Anti-Siphon Devices: Keep Contaminated Water out of Your Water Supply

Lasco Brass Hose Bibb Vacuum Breaker

Gardening enthusiasts, here's one more oddball device you can add add to the list of items that A) you weren’t aware exist, and B) didn't know you probably need. Fact is, though, that if your home sits on a space that isn't level, you probably need a Lasco Hose Bibb Vacuum Breaker.

Why would you want a Vacuum Breaker?

Because of the siphon effect: if water in a garden hose is sitting higher than the hose’s connection to the water supply, the water’s weight will force it back through the hose and faucet, straight into the water lines. If a little rubber or vinyl taste in your drinking water doesn’t upset you, it’s your right. But if you’d rather not have dirty water contaminating your home’s water supply, a vacuum breaker is the simple, inexpensive anti-siphon solution. Even if you don’t run hoses uphill, you may still need a vacuum breaker if you often fill water features or other large reservoirs like an above-ground pool.

The Bird-X Prowler Owl is a Washout

Bird-X Prowler Owl Bird Deterrent

At first, we figured the holes showing up in all our tomatoes came courtesy of those damned squirrels who live in the oak trees hanging over the yard. We thought that until one day I saw a mockingbird land on a tomato cage and snack on a big ripe tomato. The next day found me at Wild Birds Unlimited looking at "bird deterrents." Besides all those phony-looking stationary owl statues, they sold a "decoy [that] resembles the ultimate, most-feared aerial predator; the Great Horned Owl, which catches and eats almost anything that moves." How could I resist? I shelled out 50 hard-earned smackers and took a Bird-X Prowler Owl home with me.

Manufacturer's Claims