backflow preventer sizing

[bert79]

Our car wash froze up prior to us acquiring. The backflow preventer is cracked. The city line coming into the building is 1 1/2". All of the copper pipe in the ER is 1 1/2" or smaller. The back flow preventer is 2". Can anybody think of any reason why the previous owner would have installed a 2" back flow preventer instead of 1 1/2"?

 

[mac]

Brain fart. Happens all the time.

 

[I.B. Washincars]

Probably what the supply house had in stock at the time.

 

[Randy]

It’s probably because back in the day they got a better deal on the 2” Backflow unit than on the 11/2” Backflow. 2” is more common than a 1/12”. I’d shop around for a Zurn Wilkins 975XL Backflow unit. They are easy to install and are easy to service. Look on EBay, I’ve got some pretty good deals on them there. Be sure to check with the city to make sure that whatever Backflow unit you install is legal. You can install it yourself but you’ll have to have it test by a state certified BAT tester.

 

[bert79]

I thank you all for the info. Just wanted to make sure I wasnt missing something.