Replacing Plastic Vacuum Breaker on Black Tank Flush Line

[itat]

I have a question for the master plumbers here on the forum.

This past weekend, I started to get a leak from the cheap plastic vacuum breaker in the black tank flush line on my new 5er. So I’m going to remove it and use something else. I looked up the plastic part (JR Products 571-VAC-CHK-A) and they claim its both a vacuum breaker and a check valve.

I’m going to use brass parts to replace it. Rather than use an external hose bib vacuum breaker I was able to find the Watts LF288A brass vacuum breaker at a good price at a local plumbing supply distributor. So everything can remain inside.

Do I need to install a separate check valve too? If I do, I could install the Valterra P23415LF Brass 1/2" Check Valve.

[babock]

If mine ever fails, I am just going to bypass it.

[jeff64]

The black one failed a few years back on mine. With the reputation for failure, I replaced with the clear plastic valterra unit and it's been trouble/leak free since. A plain check valve would do it too

[Bama Rambler]

The Watts 288 contains a builtin check valve to prevent back flow, so you don't need to install a separate one.

If you look at the spec sheet for it you will see it in the cutaway.

[AquaMan]

I had one freeze and break on my 5er a few years ago. Replaced with the same. I just make sure I blow them out good when winterizing and haven't had any problems since.

[itat]

Originally Posted by babock

If mine ever fails, I am just going to bypass it.

babock, my question was directed to master plumbers. If you were to bypass it, would you use something else in its place?

If not, that would be contrary to national plumbing code and illegal.

[itat]

Originally Posted by Bama Rambler

The Watts 288 contains a builtin check valve to prevent back flow, so you don't need to install a separate one.

If you look at the spec sheet for it you will see it in the cutaway.

Thanks.

[itat]

Originally Posted by jeff64

The black one failed a few years back on mine. With the reputation for failure, I replaced with the clear plastic valterra unit and it's been trouble/leak free since. A plain check valve would do it too

Thanks. I looked that one but I was able to get the brass Watts LF288A for less than Amazon.ca wants for the Valterra.

[babock]

I took out the vacuum break for my dishwasher at home too. It goes straight to the disposal.

I love living on the edge!

Originally Posted by itat

babock, my question was directed to master plumbers. If you were to bypass it, would you use something else in its place?

If not, that would be contrary to national plumbing code and illegal.

[itat]

Finished installing the Watts LF288A tonight. I had to use a couple close pipe nipples since the LF288A has female threads and the plastic one I replaced had male threads.

[Bama Rambler]

Looks good. Thanks for sharing the pics. I'm sure it'll help someone in the future.

[itat]

Hopefully this one doesn't leak because Rockwood put it in the bathroom vanity right above the power center!

[danking49]

Two high potential internal water leaks, the water filter and flush vacuum break, are gone from my rig. I just put a regular garden hose vacuum break on my dedicated "black" hose for flushing. Simple, cheap and if it leaks, it's on the ground not soaking into the floor and walls. Ditto for hooking up an external water filter. The way these RVs are slapped together, less is more when it comes to internal plumbing.