Hi,
I just installed two Orbit automatic sprinkler timers (with a 4-port manifold) on the frontyard and backyard spigot at my house. They each run to a 1/2" irrigation line that links to pop-up sprinklers. I was told that I needed to install either a backflow preventer or a vacuum breaker to prevent anything from contaminating the water supply. I decided to go with the brass vacuum breakers from Home Depot. They seemed like a more solid option. I afixed them between the manifold and the spigot and set the timer for the sprinkler system. About an hour later, I went to take a shower. I turned on the hot water valve. This was immediately followed by a very violent vibrating in the pipe leading to the hot water heater. The problem persisted until I shut off both the front and backyard spigots. It was clearly the vacuum breakers causing the issue. The easiest solution is obviously to ditch the vacuum breakers, but I'm worried about backflow contamination if I do so. Thoughts?
I just installed two Orbit automatic sprinkler timers (with a 4-port manifold) on the frontyard and backyard spigot at my house. They each run to a 1/2" irrigation line that links to pop-up sprinklers. I was told that I needed to install either a backflow preventer or a vacuum breaker to prevent anything from contaminating the water supply. I decided to go with the brass vacuum breakers from Home Depot. They seemed like a more solid option. I afixed them between the manifold and the spigot and set the timer for the sprinkler system. About an hour later, I went to take a shower. I turned on the hot water valve. This was immediately followed by a very violent vibrating in the pipe leading to the hot water heater. The problem persisted until I shut off both the front and backyard spigots. It was clearly the vacuum breakers causing the issue. The easiest solution is obviously to ditch the vacuum breakers, but I'm worried about backflow contamination if I do so. Thoughts?
