Guidelines for Vacuum Breaker Installation, Operation and Maintenance
L100/101/102/112 Atmospheric Vacuum Breakers
Installation The water supply line must be thoroughly flushed prior to installation. The presence of any scale, debris, chips, thread sealant, etc. in the water line may cause fouling of the vacuum breaker, prevent proper sealing of the float cup and damage internal components. The vacuum breaker must be installed with the supply connected to the bottom inlet of the vacuum breaker. An atmospheric vacuum breaker must be installed downstream of the last valve in the water supply line. The Uniform Plumbing Code requires that “potable water outlets with hose attachments...shall be protected by... an atmospheric vacuum breaker installed at least six (6) inches above the highest point of usage and located on the discharge side of the last valve.” [Uniform Plumbing Code, Section 603.4.7 (2003)] Consequently, when the vacuum breaker is installed, the bottom of the vacuum breaker body must be at least 6” above the flood level rim of the sink or fixture into which water is discharged. [See Figure 1.] Where a hose is to be attached to a serrated hose end, the vacuum breaker must be installed at least 6” above the highest point to which the hose can be raised. [See Figure 1.] Vacuum breakers must be installed in a plumb and level position, perpendicular to the finished floor. If a vacuum breaker is installed in a tilted or angled position, the float cup will tend not to seal squarely against the bottom of the vacuum breaker bonnet. This can promote leakage under low flow conditions. Since atmospheric vacuum breakers require routine inspection and maintenance (primarily cleaning and/or replacement of internal components), they should be installed in locations in which they are readily accessible. In addition, the Uniform Plumbing Code prohibits installing a backflow preventer in any area containing toxic, poisonous or corrosive fumes. [Uniform Plumbing Code, Section 603.4.15 (2003)] Vacuum breakers should thus not be installed within the work space of a laboratory fume hood.
Maximum Pressure: 125 PSI Maximum Temperature: 180°F ASSE Certified under ASSE Standard 1001
Atmospheric vacuum breakers are used to prevent back- siphonage of contaminated water into a potable water system. They are not designed to protect against backpressure conditions; protection against backpressure may require installation of a backflow preventer in the water supply line. WaterSaver vacuum breakers are intended for use on laboratory faucets and valves. They are typically installed as an integral part of a laboratory faucet gooseneck. In addition, they are used in water supply systems installed in fume hoods, mounted between a remote control water valve and an outlet fitting. As such, WaterSaver vacuum breakers are designed and constructed specifically for the requirements of laboratory applications. They are designed to seal properly and prevent spillage at as low a flow as possible, thus facilitating many common laboratory procedures. However, under certain circumstances, spillage of water from under the vacuum breaker cover can occur. The purpose of these guidelines is to assist in the correct installation, operation and maintenance of WaterSaver vacuum breakers. In addition, these guidelines will assist in troubleshooting in the event that spillage does occur. IMPORTANT: Be sure to review applicable local plumbing codes prior to selecting or installing a vacuum breaker. Many codes have specific provisions regarding the type of vacuum breaker that may be used and the design of the system in which it is used.
Figure 1
Not less than 6”
Not less than 6”
Flood Rim
Hose
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