defective.

[New Englander]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

When you twist the device with the set screw in place, doesn't that cause the set screw to cut into the threads and possibly damage them?

That is what I think will happen.

[tovliteuser]

DO NOT TURN THE SPIGOT thinking it will unscrew. You will have a nightmare if you break the water line connection. Try the double vice grips approach. The set screw is not hardened steel and it will scrape up the lower bib threads but not that badly. The major concern here is the flat end of the spigot where the hose washer will seat. As long as it is not damaged you shouldn't have any problems with leaks.
I removed both of mine by drilling out the set screws from underneath. I accidentally drilled into the bib threads. But the small area I messed up had no effect whatsoever on the sealing surface. Also, Amazon sells a spigot thread cleaner for $18. These threads can get corroded pretty badly over time.

[jpvillager]

I have wrestled with this for several year. Search YouTube for "Dremel cutting tool and cut off the vacuum breaker". Do not install the new one with the breakaway set screw, Buy a 5mm stainless set screw and use it instead. It will not rust and can easily be removed when you have to replace the breaker in about 5 years. These fail about every 5 years. There are other YouTubes to drill out the set screw or use a hacksaw but the dremel appears the easiest. I'll try it when I get back to Florida.

[Windguy]

Originally Posted by New Englander

Read my original post. I mentioned that the back-flo preventers are Defective.

Replacing is fine, but people here were talking about eliminating them altogether. That’s why I posted.

[Lancer]

Originally Posted by jempat56

I’m not sure I understand your explanation. How can a pressure drop create a backflow unless the valve is actually open. Even then how much “contaminated” water is in the hose? I’ve never seen these backflow preventers anywhere till I got to the villages. Is this a local problem or just a fix for a non existent issue. Interested to hear your thoughts.

I have had these in every home I have owned in Florida. Get sprayed when I turn water off.