About this example

This scenario is fictional and is written only to illustrate what to do. It does not describe a real person, property or theft.

In the story, a Fullerton homeowner wakes to the sound of running water outside. In the front planter, where the sprinkler backflow device used to be, two cut pipe ends are spraying water into the mulch.

What the homeowner did, in order

  1. Stop the water

    Using the shutoff map on the garage wall, they closed the main house shutoff, because the irrigation line had no separate valve left.

  2. Stay safe

    They kept clear of the sharp cut pipe ends and the soggy, slippery planter.

  3. Document

    They photographed the cut pipes and the empty spot, and filed a police report for their records.

  4. Tell the water utility

    They reported that a required device was missing.

  5. Restore house water

    A licensed plumber capped the irrigation line so the house could have water back while a replacement was arranged.

  6. Replace and test

    A licensed contractor installed a replacement of the required type, and a certified tester tested it and filed the report.

Choices along the way

  • IfThe house could not have water until the device was replacedThenCapping the irrigation line restored house water safely in the meantime.
  • IfThey were tempted to bridge the gap with plain pipeThenThat would leave the sprinklers unprotected; they did not do it.
  • IfThey wanted to prevent a repeatThenThey asked about a lockable, anchored enclosure that still allows testing.

Records kept

  • Photos of the damage.
  • The police report number.
  • Notes of the call to the water utility.
  • The replacement invoice and contractor's CSLB license number.
  • The test report for the new device and its new serial number.

Common questions

Did this really happen?

No. This is an invented example.

Does insurance cover a stolen backflow device?

That depends on your policy. Ask your insurer.

Does a replacement device need a new test?

Yes. New assemblies are tested when installed and the report goes to the water supplier.

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