[handymom77]

I need to replace the vacuum breaker on an outdoor spigot. I've attached photos of the current one. I'm having difficulty locating a replacement part. The local big-box hardware stores only offer a 3/4" part. My part is bigger, maybe 5/8. Is the reason I can't find a replacement part because I should replace the entire hose bib? If you think I can replace just the vacuum breaker, where do you suggest I find it and how do I size the one I have?

[macplumb]

If you are looking for a built in vacuum breaker for an anti-siphon hose Bibb I would suggest finding a local plumbing supply that sells the same brand. If you are looking for a hose thread vacuum breaker that goes on the end of a hose bibb you should find one at home depot or Lowe's.
Mac

[handymom77]

If you are looking for a built in vacuum breaker for an anti-siphon hose Bibb I would suggest finding a local plumbing supply that sells the same brand. If you are looking for a hose thread vacuum breaker that goes on the end of a hose bibb you should find one at home depot or Lowe's.
Mac

Lowe's and Home Depot only have 3/4" ones. I will try Ace Hardware and some other local plumbing supply stores on Monday. I just wondered if the reason why mine is not 3/4" is because you're not supposed to change it; for code or some other reason.

[ma0641]

Bigger? 5/8 is smaller than 3/4. Never saw any other size then standard one. Why do you need one? Does a regular garden hose fit your faucet bib?

[massplumber2008]

My guess is that Handymom77 is talking about an outside faucet much like in my image below. Here, the vacuum breaker (VB) would be a specific fit and the only way to repair it is to identify the manufacturer and see if they have a VB repair kit...could also check a "universal" repair kit if a local plumbing supply house has one.

Otherwise, you'll need to replace the entire outside faucet, Handymom! Depending in just how "handy" you are, and if you have the tools we are glad to walk you through the basic steps...;)

Mark

[handymom77]

Bigger? 5/8 is smaller than 3/4. Never saw any other size then standard one. Why do you need one? Does a regular garden hose fit your faucet bib?

Lol. You are right. I didn't even question the Lowe's employee when he suggested 5/8". My husband is laughing right now.

I want to replace it because when I use the water hose, the vacuum breaker leaks tremendously; it makes me worry about the house foundation.

A water hose will not fit without the vacuum breaker on.

My guess is that Handymom77 is talking about an outside faucet much like in my image below. Here, the vacuum breaker (VB) would be a specific fit and the only way to repair it is to identify the manufacturer and see if they have a VB repair kit...could also check a "universal" repair kit if a local plumbing supply house has one.

Otherwise, you'll need to replace the entire outside faucet, Handymom! Depending in just how "handy" you are, and if you have the tools we are glad to walk you through the basic steps...;)

Mark

This makes sense. Unfortunately, I've scratched the vacuum breaker I have in my hand so bad that I can't decipher any manufacturer information. I can look outside at another one in the morning. Too dark and cold right now.

I imagine the one I got from Home Depot that doesn't fit is probably the universal option.

With regard to changing the hose bib completely, I may want to do that anyway. I'd really like a different one. Is it as simple as buying a new one and switching it out (after cutting the water off)?

Thanks for understanding my issue.

[ma0641]

Brand specific hose bib. As far as replacing, if you are lucky, the old bib will unscrew. The ones in my house are held on with a set screw which when removed will allow a garden hose attached.

[speedball1]

What's the problem? Did you mar the hose threads on the bib when you removed the old VB? Why not simply purchase a new hose bib vacume breaker on the old hose bib?
If you plan on replacing the old hose bib be aware that some hose bibs are threaded on and some are soldered on. Good luck, Tom

[massplumber2008]

Hi all

I believe the model outside faucet we are talking about has a FINE THREADED vacuum breaker and is not replaced by the universal VB you guys are talking about. If you look at the picture she posted you'll see fine threads and no SET SCREW that is usually associated with the universal VB. I believe this model outside faucet has a VB that is either manufacturer specific and they have a repair kit (like in my picture above), or the outside faucet is broken and needs to be replaced.

Perhaps Hmom77 will return and tell us more...??

[handymom77]

SUCCESS!!

I looked closely at my hose bib and the manufacturers mark is an arrowhead.Viola. After stopping at a local irrigation shop, I was given the name of another plumbing supply store in town and they had the exact part I needed. It cost $10.24, but that's fine by me because when I turn my hose bib on now, the water does not leak!! What's even better, when I turn the hose bib off(regardless if I hold the sprayer open) it doesn't spray into my face! I'm one happy lady.

From what the sales woman told me, Arrow Head makes hose bibs with the vacuum breaker already installed and crimped on (even though it has threads). Fortunately, they had replacement VBs.

Thanks for all your help. I couldn't have figured this out without you.

[massplumber2008]

Funny...the picture I posted is a picture of an arrowhead valve...;) Thanks for the update, HM!