Irrigation systems are considered a high hazard, and Federal Law requires a cross-connection to protect drinking water from becoming polluted. The purpose of a backflow preventer is to stop these types of contaminations. Say hello to the Zurn Wilkins 350 double-check backflow prevention device.

Irrigation professionals are recognizing that installing the Zurn Wilkins 350 FT double check valve saves them time and expense when maintenance is required. Come on, really? I can see you sneering and laughing at me thinking: “Sure, Alfred, you’re the Sprinkler Warehouse Pro, right. What does the shipping box have to do with anything? The box is a disposable item and has nothing to do with the valve itself. How can you stand there and tell me it’s a major selling point to the Zern Wilkins model 350 FT double-check?” But here I am, enthusiastically doing just that.

Packed With Stainless Steel Proficiency

The box the Zern Wilkins comes in is one of the strongest and best made on the market. Think about it! How often are these tossed around on the back of your vehicle or into the bed of your pickup truck? If those double checks were in the lightweight cardboard boxes like those used by Zern’s competitors then there’s a good chance that they would be somehow damaged. But because Zurn Wilkins uses one of the strongest high-quality cartons in the industry, your investment is less likely to be affected by any type of rough handling between leaving the factory and being removed from its box.

The next factor that sets the Zurn Wilkins’ double check valve apart from the competition is its use of stainless steel handles, which resist corrosion. Zurn Wilkins’ use of stainless-steel handles means you never have to touch a rusted handle ever again.

Testing Kit Included For Your Convenience

When it’s time to have your double check tested, there’s no need for the technician to pull out his kit of adapters. The Zurn Wilkins 350 FT comes with pre-installed male threaded test cocks. So, all they have to do is attach their hose and begin the testing, saving you money because they have to spend less time on the job site. Zurn Wilkins’ failure rate on the 350 ft series is nearly nothing because before leaving the factory every single unit is bench tested before its serial number is engraved directly on the housing. It can always be found right here on the bronze body.

Also, there is almost never a need to cut the bronze cradle out of the pipeline. The innovation in the model 350 FT series comes in the form of its patented and removal Pressure Vessel. This vessel is made of UV-resistant composite material. Just like all high-quality modern plastic valves. This fiber-reinforced plastic exceeds traditional bronze material performance levels. Even in severe weather conditions. The Zurn Wilkins model 350 FT is engineered to operate in all water conditions.

Ensure Quick, Simple Repair

This double check valve has been developed with a minimal number of components that ensures simple and easy repair. After shutting off the water, you open these three test cocks to release the pressure from the valve then you unscrew these four bolts. You can insert a flathead screwdriver right here, in this small notch, to pry the pressure vessel out of the bronze body. To remove the checks from the plastic housing, you can push on them from the small end with your thumb or use something like the handle of a small screwdriver. Be careful because the checks are spring-loaded and the last thing you want to do is to go hunt for them in the grass.

After you have performed your inspection of the checks and the assembly putting it back together is mistake-proof, homeowner-proof, contractor-proof, or even idiot-proof. Whatever you want to call it, there’s only one way the two checks, seals, and poppets will go together. Look here at this housing. Can you see this little ledge? The pressure vessel aperture actually has two sizes. And these two checks are really different in size. The smaller one has to go in first. Then the larger one. There’s only one way to reassemble this double-check pressure vessel.

The pressure vessel too will only fit into the bronze body one way. After seating the housing properly, simply screw back the four bolts, close the test cocks, turn the water on, and inspect your handiwork for leaks. And look how small this double-check is. The model 350 FT has one of the smallest footprints on the market, which means you can put it in a smaller valve box. In line with a filter, or valve. Or install it in a tight space in a basement.

Available Blowout Flush Fitting

The last major benefit of using the Zurn Wilkins 350 series, is the available blowout flush fitting. This is a pretty cool accessory. When fall arrives, all you have to do is replace the pressure vessel with this blowout flush fitting. After you have used an air compressor to blow all the water out of your system, you’re ready to perform maintenance on dry pipes or keep them from splitting due to freezing. As an added safety, you can leave this orange fitting installed over the winter, which will keep the bronze body sealed and protected and allows you to keep the pressure vessel and checks in a safe warm indoor location all winter long. When Spring arrives and it’s time to begin using your sprinkler system again, simply exchange the blowout fitting for the pressure vessel, turn the water on, and your system is ready for use.

You now have a better understanding of the benefits of choosing the Zurn Wilkins 350 FT over other double-check backflow prevention valves for use in your system.