Loud noise from outside faucet

[philko]

I have a new house (1 yr old) and when I attach a sprinkler to my outside faucet & turn it on, there is a hum that is incredibly loud in the room nearest the faucet, but is audible throughout the entire house.

My builder's plumber said that it's the vacuum breaker that's on the faucet combined with a sprinkler or other device at the end of the hose. This appears to be right - when I disconnect the sprinkler or remove the vacuum breaker, the noise goes away.

My question: Since I accept the necessity of having a vacuum breaker on the faucet, is there:
1) a brand/model of vacuum breaker that doesn't make as much noise, or
2) something I can do with the existing vacuum breaker / spigot to reduce the noise


Thanks!
Phil

 

[e-plumber]

Vacuum Breaker
I use this type for an "added on" vacuum breaker, it's a Watts 8A, in chrome finish the model number is 8A-C.
Never had any complaints about excessive noise. If you have a built-in type vacuum breaker on a hose bibb, that's another story.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[philko]

e-plumber,
Thanks for the suggestion.
Any idea if there's any retailers that sell Watts vacuum breakers?

 

[LonnythePlumber]

Whoa Phil

E is providing general information when he identifies the type of vacuum breaker that he uses in add-on situations. His last sentence says if you have a built-in vacuum breaker that is a different story. You indicate that you do have a built in and the add-on will not help you.
The vacuum breakers on most wall hydrants are repairable. However if you add a type of restrictor (some sprinklers) past the vacuum breaker you can get noise. If you don't get the noise with the sprinkler off the hose then you could try a different head. Or have the vacuum breaker repaired anyway if it's possible.

 

[philko]

Actually...

... the breaker that's on my outdoor faucet is an add-on. In fact, it looks very similar to the picture in e's post. That's why I was asking where I could get one.
While I don't get the noise when there's no restrictor at the end of the hose, it seems that **every** restrictor (2 types of sprinklers, a kids water toy, a pistol group nozzle, etc.) leaves me with a loud noise inside the house.
I understand that a low flow across the vacuum breaker can cause the diaphragm inside it to vibrate and make noise. I was just hoping that if I got a different breaker, the dynamics would be different and there would be less noise. And if every breaker makes this noise, it seems hard for me to believe that someone isn't selling a "get rid of the noise" gadget that could fit between the breaker and the spigot.
Any ideas?

thanx,
phil

 

[LonnythePlumber]

You're Wise

You're informed Philko. I misunderstood your post. I agree with e about the good quality vacuum breaker he recommended. But these go bad also. I've not heard of one that is helps noise situations but there may be. I presume that the box stores or a hardware store would sell these VB but I'm not sure.
Could the noise be from a loose washer on the end of the stem instead of from the vacuum breaker? We get posts weakly on washer vibration.

 

[philko]

Loose washer?

Lonny,
You mentioned the possibility of a loose washer, but I'm not sure which washer you're referring to. I don't have a washer between the hose and the VB and I don't think there's a washer between the VB and the faucet. Is there another washer somewhere that could be vibrating?

thanx,
phil

 

[LonnythePlumber]

Washer Before Vacuum Breaker

I mean a washer before the vacuum breaker. That even if you did not have a vacuum breaker on your hose bib that the washer on the stem that allows the water to come on and you shut off, can become loose and cause a vibration. I think your's more likely the breaker and this is an also consideration. The washer does not necessarily have to be on the wall hydrant either. Opening the hydrant relaxes the pressure in the system and a loose washer anyplace in your system may be the cause. But I think your's is the braker.