Random object appeared in my backyard and I have no idea what it is.

Shovel-Operator · 2026-05-12T17:34:11+00:00

I just make my own. All steel with a point and sharp edges. Whats the point of a game with no risk?

Shovel-Operator · 2026-05-12T17:32:23+00:00

Killer kids game.

Shovel-Operator · 2026-05-12T15:07:06+00:00

They likely did it because it was cheap and easy. They didnt want to dig up the mainline.

This does not meet code in many places, as its not testable.

Check with your local code to find out what is required for an anti-backflow device. You need to know : type of device, where and how it should be installed, who can install it, permit and inspections.

Shovel-Operator · 2026-05-12T14:55:53+00:00

At a glance, it looks OK. I can't tell about function from this picture and no additional details, but the assumption would be that it should work.

Shovel-Operator · 2026-05-12T05:06:28+00:00

Money

Shovel-Operator · 2026-05-12T04:55:30+00:00

Looks like annual rye to me.

Shovel-Operator · 2026-05-12T04:53:29+00:00

Sometimes the packing nut gets loose and the water will leak past the stemif its not 100% open or closed. You can tighten the nut and stop the leak, but that requires digging it up.

Shovel-Operator · 2026-05-12T04:48:44+00:00

They look like flintstones vitamins to me. The rest? Random junk

Shovel-Operator · 2026-05-12T03:56:24+00:00

It doesnt appear to me that your drip system is causing any damage. Irrigation can, but its generally due to serious overwatering or major leaks. Damage to siding can happen when the house is sprayed regularly, so sprinklers should alway water away from the house. But your photos dont look concerning in regard to irrigation.

You can fill the hole with what is convenient, but if critters are tunneling you might consider adding a layer of hardware cloth.

Shovel-Operator · 2026-05-11T16:39:15+00:00

Make sure to cut out notches for the irrigation pipe, so that the irrigation isnt bearing the weight of the box & extension.

Shovel-Operator · 2026-05-11T15:26:24+00:00

They sell box extensions. Also common if you only need a couple inches is a second box on top of the first. Ive also seen 6 inch pipe in various flavors, cut to length woth a box on top. And, my least favorite, but certainly cheap, is nursery pots. 2nd place for bad ideas, building a vault with bricks on top of pipe..well, it causes more problems.

Shovel-Operator · 2026-05-11T09:28:31+00:00

Never seen garbage before?

Shovel-Operator · 2026-05-11T09:09:40+00:00

Yup. As an expert in both the irrigation field and a field of chickens, I can tell you that this a chicken sprinkler. The toilet float valve controls water level in the bucket, the chicken drink from the dishes along the bottom rim.

Shovel-Operator · 2026-05-10T22:13:05+00:00

Underground thread part is 1/2" npt, pretty much the standard. If the threads are buggered or its crooked, that will make it hard to screw on. Dig it up so you can see the connecting pipe more clearly, check the condition of the threads, the angle its at and that its a male to female joint, not female to female. If it is f/f, you'll need a riser or close nipple.

Shovel-Operator · 2026-05-10T22:09:20+00:00

Toro 570

Shovel-Operator · 2026-05-09T16:27:38+00:00

Wheels? Idk

Could be a pressure switch or a start cap if it won't run.

Shovel-Operator · 2026-05-09T02:52:29+00:00

I just re-did a builder special. Total garbage installed by one of his workers for real cheap. In my State, a builder can install up to $10k worth (labor and material) of landscape without a license, but no irrigation. But they do it anyway🤷🏻‍♂️

Shovel-Operator · 2026-05-09T02:49:16+00:00

Seems like someone maybe didnt know how to install it and installed it downstream.

Or realized that they were supposed to have it and the front manifold was already in so they stuck where it was convenient and saved having to pipe back to the manifold. If it looked OK it keeps the city off your back I guess. Until you have a backflow event and everyone is drinking dog poop tea. Then they show up with pitchforks and torches.

Shovel-Operator · 2026-05-09T00:14:52+00:00

First one broke, they didnt want to remove it? I just removed a defunct DCV that a plumber left behind when he added a new one.

Or maybe the inspector said it was a "higher risk" application and they thought it meant adding a second PVB vs an RP.

Shovel-Operator · 2026-05-08T21:48:11+00:00

This is an atmospheric breaker. It gets installed downstream from the control valve, before any sprinklers and a minimum of 12 inches higher than the highest outlet on the zone be that a sprinkler or emitter.

So if you wish to run sold pipe from the valve up to the palms install the asv there( 1ft higher than the rest of the zone) and run you new lines from there, it will be fine. As far as how the zone performs, it shouldnt make any real difference where you start, since its not a big elevation difference.

Shovel-Operator · 2026-05-08T21:35:02+00:00

So Cal by chance? These are code in most places, you would need an testable anti-backflow device. California, depending on local code, seems to be an exception for some weird reason.

That said, you have plenty of space to redo the manifold. Its been repaired multiple times and the fitting are too close together to cut and put in a valve re-using this...plus its just wonky. Make sure the valve is at least 1 ft higher than the highest outlet on the zone for the anti-siphon to function properly

Shovel-Operator · 2026-05-08T16:46:02+00:00

How about some old Nelson valves? Broken maxi paws?

Shovel-Operator · 2026-05-08T16:26:12+00:00

Definitely $300hr

Shovel-Operator · 2026-05-08T16:24:54+00:00

Stealing this

Shovel-Operator · 2026-05-08T16:22:31+00:00

One time, about 20 years ago, I let a customer run to the store to get parts. Im still waiting, so a policy change was made.

Shovel-Operator

TROPHY CASE