Customer Reviews

Toro 53300 1-Inch Sprinkler System Pressure Vacuum Breaker

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

We recently purchased a house that had one of these installed as part of the irrigation system. When we moved in we discovered that it was old and leaking constantly. I installed a new one and now the irrigation system is functional.

Installing it was straightforward and fairly simple. You'll only need an adjustable wrench (a larger one) and some "teflon" tape. If the installation goes smoothly this should take you about 15 minutes or less. The only problem I had during installation was getting the threaded joints to seal. It took me several tries before the connections didn't leak. Even now, there is a very slight leak (an excruciatingly slow drip). I do not know if this is because of the fittings on the valve, or the threaded pipe I was connecting it to.

I would caution you--if you unscrew anything--to pay close attention to how the pieces need to be reassembled.

Two concerns: First, the valve itself is plastic. All other valves I've seen of this sort are brass, so I wonder how durable this valve will be. Time will tell, I guess. Second, while there was a connection and parts diagram in the box, there were no instructions for actual use. For example, the valve can be "winterized", but I've no clue how to do it because instructions were not provided. I don't know if this is not provided normally, or if I just happened to get one with the instructions missing.

Update on 7/2/2009: To answer my question on how long the valve will last, in my case it was only 6 months. I'd downgrade my previous rating if Amazon would let me. I replaced it with a brass PVB purchased at my local irrigation supply store.

This device works fine for my application (residential with plastic pipe), but it does need to be thoroughly bled for winter to avoid freeze damage. Easy to assemble and seal, and there doesn't seem to be much alternative at this price.

I used this valve for a sprinkler system in Minnesota and forgot one winter to bleed the valve completely and it cracked.

After ordering the replacement, I was unable to easily install it (it's a long story but lets just say that plumbing is not my strong point).

After contacting a plumber to install the new valve, he politely suggested using an all-metal valve in lieu of this plastic one - which would meet code - and it costs the same buying direct from him as I paid for the toro valve.

It was near impossible to find locally and Amazon.com came through as usual!! I replaced the broken one in 15 minutes and it works like a charm!!

We moved into our house and this PVB was installed. I forgot to winterize the PVB and suffered from freezing. I received this product in two days thanks to Amazon Prime. I installed the following weekend. The PVB was the exact same one that was being replaced. The instructions for the Toro PVB were horrible and if you was a beginner DIY'er you would be lost. This is the reason I'm giving it 4 stars. Hence the reason I'm writing this review. I did a little plumbing early in my life so I knew what I needed to do but I feel sorry for a person just getting his fingers wet. So, I wrote this review in non plumbing people language. LOL

What I used) 1) Toro PVB 2) 14" plumbing wrench 3) Thread Seal tape 4) Water Curb key 5) pliers or vice grips 6) terry towel or any type of small towel

What I did to Remove old PVB........ 1) turn off the main water source to my home connected to my water meter ( I used a water curb key (paid $8 for Lowes). I then made sure both valves were open on the PVB. Next, I unscrewed both screws n the back of the PVB using pliers and fingers. Make sure you take both of them completely off. This will cause the water in the PVB to come out (Remember make sure main water source is turned off). Then, I took my small towel and unscrewed the two large rings that are around the metal 1 inch connectors (if looking at the picture or the PVB , 1 ring is on the left and 1 is on the bottom ). be careful because once you unscrew these rings the washers may fall out. once the rings are off then you can use the wrench to unscrew the metal connectors from the PVC pipe. Remove old PVB unit.

To put on new PVB pipe.. I threaded both ends of the PVC with thread seal tape. be sure to tape all the threads on the PVC pipe. I then took the whole PVB unit and screwed it on the bottom PVC pipe. Do not unscrew the rings to do this. Just make sure that the PVB is screwed on all the way down on the bottom PVC pipe. Also make sure that the other ring is parallel with the left PVC pipe. This left ring will have to be unscrew and placed around the PVC pipe (I let it rest on the ground), Just make sure you know the alignment of the washer inside the metal connector.. I took the metal connector and screwed that on the PVC pipe and use the wrench to tighten. I then re-aligned the internal washers correctly and re-assembled the metal connector to the PVB pipe. Next thing I did was take the the large ring and screwed it over the metal connector and onto the PVB pipe. I then took the small towel and screwed the ring as tight as I could. Make sure the two valves on the PVB are set to close. Also "Do Not" touch the two small screws in the back.

I then went back to the main water line and turn the water back on using the curb key. I then turn the two valves to open. The water rushed through and the PVB leaked for a couple of seconds but the PVB soon became pressurized and created a seal. To make sure that it is pressurized take a towel and wipe away the water. You may see some small drips initially but they are probably from the water that initially came out. Make sure there is no drips around the PVC-metal connections.

I wrote this about two months after I did the replacement. I remember wondering how bad the instructions were written or the lack there of. Hopefully this help someone trying to do this replacement on their own. It took me about 20 minutes after I had the every thing setup. If anyone else have any alternative methods please list in the comments. I couldn't find any DIY videos to link to this so please help others trying to do this replacement.

I'm one of those that apparently did not drain the back flow correctly and the union ring split from freezing. I'm going to pay a little more and go for a brass version from a different manufacturer. Even though black plastic and probably UV resistant, it has always worried me that this is exposed to the sun year after year which typically cause UV inbrittlement. After all the pvc pipe is not suppose to be exposed to the sun for long periods.

Very easy to install, all you have to do is to screw to the pipe, took me less than 15 min to remove and install. I prefer this one over the metal because the metal one required cutting the pipe (or solder) to install while this one does not.
The only bad thing about this one is that it will leak after a few years and will need to be replaced. I have to replace a new one after every five years.

I ordered this to replace an old Toro 53300 that was leaking. It was very easy to install. I work slowly, so it took about 30 minutes to remove the old one and install this new one. The old one could have been serviced with a repair kit (the O-rings had worn out), but I prefer having a whole new assembly. I don't have any problem with this being a plastic valve because the rest of the irrigation system is PVC and plastic, too.

The old PVB lasted (I'm guessing when the previous owner installed) about 10 years before it developed a leak. So I expect a similar lifespan for this part.

Near the coast in San Diego, CA we NEVER have a freeze. But this is the second one of these valves that has cracked. Once on the main body and once the nut on the union just split in half. Each one lasted about 2 years. I will definitely be replacing it with a metal backflow preventer. Spend a little extra unless you don't mind a flood and frequent replacement.

Every year, I must have this valve tested so tainted water does not flow back into water supply. The testing company, who installs a different brand of sprinkler, always claims these are of inferior quality yet for 9 years this passed inspection every year...and if it were not for a leak caused by mis-threading the cap, this valve would still be working properly. The replacement installed great! It took a couple time for the vacuum break to seat to the point where there was no seepage, and now performs wonderfully!