2nd Vacuum Breaker Failure on BT Flush

[davidaf]

So number two failed today in less than 8 months. This one was a metal high quality expensive one (WATTS 288A). I'm over this nonsense so either I stop using the flush, connect the hoses together removing the valve itself or find one that will actually hold up to our massive 45psi water pressure. This one was rated at 125.

So, i'm looking for opinions on my next step. I obviously don't want to stop using the flush but flooding the basement and bathroom cupboard every few months is just silly.

Thankfully my connectors are located under the sink so it was easy to get to.

[BB_TX]

A number of us have just eliminated the valve by replacing it with a short pipe. Then installed a check valve at the outside connection to prevent possible back flow.

[WaltandLynne]

I believe an anti siphon, vacuum breaker is a MUST. You absolutely need to prevent contaminated water from being siphoned backwards into the fresh water system of your rv as well as the water distribution system in the cg or city. I understand that back water siphoneage is counter-intuitive but it can happen and it can make lots of people (including yourself) sick or worse. Please consult with a licensed plumber for advice on a valve that will protect you and yours.

Walt

[DQDick]

I have used one like restaurants are required to use on hose connections. I have it attached to a short hose that I then attach to the flush inlet. Have used it for three years with no problems at all.

[davidaf]

I'll go and look for a hose attached one. I have one for the flush king clear connector i'll try and find one that's similar but made of some type of metal.

I took apart the current failing valve and the washer had slipped not allowing the bobber to pop up and close the valve completely. Not much trust if the washer is going to slip around.

[DQDick]

Most of the major hardware brands stock them. I've gotten them at True Value, Ace and Do It Best thru my years in the restaurant business. Probably have them in the big box stores, but try and find someone who both knows what they are and where they are located.

[rohrmann]

I recently read that in order for Keystone to get these rigs RVIA certified, they have to install the backflow valves. What you do with them once you have made the purchase, is totally up to the you. Just be aware of the potential hazards.

[psomers]

If you bought one of the kits to install a flush in unit with out a flush, it would not have a vacuum breaker. They include a one way valve at hose connection.

[Irlpguy]

I have had two of these pieces of junk fail as well and have now removed it and put in a 90 degree elbow to replace it. I use a brass shut of valve at the hose connection to prevent any possible back flow from happening as remote as that might be.

I hook up my flush hose to the shut off valve (valve closed) and turn on the tap, then the valve is opened and I can control the amount and time of flush from this valve in the convenience center. When complete I first turn off the brass valve, then the tap and remove the hose. I then open the valve and allow any water in the line to drain back out of the brass valve, at no time is there more water than what is in the line to the elbow. If in the extremely remote chance siphon happens I can control it and "nothing" is connected to the CG supply or the supply to the RV.

I refuse to have something inside my RV that is this subject to failure and the resultant water damage that can occur.

[mach111]

Words of wisdom IRL. I do the same.

[Phil P]

Here is how important the RVIA certification is. Our trailer and half dozen more of the same model and year that I have looked at didn’t have the valve in question installed.

Phil P

[Temecula]

I'm not sure what or where this valve is????

[Phil P]

quote:Originally posted by Temecula

I'm not sure what or where this valve is????

Hi

Neither is anyone else you will just have to look in the places the people on forum have found theirs. The installer on the assembly just puts them wherever is convenient for him at the time.

Phil P

[jimcol]

I've been following this forum for about 9 years. With the exception of Phil all the post I've seen on this subject have found it in the wall the shower faucet is mounted on or under the vanity sink. That would be the first two places I would look. Jim

[Phil P]

Hi jimcol

The piping mine is supposed to be in is under the vanity sink there just isn’t a suction breaker. I have looked at several other 3665RE built around the same time and theirs were also under the sink and also were not suction breakers.

All the ones the fellows here have found are in the shower room some where some behind the wall between the shower and bedroom or pantry. Most have commented that they felt lucky when the cut a hole in the wall for access that it was close enough to “reach” the valve.

Some have been able to find it by removing the shower valve.

Like I said no one can tell you where it is just where they have been found in the past.

Phil P

PS:
The OP commented about the Watts 288A. I suspect he has something stuck in the valve. The Watts valve is the top of the line and used in many commercial applications like restaurants etc. They have a very good reputation.

[jimcol]

I'm not disputing yours was missing. I'm just trying to help Temecula by saying all the post I remember, excepting yours, have found their check valve in one of the two places. Jim

[Phil P]

quote:Originally posted by jimcol

I'm not disputing yours was missing. I'm just trying to help Temecula by saying all the post I remember, excepting yours, have found their check valve in one of the two places. Jim

Hi

I understand what you are saying it is just easy to come to the wrong conclusion the way your post was worded. My piping is in the location that several others have found the valve in. By the way there have been others post here that there valves were not installed as well.

Phil P

[jimcol]

Phil, I've reread my post and evidently don't draw the same conclusion you did. I also stated, "all the post I remember." I'm just trying to help Temecula find his valve. Following your post one could conclude it is not worth looking for. Jim

[Phil P]

quote:Originally posted by jimcol

I've been following this forum for about 9 years. With the Exception of Phil all the post I've seen on this subject have found it in the wall the shower faucet is mounted on or under the vanity sink. That would be the first two places I would look. Jim

Hi

In your paragraph the wording

Exception of Phil

Followed by

Found it in the wall the shower faucet is mounted on or under the vanity sink

Leads anyone reading this paragraph with the impression that I didn’t find it under the vanity sink.

My responded cleared this misconception up.

Phil P

[jimcol]

So I'm confused. Now you are saying you found it under the vanity sink? No response requested.