All hose connections shall be equipped with a vacuum breaker, except those intended for what appliance?

All hose connections shall be equipped with a vacuum breaker, except those intended for what appliance?

• A. Water Softener
• B. Clothes Washer
• C. Dishwasher
• D. Garbage Disposal

Answer: (B)

Vacuum breakers prevent backflow into the potable water supply when a hose is connected, protecting drinking water from siphonage if the hose end ends up in dirty water or a drainage scenario. They act by admitting air into the line to break any potential siphon. The exception exists for hose connections intended for a clothes washer because the washer inlet is designed with its own backflow protection within the appliance’s valve system. That built‑in protection means an external vacuum breaker on the outdoor hose connection isn’t required for that specific use. For all other hose connections, a vacuum breaker helps prevent backflow and cross‑connections, so they are normally required.

Vacuum breakers prevent backflow into the potable water supply when a hose is connected, protecting drinking water from siphonage if the hose end ends up in dirty water or a drainage scenario. They act by admitting air into the line to break any potential siphon.

The exception exists for hose connections intended for a clothes washer because the washer inlet is designed with its own backflow protection within the appliance’s valve system. That built‑in protection means an external vacuum breaker on the outdoor hose connection isn’t required for that specific use. For all other hose connections, a vacuum breaker helps prevent backflow and cross‑connections, so they are normally required.