About this example

This scenario is made up to illustrate a common situation. The people, house and details are invented, and nothing here describes a real customer, tester or job.

In the example, a couple buys a 1960s single-story slab home in Fullerton. A few months later a letter from the water utility arrives saying a pressure vacuum breaker at their address is due for its annual test. They had no idea they owned one.

What happened

Illustrative example. Not a real job or customer.

The notice lists a one-inch PVB, front yard, with a due date several weeks out. The owners walk the yard and cannot find anything that looks like a valve.

  1. They follow the line from the meter and find the sprinkler valve manifold in a side planter.
  2. Just upstream, under an overgrown shrub, they find a bronze device with a dome cap and two small ball valves.
  3. They photograph the tag, which matches the type and size on the notice.
  4. They trim the shrub back and clear mulch so the test cocks are visible.
  5. They check the city's accepted tester list and call two testers, asking each what the price includes.

They book the tester whose written price includes filing the report with the city, and set the controller to rain delay the day before.

Test day

Arrival
The tester confirms the serial number matches the city's record.
Inspection
The tester notes the PVB sits above the highest sprinkler head and is upright.
Test
The air inlet and check valve both open and hold within the required range.
Wrap-up
Valves are reopened, a zone is run and no leaks are seen.
Paperwork
The tester files the report and emails the owners a copy.

What the owners did right

  • Read the notice instead of setting it aside.
  • Found and photographed the device before calling anyone.
  • Used the city's accepted list.
  • Asked whether filing was included.
  • Started a record card for next year.

Questions the owners asked the tester

  1. Is this device the right type for our sprinkler system?
  2. Is anything about it likely to fail soon?
  3. Should we shade it from afternoon sun?

Common questions

Is this a real customer story?

No. It is an invented example to show how a typical first notice can be handled.

Would every PVB pass like this one?

No. Many fail because of worn rubber parts or sun damage. See the guide on failed tests.

Why did the previous owner not mention it?

Many owners never think about the device. In this example it simply was not on the disclosure checklist.

General information for Fullerton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.