Some of these homeowners shut the backflow valves off or have been instructed by a previous plumber to shut the backflow valves off when leaving.  The two ball valves on your backflow device are installed for the purpose of testing or maintenance.  These valves must hold tight during testing so they should not be used as a regular home shut off. Your homes main water shut off should be a gate or ball valve installed just before the pipe enters the home.  Ensure this valve is operating correctly and use it to shut your homes water off. Here in Southwest Florida, a plumbing contractor may repair a backflow device but must have a backflow certification to test it.  As stated in the first paragraph, backflow devices should be tested when they are first installed, moved, repaired or once every year.  Call the certified backflow device testing and repair contractors at Moen Brothers Plumbing & Drain to properly repair and test your backflow prevention device.
One of the more common problems associated with backflow devices are leaks or lawnmowers running into them. They are usually installed just after the water meter. The usual question after they have been hit is, “can you move it or install it underground”? No, The Wilkins Zurn 975xl  is designed to dump the water out if a backflow condition occurs, for this reason it must be installed 12″ above ground and close to the water line it is protecting. These devices are installed to protect the Naples city main from the possibility of homeowner contamination. For example, submerging your garden hose in your pool while filling at the same time as a backflow condition could lead to your pool water getting sucked back into the city main. In this case, the backflow device would open and dump the pool water out before it reached the city main. If you are in need of backflow testing or repair in Naples, do not hesitate to call for a quote.
Backflow devices and thermal expansion
Backflows are the reason some of you have an extra small 2 gallon thermal expansion tank installed above your water heater. Before the days of backflows, Thermal expansion would simply dissipate or expand out into the city main. Backflows prevent thermal expansion and contamination from entering the city main. The small 2 gallon expansion tanks are necessary on backflow equipped homes to allow for the water heaters thermal expansion. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to call your local backflow testing and repair experts at Moen Brothers Plumbing & Drain.