Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker (AVB)

An atmospheric vacuum breaker consists of a body, a checking member, and an

atmospheric port.

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Figure 1 – Photos of Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker

The purpose of a vacuum breaker is to stop back siphonage. The atmospheric

vacuum breaker (AVB) consists of a valve that allows air into the piping system for the
purpose of stopping a downstream siphon. At the same time, a check valve is closed to
the supply piping. A common design element is that the air inlet valve and check valve
are nearly always the same mechanical component. A float rises with water pressure to
seal the system for water to flow and drops with a lack of water pressure opening to the
atmosphere.
Although simple in its design, the AVB has several installation requirements in
order to function properly. These are:

 Because the AVB provides back siphonage protection only, it is considered

isolation protection only. These devices are located on individual plumbing
fixtures and appliances. They will not be installed at the service line to a building,
for example, where the device may be subject to backpressure; and

 All vacuum breakers are considered high-hazard protection. These devices

protect the potable system from toxic materials. Remember that any backflow
preventer that provides high-hazard protection will be acceptable for low hazard
applications; and

 The AVB must be installed with its critical level a minimum of six inches above
the highest downstream usage; and

 The AVB must not be subjected to continuous pressure. An industry and

plumbing code accepted definition of "continuous pressure" is, "water pressure
 applied for not more than 12 hours in a 24-hour period." If the AVB is used with
continuous pressure, the valve may become stuck or sealed closed and not open
on demand to atmosphere. The reasons for this may include mineral deposits or
chemical bonding from water quality conditions, or a spider's web holding the
valve closed to atmosphere; and

 Valves are not permitted downstream of an AVB. Components such as check

valves, gate valves, solenoid valves or pressure-regulating devices can trap or
suspend pressure in the AVB, thereby allowing continuous pressure; and

 An AVB must not be subjected to backpressure. This valve allows air into the
system to stop a siphon with a water pressure loss. The device cannot determine
the water's direction of flow, as long as water pressure holds the valve closed to
atmosphere. Therefore, elevated piping, auxiliary sources of water and pressure
pumps, for example, are not permitted downstream; and

 AVBs must be installed upright. The valve that allows air into the downstream
piping relies on gravity to function properly. If the device is installed out of plumb,
the valve may not fully open.

Hose connection Backflow Preventer

A hose connection backflow preventer shall consist of two independent check

valves with an independent atmospheric vent between and a means of field testing and
draining.

Source: http://forms.iapmo.org

Figure 2 – Photo a Hose connection Backflow Preventer

It is also called a Hose Connection Vacuum Breaker (HBV). A hose connection

vacuum breaker should be installed on each faucet or hose bibb that is connected to the
potable water supply to prevent backflow into the water supply. HVBs must be installed
at least six inches above the ground surface. Most HVBs have a set screw that prevents
them from being easily removed once they are installed. This prevents them from being
removed when the garden hose is removed. Once the HVB is installed, no further
adjustments are required

An HVB prevents backflow to the water supply by venting water to the

atmosphere (onto the ground) when backflow conditions exist. A spring-loaded check
valve is opened by the water supply pressure when outflow occurs through the valve.
When pressure is sufficient to open the check valve, flow is directed into the garden
hose. When the supply pressure is interrupted or when the pressure in the hose
becomes greater than the supply pressure, outflow stops and the spring-loaded check
valve closes, simultaneously opening a vent to the atmosphere. In this mode of
operation, any water that flows backward through the HVB is vented onto the ground.

The spring-loaded check valve does not allow drainage of water from between
the hose bibb and the upper part of the HVB; thus, freeze protection must be provided,
just as all outdoor plumbing would need to be protected under freezing conditions.

HVBs should be inspected and tested periodically to ensure they are working
properly. Fortunately, their mode of operation permits inspections to be easily made.
Verify the check valve closes and the atmospheric vent opens reliably whenever the
water supply is shut off. It is very simple to do this if a nozzle that can be shut off is used
on the end of the hose. When the nozzle shuts off, turn on the faucet and allow the hose
to pressurize. Then, shut off the faucet while the hose is pressurized. After a few
seconds, the hose pressure should be released in a small spray as the atmospheric
vent suddenly opens.
Double Check Valve Assembly

A Double Check Valve Assembly is a backflow preventer consisting of two

independently operating spring-loaded check valves with tightly closing shut off valves
on each side of the check valves, plus properly located test cocks for the testing of each
check valve.

Source: http://forms.iapmo.org

Figure 3 – Photo Showing Double Check Valve Assembly

 It consists of two check valves assembled in series. This employs two operating
principles: firstly, one check valve will still act, even if the other is jammed wide open.
Secondly the closure of one valve reduces the pressure differential across the other,
allowing a more reliable seal and avoiding even minor leakage.

Small valves may be so compact as to be barely noticeable, particularly when

they are integrated into the bodies of existing taps (faucets). Larger check valves may
be installed with ball valves at the ends, for isolation and testing. Often, test cocks (very
small ball valves) are in place to attach test equipment for evaluating whether the
double check assembly is still functional.

The double check valve assembly is suitable for prevention of back pressure and
back siphonage, but is not suitable for high hazard applications. It is commonly used on
lawn irrigation, fire sprinkler and combi-boiler systems. If the hazard is higher, even a
relatively low hazard such as using antifreeze in the fire sprinkler system, then a more
reliable check valve such as a reduced pressure zone device may be mandated.

Pressure Vacuum Breaker Backflow Prevention Assembly

The pressure type vacuum breaker evolved from the AVB. There are a number of
AVB installation restrictions due to the limits of the design. One of the AVB's limitations
is the restriction of no continuous water pressure. The concern of the inlet valve sticking
closed is a serious one, as it would render the AVB useless. The PVB was designed to
overcome this problem.

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Figure 4 – Photo of Pressure Vacuum Breaker Backflow Prevention Assembly

The AVB has one moving part that works as an air inlet or port and it serves as a
check valve to the supply piping when no water pressure is present. The PVB check
valve is similar but spring loaded. When the piping-system pressure is reduced, the
spring forces the check open to the atmosphere, allowing air into the system and
breaking the downstream siphon.

PVBs, therefore, are designed to operate under pressure for long periods of time
without becoming inoperative. The internal check valves are spring-loaded so that any
tendency for the valve to stick closed due to long periods of applied pressure and
consequent fouling will be counteracted.

The continuous pressure restriction would no longer apply and would allow
valves downstream and water pressure 24 hours per day. This type of assembly may be
used only where outlet pressure will never exceed inlet pressure and is not subject to
backpressure. This device may be installed indoors only if provisions for spillage from
the dome are provided. They must be installed a minimum of 12 inches above the
highest piping downstream of the PVB.

Pressure Vacuum Breaker Spill Resistance Type Backflow Prevention Assembly

The spill-resistant type vacuum breaker is essentially a next-generation PVB.

This assembly evolved because of the spillage encountered with the PVB. The function
of the SVB is to eliminate the water spillage of the PVB.

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Figure 5 – Photo of Spill Resistance Type Backflow Prevention Assembly

The pressure vacuum breaker requires that both the check valve and air inlet act
independently, but the components of the SVB are not required to be independent of
each other. During operation (flow), the diaphragm at the bottom of the valve chamber
allows the poppet to close before the internal check valve opens, preventing most of the
spillage that normally occurs with a PVB. In this way, the air inlet can be closed as the
check is closed again, eliminating the spill (see Figure D). The SVB provides the same
type of protection as the PVB and can only be used where the PVB can be used.

When it comes to the potable water supply that the public utilizes, safety is the
first priority. Vacuum breakers play an important part in that effort, and understanding
when and where to use them and how they work can help maintain the highest level of
safety.

Reduced-Pressure Principle Backflow Prevention Assembly (RP)

A reduced-pressure principle backflow prevention assembly consists of two

independently acting internally loaded check valves, a differential pressure-relief valve,
four properly located test cocks, and two isolation valves.

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Figure 6 – Photo of Reduced-Pressure Principle Backflow Prevention Assembly

The reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly is referred to as
the RP, RPPZ, RPZ as well as other acronyms. The RP is the best mechanical backflow
preventer available today. It is considered as proper protection for high- or low-hazard
applications, backpressure or back siphonage backflow and containment or isolation
protection.

The name of this assembly is derived from a zone of reduced pressure needed
for the operation of the relief or vent valve. This device is an assembly of two internally
loaded, specially designed and independently operating check valves that have a relief
valve installed between the primary valves, specifically designed to maintain a zone of
relative differential pressure between the two check valves unless one or both of the
check valves are fouled. This assembly has a tightly closing upstream and a tightly
closing downstream shutoff valve.

As water flows through the first check valve, a pressure drop is created. The
assembly's relief valve determines if the supply pressure is greater and will remain
closed; if the difference in pressure between the supply and zone is reduced, the relief
valve will open. With a loss of supply pressure and both checks closing, the relief valve
will open to maintain a minimum pressure of two psi less than the supply pressure of the
fluid in the zone and downstream line. If there is a complete loss of supply pressure, the
pressure between the two check valves will become atmospheric because the spring
has opened the relief valve.

The RP may be used at actual or potential high- or low hazard applications. As

previously mentioned, the assembly provides backpressure and back siphonage
protection.
An RP may be used as meter-service containment protection or on individual
fixtures and appliance isolation protection.

A field test of an RP is required on installation, at least annually thereafter, after

any repair or when relocated. The assembly must be installed a minimum of 12 inches
above the surrounding ground or floor.

An RP's relief valve has the potential to discharge a significant amount of water.
Care should be taken as to its location and provision for indirect drainage. The drainage
piping should be sized adequately to take the full discharge of the system. Always refer
to the manufacturer's installation requirements.