Strange? water hook up Massasoit State Park

[smalt]

We're in Taunton Ma at Massasoit which has been re opened after 10 years. The campground is great, large sites, paved roads, lots of trees. The water hook up is something I've never seen before though. It sprays water out of these holes every few minutes, so the elec cord and hose get wet as well as the ground around it. I'm thinking it's some sort of pressure release? Anyone have experience with these? Eather annoying. I tried to upload a picture.

[formerFR]

pressure regulator - I hate um for the same reason - remove it if you don’t need it(actually�� someone before you may have left it)

[Steve-W]

That is a backflow preventer. It is used so that contaminated water can not get into the public water system. They are required by code on outside hose bibbs and slop sinks in many municipalities. If water is squirting out of the holes it is because the downstream pressure is greater than the supply pressure. This can be caused by many events on a shared water line. In this case most likely the supply pressure is dropping momentarily due to a neighbor opening up their faucet. Sounds like the CG water pressure is low to start with.

[smalt]

Thanks for the explanation!!

[Scrapper]

Backflow preventer as Steve-W said. Some counties, local codes, and state laws require them on all campground water connections.

[n-e-d]

Same setup used at Scussset Beach State CG. But the spigots there are usually grouped 4 together and geyser without warning. Only a problem when hooking up as most are 30'-50' away from site and power

[Paulie1138]

I have tied a small rag around it to keep it from spraying all over the electrical. Keeps the leakage in a contained area.

[smalt]

Great idea! I should have thought of that. DOH!

[Boomerweps]

WOW! I can understand a backflow preventer but one that sprays everywhere is a pretty stupid design.
Thanks for the posting and knowledge gained. If I see one, it'll get a dishrag around the nozzles with a tie-wrap, maybe a pan underneath.

[Paulie1138]

Tie wrap not really needed. Just a single overhand knot has been enough to keep it in place.

[Scrapper]

Originally Posted by Boomerweps

WOW! I can understand a backflow preventer but one that sprays everywhere is a pretty stupid design.
Thanks for the posting and knowledge gained. If I see one, it'll get a dishrag around the nozzles with a tie-wrap, maybe a pan underneath.

This type is intended for outdoors use.
What I neglected to mention was some local codes require them on s&b homes if it is on city water.

[bzac1954]

These are designed to prevent water systems from picking up fertilized/contaminated water and putting it back into the common water supply.

Originally Posted by smalt

We're in Taunton Ma at Massasoit which has been re opened after 10 years. The campground is great, large sites, paved roads, lots of trees. The water hook up is something I've never seen before though. It sprays water out of these holes every few minutes, so the elec cord and hose get wet as well as the ground around it. I'm thinking it's some sort of pressure release? Anyone have experience with these? Eather annoying. I tried to upload a picture.

[NMWildcat]

Yep, had those on every outside hose bib when we had our house built. I got tired of getting a bath every time I turned them off. Replaced them with standard (non backflow device) hose bibs. Much happier.

Haven't run into any parks that use them yet, but I will remember the rag idea

[Duneit]

Nice to see they opened back up. I used to live in Taunton. Never camped there but the pond there was a favorite fishing spot near the dam. Nice to see they cleaned it up. Years ago it had the nickname of Massatoilet