How to Install a Pressure-Vacuum Breaker on Your Irrigation System

By
Aaron Stickley
Aaron Stickley

Aaron Stickley is a licensed plumber with 15 years of experience in commercial, new residential plumbing, and residential service and repair. He started his own residential service and repair plumbing business. Aaron's articles about plumbing on The Spruce span four years.

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Updated on 09/16/22
Reviewed by
Kelly Bacon
Kelly Bacon
Reviewed by Kelly Bacon
Kelly Bacon is a licensed general contractor with over 40 years of experience in construction, home building and remodeling, and commercial building. He is a member of The Spruce Home Improvement Review Board.
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Fact checked by
Jessica Wrubel
Jessica Wrubel
Fact checked by Jessica Wrubel
Jessica Wrubel has an accomplished background as a writer and copy editor, working for various publications, newspapers and in public libraries assisting with reference, research and special projects. In addition to her journalism experience, she has been educating on health and wellness topics for over 15 years in and outside of the classroom.
Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
Pressure-vacuum breaker pipe jutting out of ground for irrigation system

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Project Overview
  • Working Time: 5 - 6 hrs
  • Total Time: 5 - 6 hrs
  • Skill Level: Intermediate
  • Estimated Cost: $50 to $60

A pressure-vacuum breaker is an important part of any irrigation system. It's required by most cities because it prevents contamination of the potable water supply. It works by breaking back-suction on the lines should water pressure fall, thereby preventing contamination from being drawn back into the water supply. You can call the local building code office to find out if it is required, but even if it is not required in your area, it is a good idea to install one. Installing a vacuum breaker yourself can save you money on the cost of installation.

Pressure-vacuum breaker installation can be easy, especially if you have a PVC main water line. Usually, you want the pressure-vacuum breaker fitting to be located close to the sprinkler valves and right after a stop-and-waste valve, especially if you live in a colder climate. This vacuum-breaker installation configuration will help drain the line when you shut down the irrigation system for the winter.​

Before You Begin

Turn off the water. Carefully dig up the area between the valves and the main sprinkler shut-off. To install a pressure-vacuum breaker, you should need only about 12 to 18 inches of space.

If you do not have a shut-off valve here, it might be a good idea to install one now.

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Shovel
  • Pipe glue
  • Plumber's tape
  • Hacksaw
  • Measuring tape
  • Pipe wrench or adjustable pliers
  • Level
  • Pipe primer

Materials

  • Pressure-vacuum breaker
  • Lengths of PVC pipe of diameter matching the current pipes
  • 2 Male pipe adapters
  • 3 90-degree elbows
  • 2 Pipe unions

Instructions

Materials and tools to install a pressure-vacuum breaker for irrigation system

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

  1. Plan Out the Configuration

    Apply plumber's tape to the adapters and screw them into the pressure-vacuum valve. Examine the unit to see exactly how much room you will need between the inlet and the outlet with a PVC 90-degree elbow pointing down from the outlet.

    If you have plenty of room to work with, the installation should be easy. If you have limited space, this step will help you figure out what you are dealing with. Have a plan before cutting the existing pipe for the installation.

    Tip

    Make sure the pressure-vacuum breaker valve is the same size as the pipe. Downsizing the pipe with a smaller valve can cause some water volume problems throughout the sprinkler system, as the water flow becomes restricted by the smaller pipe size.

    Pressure-vacuum breaker valve connected to PVC pipe on each end for configuration

    The Spruce / Kevin Norris

  2. Mark and Cut the Main Water Line

    Mark the PVC main water line and cut it to fit the pressure-vacuum breaker valve. The valve needs to be at least 12 inches higher than the highest outlet, as measured from the center of the middle ball valve.

    Main water line marked and cut with pipe cutter

    The Spruce / Kevin Norris

  3. Mark and Cut the PVC Pipe

    Measure and cut the lengths of pipe necessary to install the vacuum breaker at the correct height. When cutting the PVC risers, leave them a little longer than necessary, since you can always cut them shorter later.

    PVC pipe marked for cutting to install the vacuum breaker

    The Spruce / Kevin Norris

  4. Install the Risers

    Prime and glue the PVC 90-degree elbows onto the pipe in the ground first, with the pipe risers. Use a level to help ensure that the risers are positioned exactly plumb.

    PVC 90-degree elbows fitted and glued on end of cut water pipe

    The Spruce / Kevin Norris

  5. Install the Unions

    Measure and install the unions. Measure the length of the small piece of pipe that will go between the pressure-vacuum breaker and the outlet's 90-degree elbow. Cut and glue the pipe and 90-degree elbow to the pressure-vacuum breaker adapter.

    Pressure-vacuum breaker adaptor attached to glued end of pipe sticking out of ground

    The Spruce / Kevin Norris

  6. Glue the Vertical Pieces

    Glue the vertical pieces straight down into the fittings. Dry-fit the pieces first if it helps you line up and level the valve, but do not forget to glue the joints.

    Make sure to install the pressure-vacuum breaker in the right direction. There should be a flow arrow on the breaker.

    Allow the joints to dry for the amount of time noted on the glue that you used.

    Tip

    Make life easier by using colorful glue, so you can tell at a glance which joints have glue and which do not.​​

    Vertical pipe pieces with glue added to pressure-vacuum breaker adaptors

    The Spruce / Kevin Norris

  7. Test the Installation

    Leave both valves off on the pressure-vacuum breaker. Turn the main sprinkler valve on slowly, then turn on the pressure-vacuum breaker, one valve at a time, unless instructed otherwise by the manufacturer.

    Check for leaks at the joints before backfilling the work area.

    Pressure-vacuum breaker added to vertical pipe with valve turned slowly for testing

    The Spruce / Kevin Norris