Vacuum Breakers

Vacuum breakers, also called backflow preventers, are devices designed to prevent contaminated water from flowing back into the potable water system in your house or indeed into the city water system. This backflow can be caused by a sudden change in water pressure that creates a vacuum, meaning that water in a hose, sprinkler system line, a toilet, a washing machine and other devices may actually flow back up the line and into the water system. If this happens then contaminated water exposed to feces, fertilizers or laundry soaps, for instance could actually come out of the drinking water tap unless there's a vacuum breaker/backflow preventer that eliminates this problem.

There are different types of vacuum breakers and backflow preventers depending on the type of system they are installed on. Codes covering such devices vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, but most homeowners are familiar with them as backflow preventers installed on their lawn sprinkling systems, although there may be a need to have one type or another installed on other fixtures, outlets and water appliances in a home.

Vacuum breakers and backflow preventer can range from very simple devices to more complex, but in each device, no matter the sophistication, there are springs, washers, gaskets and ball cocks, and these parts can and do wear out periodically.

When it comes to these devices, there is a lot to know. Fortunately, the plumbing professionals at Ben Franklin Plumbing of Denver are experts at vacuum breakers and backflow preventers all types and can take care of every need to may have to ensure that your home is safe and up to code. We can inspect all of these systems in your home, make the necessary repairs and/or replacements and guarantee that our work will not only meet the requirements for safety, but your satisfaction as well.

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