Wilkins - 1-720A - 1" PVB, Pressure Vacuum Breaker (Standard)

From a basic functionality standpoint, you aren't going to see a difference in performance between lead free and a backflow containing lead. The main concerns here are in the impact that lead has on the environment and the potential health risks for potable water. Many municipalities (especially in California) are now mandating that you install a lead free backflow, so you'll want to check and see if there are any local ordinances that require that you install a lead free unit. It's likely that all backflows in the future will be lead free - it has just been a slow roll getting that concept in place throughout the country.

Hi Ken - a backflow preventer cracking under a hard freeze is typically a sign of a unit that wasn't properly winterized, and Wilkins generally will not accept a warranty return under those circumstances. Warranty claims are typically done via the company who sold you the backflow device, but this may be a situation where the installer would be the best course of restitution.

Our offices are in Michigan. Our warehouses are primarily on the east coast, but we do have one in California. We ship our orders out of our various warehouses depending on availability and proximity to the customer. Not every branch carries every item on our website.

This will happen on occasion with a Wilkins 1-720A backflow, generally when an irrigation system has not completely or correctly been winterized before the cold weather hits. You'll want to purchase this repair kit and install it in order to stop the leaking. https://sprinklersupplystore.com/products/wilkins-1-repair-kit-for-720a

The Zurn/Wilkins 1-720A PVB is not a lead free pressure vacuum breaker. If you are in need of a 1" PVB, we would recommend the Wilkins 1-420XL PVB, which IS lead free. https://sprinklersupplystore.com/products/wilkins-1-420xl-1-inch-pvb-fnpt-x-fnpt-lead-free

You would want to check with your specific municipality, since different areas may have different requirements regarding the installation of backflow devices. Our experience is that the Zurn/Wilkins 1-720A pressure vacuum breaker is often an acceptable option, but be sure to check and get it right the first time!