Sprinkler Pressure Breaker Leaking

Identify the Leak

• Pressure vacuum breakers can leak at a couple of different places. All breakers contain two ball valves that connect to the main body by pipe threads. These threads can lose their watertight connection, leading to weeping or spraying from the connection points. Your breaker might also leak from the top of the main valve, which is where the internal components are located, including a poppet and bonnet assembly. These pieces can break when frozen, which can lead to water bubbling out of the top of the breaker.

Shut off the Water

• Once you've identified the leak, turn off the water to the breaker. Turn off the main sprinkler line by turning the supply line ball valve 90 degrees clockwise. You must also turn off the two smaller ball valves on the breaker itself. Turn both of the small handles on the side of the breaker 90 degrees clockwise. This procedure will ensure that no water flows through the system as you are making repairs.

Repair the Leak

• If the leak is located at the connection point, you will have to use a wrench to unscrew the compression nut at the base of the breaker, followed by unscrewing the ball valve itself. Once the valve is unscrewed, place a single layer of Teflon tape around the threads at the top of the ball valve, which will repair the watertight connection and lubricate the threads. Screw the ball valve back into the breaker, and tighten the compression nut. If the leak is at the top, remove the cover and pull out the internal poppet and bonnet. Place a new vacuum breaker repair kit inside the breaker, and replace the cover.

Pressurize the System

• Once you've repaired the system, you must carefully pressurize the system again. Turn on the main sprinkler line by turning the ball valve 90 degrees counterclockwise. Very slowly turn the first ball valve 90 degrees counterclockwise to pressurize the first half of the breaker. Slowly turn the second ball valve on the breaker counterclockwise 90 degrees, which will release water to the sprinkler manifold. Your system may leak at the top of the breaker briefly while the system pressurizes, but that is normal and will stop after a few seconds.