When a backflow device cracks or is damaged, the first job is stopping the water. That is hard to do calmly if nobody remembers whether the house shutoff is by the garage, at the front hose bib or somewhere in the side yard.
On many Fullerton tract homes, the meter is near the street, the house shutoff is on the front or side wall, and the sprinkler backflow device is somewhere in between. Every property is different, so draw your own.
How to draw the map
Sketch the lot
Draw the outline of the lot, the house, driveway and street. It does not need to be to scale.
Mark the meter
Show the meter box location. The street-side valve in the meter box is generally for the utility to operate; check with the city before touching it.
Mark the main house shutoff
Find the valve where the line enters or rises at the house and mark it clearly.
Mark each backflow device
Add the sprinkler device, any building or fire line device, and label each with its type.
Mark the shutoffs on each device
Testable devices have a shutoff on each end. Show which is upstream.
Add sprinkler valves and hose faucets
Show the irrigation valve manifold and each outdoor faucet.
Map legend to copy
| Symbol | Means |
|---|---|
| M | Water meter box |
| S | Main house shutoff |
| BF-1, BF-2 | Backflow devices, numbered to match your record cards |
| U | Upstream shutoff on a backflow device |
| V | Irrigation valve manifold |
| H | Outdoor hose faucet |
Which valve to close
- IfThe sprinkler backflow device is spraying or crackedThenClose its upstream shutoff, or the irrigation supply valve if there is one.
- IfThe device that protects the whole property is leaking badlyThenClose the main shutoff. Water to the building will be off.
- IfYou cannot find or turn any shutoffThenContact the water utility for help; do not force corroded valves.
- IfWater is near electrical panels or outletsThenStay clear and shut off water from a safe spot first.
Put copies here
- Taped inside a garage cabinet or near the water heater.
- In the folder with your backflow record cards.
- As a photo on each household member's phone.
- With a house sitter or tenant instructions.
Common questions
Is the meter box valve mine to use?
Practices vary. Use your own house shutoff first and check with the city about the meter-side valve.
Does closing the main stop the sprinklers too?
It depends on where the irrigation line branches off. Your map should show this.
My device has no upstream shutoff I can find. Is that normal?
Testable assemblies have shutoffs built in. If yours does not, it may not be a testable type; ask a tester.
General information for Fullerton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.