An anti-siphon faucet, also known as a vacuum breaker faucet, is a plumbing fixture designed to prevent water contamination caused by backflow. Backflow is the undesirable reverse flow of water from a potentially contaminated source, such as a garden hose, into a clean water supply system. This phenomenon can occur when there is a sudden drop in water pressure or negative pressure in the water line. Anti-siphon faucets are essential devices that protect our water supply from dangerous pollutants, chemicals, and bacteria.
How Does an Anti-Siphon Faucet Work?
Anti-siphon faucets create an air gap between the water outlet and the potential source of contamination. The air gap acts as a barrier that prevents the backflow of water into the supply system. An anti-siphon faucet is usually installed when the water supply line meets an external plumbing fixture, such as a hose bib, sprinkler system, or washing machine. The faucet contains a vacuum breaker mechanism that opens the air gap when water flows through the faucet. When the water is turned off, the vacuum breaker closes the gap to prevent contaminants from entering the water supply.
Types of Anti-Siphon Faucets
Several types of anti-siphon faucets are available on the market, each designed for a specific purpose. The most common types are:
Hose Bibs
Hose bibs are outdoor faucets that are connected to a garden hose. They are usually installed on the exterior wall of a house or building and are used to water plants, wash cars, or fill pools. Hose bibs are the most common source of backflow contamination, as they are often left unattended and can be easily connected to a chemical or fertilizer sprayer.
Sprinkler Systems
Sprinkler systems are used to water lawns and gardens. They are connected to the water supply line and use a series of pipes and valves to distribute water to different areas of the property. If a sprinkler system is not properly installed or maintained, it can create a backflow condition that can contaminate the water supply.
Washing Machines
Washing machines are connected to the water supply line and use water to wash clothes. If the washing machine’s drain hose is not properly secured, it can create a siphon that can cause backflow contamination.
Why Is an Anti-Siphon Faucet Important?
Anti-siphon faucets are important because they protect our water supply from contamination. Backflow contamination can cause serious health problems, especially in young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems. The contaminants that can enter the water supply through backflow include bacteria, viruses, pesticides, fertilizers, and chemicals. In addition, backflow can cause damage to plumbing fixtures, appliances, and the water supply system itself.
How to Install an Anti-Siphon Faucet
Installing an anti-siphon faucet is a relatively simple process that a professional plumber or a handy homeowner can complete. Here are the basic steps:
- Turn off the water supply to the fixture where the anti-siphon faucet will be installed.
- Remove the old faucet and clean the mounting surface.
- Install the anti-siphon faucet according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Connect the water supply line to the faucet and turn on the water.
- Test the faucet for leaks and proper operation.
Maintenance of Anti-Siphon Faucets
Anti-siphon faucets require regular maintenance to ensure that they are functioning properly. Here are some tips:
- Inspect the faucet for signs of wear and tear, such as cracks or leaks.
- Clean the faucet and vacuum breaker regularly to remove any debris or sediment.
- Test the faucet periodically for proper operation and check for any signs of backflow.
Conclusion
An anti-siphon faucet is an essential plumbing fixture that protects our water supply from contamination caused by backflow. These devices are commonly installed at outdoor faucets, sprinkler systems, and washing machines to prevent pollutants, chemicals, and bacteria from entering the water supply. Installing and maintaining an anti-siphon faucet is a simple and effective way to ensure the safety and health of your family and community.
FAQs
Do all outdoor faucets need an anti-siphon valve?
All outdoor faucets should have an anti-siphon valve to prevent backflow contamination.
Can I install an anti-siphon valve myself?
Yes, but it is recommended to have a professional plumber install and test the valve to ensure proper function and safety.
How often should I test my anti-siphon faucet for backflow?
Testing your anti-siphon faucet once a year is recommended to ensure proper function and safety.
Can I retrofit my existing outdoor faucet with an anti-siphon valve?
Yes, there are retrofit kits available that can be used to install an anti-siphon valve on an existing outdoor faucet.
What are the consequences of backflow contamination?
Backflow contamination can cause serious health problems, especially in young children, older people, and individuals with weakened immune systems. The contaminants that can enter the water supply through backflow include bacteria, viruses, pesticides, fertilizers, and chemicals.
An anti-siphon faucet is a necessary fixture in any home, as unsanitary water from other sources can contaminate the public water supply. To prevent this problem, install a frost-proof anti-siphon sill cock at the water line in winter. These valves should be pushed down for 20 seconds before they release any water. Installing them is an easy task, but make sure to hire a professional plumber.
Frost-proof anti-siphon sill cocks prevent winter water-line freeze-up
If you live in an area that often experiences freeze-ups in the winter, you may want to consider investing in frost-proof anti-siphon faucets. These faucets prevent winter water-line freeze-ups by preventing the water line from being contaminated by unsanitary water. They are also a code requirement in most communities. To install one, simply follow the directions on the box.
To install a frosted anti-siphon faucet, locate the shutoff valve near the connection. Unscrew the stem unit from the sillcock. The male threads are secured by pipe tape. Next, solder the female adapter to the copper pipe using a lead-free solder wire. Allow the solder to flow around the joint for 10 seconds. Make sure that all components are properly installed.
To install a frost-proof anti-siphon faucet, follow the instructions below. First, unscrew the sill cock. With the assistance of an assistant, unscrew the old pipe. Then, use a pipe wrench to twist off the pipe. Use a pipe wrench to remove any couplings or pipes. Repeat the process if necessary.
They contain lead
If you’re concerned about the amount of lead in your water supply, you’ve come to the right place. According to the American Waterworks Association (AWA), the average lead content of a faucet is under two parts per billion, or about a quarter of a teaspoon in an Olympic-size pool. The federal Safe Drinking Water Act prohibits lead levels greater than 11 parts per billion, but many factors can contribute to traces of lead in tap water.
To avoid this problem, you can purchase an Anti-Siphon faucet. Most of these faucets feature a packing cord around the handle stem to prevent water from siphoning out. They are code-required in many areas and are worth the additional cost. If you’d rather invest in a new faucet, the LF288A series includes a lead-free brass body and a silicone seat disc to prevent leaks.
Recent state laws limit the amount of lead contained in these faucets, but it is still dangerous to use them in your home. Many plumbing fixtures contain lead. While these laws do not cover toilets or showers, they do apply to the faucets that your family uses. AB1953, Vermont’s S152, and EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Act have all been passed to protect the public from lead in their tap water.
They prevent unsanitary water from entering the water supply
Anti-Siphon faucets are installed to stop unsanitary water from backwashing into the public water supply. Anti-siphoning devices are mandated by federal housing codes and must be installed on any outside faucet with a hose connection. These faucets have a rubber seal to keep water flowing in only one direction. These valves must be tested every 20 seconds to ensure they work properly.
An anti-siphon valve (also called a vacuum breaker) should be installed on the sill cock of an outdoor water faucet. This prevents accidental removal of the valve. Plumbing codes require these valves to be permanently installed. The valve’s setscrew features a break-off head that makes it very difficult to remove without the help of a professional.
A common source of unsanitary water contamination is the ordinary garden hose. This can connect to an outdoor faucet and contain chemicals or insecticides. A hose bibb vacuum breaker will prevent this contamination. It can be attached to a threaded water faucet. Using an anti-siphon faucet will protect the water supply and prevent unsanitary water from entering the water supply.
