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.

Use of a Vacuum Breaker

Good breakers have brass construction, like Lasco’s version (they also sell a plastic version, for short-term installations; it's less expensive but doesn't last as long). The breaker simply fits on the threaded end of a hose bibb (aka faucet or spigot) with a female end. There’s also a male thread for attaching a hose. The female end includes a set screw designed to break off for permanent installation, preventing accidental removal by people who don’t understand why there’s water gushing out of the valve. Once the breaker is attached, it should last for decades except in areas with very hard water. 

You can tell whether a vacuum breaker anti-siphon device is functioning by running water backward  to the faucet: raise a length of water-filled hose above the connection point and a working vacuum breaker will simply dump water out its sides That's loads better than letting it run into the home’s pipes.   Lasco’s design is good while remaining inexpensive: it’s made of brass, has that breakaway set screw, and is pretty much indestructible.

Summary:

PLUS: brass construction, breakaway set screw

MINUS: eventually clogs with precipitate, which may require a new hose bibb to replace

What they’re saying: Is your home on a sloped lot? Do you have water features or an above-ground pool? You should have a Lasco Hose Bibb Vacuum Breaker.

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