Vacuum breaker

A vacuum breaker is a type of valve used in plumbing systems to prevent the backflow of water or other liquids into the potable water supply. It is designed to break the vacuum that can occur in a piping system when the water supply is shut off or when there is a sudden change in pressure.

Here's how it works:

  1. When the water supply is shut off or there is a sudden change in pressure, the vacuum breaker valve is triggered, allowing air to enter the piping system.
  2. The air enters the piping system and fills the vacuum, preventing the backflow of water or other liquids into the potable water supply.
  3. Once the vacuum is broken, the valve closes, preventing further air from entering the system.

Vacuum breakers are commonly used in:

  1. Water heaters: To prevent scalding and to ensure that the water heater is filled with water.
  2. Ice makers: To prevent the backflow of water into the potable water supply.
  3. Dishwashers: To prevent the backflow of water into the potable water supply.
  4. Sinks: To prevent the backflow of water into the potable water supply.
  5. Fire sprinkler systems: To prevent the backflow of water into the potable water supply.

Types of vacuum breakers:

  1. Atmospheric vacuum breakers: These are the most common type of vacuum breaker and are designed to allow air to enter the piping system when the vacuum occurs.
  2. Pressure vacuum breakers: These are designed to allow air to enter the piping system when the pressure in the system drops below a certain level.
  3. Combination vacuum breakers: These are designed to combine the functions of atmospheric and pressure vacuum breakers.

Benefits of vacuum breakers:

  1. Prevents backflow of water or other liquids into the potable water supply.
  2. Prevents scalding and ensures that the water heater is filled with water.
  3. Prevents damage to plumbing fixtures and appliances.
  4. Helps to maintain water pressure in the piping system.

In summary, vacuum breakers are an important component of plumbing systems, as they help to prevent backflow of water or other liquids into the potable water supply, prevent scalding, and maintain water pressure in the piping system.