Watts 800M4FR Freeze-Resistant Anti-Siphon Vacuum Breaker
The Watts 800M4FR is positioned as the go-to freeze‑resistant anti-siphon solution for outdoor hose bibs and seasonal installations, combining a compact anti‑siphon design with materials and geometry that resist frost damage. It holds an edge over standard atmospheric vacuum breakers on this list by reducing winter-related replacement costs and offering an economical alternative to full pressure vacuum breakers for low‑hazard outdoor use.
Freeze-resistant build
Quick winter-proofing
Freeze-resistant build
Quick winter-proofing
Review Summary
"Users report dependable freeze-resistant performance and straightforward installation for outdoor faucets; occasional reports of minor leaks occur when not installed or winterized properly."
Compact plumber-loved
Freeze-resistant design for exterior hose bibs to reduce winter damage.
Compact plumber-loved
Freeze-resistant design for exterior hose bibs to reduce winter damage.
Time-Saving Convenience
Eco-Friendly Living
The Watts 800M4FR is positioned as the go-to freeze‑resistant anti-siphon solution for outdoor hose bibs and seasonal installations, combining a compact anti‑siphon design with materials and geometry that resist frost damage. It holds an edge over standard atmospheric vacuum breakers on this list by reducing winter-related replacement costs and offering an economical alternative to full pressure vacuum breakers for low‑hazard outdoor use.
Freeze-resistant build
Quick winter-proofing
Compact plumber-loved
Freeze-resistant design for exterior hose bibs to reduce winter damage.
Built-in anti-siphon vacuum breaker that prevents backflow into potable water.
Freeze-resistant build
Quick winter-proofing
Compact plumber-loved
Freeze-resistant design for exterior hose bibs to reduce winter damage.
Built-in anti-siphon vacuum breaker that prevents backflow into potable water.
$40-80 CAD
Cash Acme FWC86 Vacuum Breaker
The Cash Acme FWC86 is a simple, serviceable vacuum breaker targeted at residential and light commercial retrofits, prized for its low purchase price and straightforward installation. Compared with the heavier‑duty Woodford and pressure models from Zurn and Febco, the FWC86 trades advanced freeze or pressure capabilities for affordability and ease of replacement, making it a cost‑effective choice where code permits atmospheric-style protection.
Trusted backflow guard
Brass durability bonus
Trusted backflow guard
Brass durability bonus
Review Summary
"Buyers find it compact and effective at preventing backflow with simple installation, though a minority report fitment or longevity issues in harsh conditions."
Wrench-free relief
Compact form factor suitable for residential fixtures and tight installation spaces.
Wrench-free relief
Compact form factor suitable for residential fixtures and tight installation spaces.
Eco-Friendly Living
Time-Saving Convenience
The Cash Acme FWC86 is a simple, serviceable vacuum breaker targeted at residential and light commercial retrofits, prized for its low purchase price and straightforward installation. Compared with the heavier‑duty Woodford and pressure models from Zurn and Febco, the FWC86 trades advanced freeze or pressure capabilities for affordability and ease of replacement, making it a cost‑effective choice where code permits atmospheric-style protection.
Trusted backflow guard
Brass durability bonus
Wrench-free relief
Compact form factor suitable for residential fixtures and tight installation spaces.
Provides reliable anti-siphon protection for potable water applications.
Trusted backflow guard
Brass durability bonus
Wrench-free relief
Compact form factor suitable for residential fixtures and tight installation spaces.
Provides reliable anti-siphon protection for potable water applications.
Woodford Model 19 Anti-Siphon Vacuum Breaker
Woodford’s Model 19 is a rugged, bronze/cast design built for higher flow and frequent use in irrigation and commercial exterior fixtures, offering long service life and robust parts availability. It justifies a slightly higher upfront cost versus entry-level units like the Cash Acme by delivering greater durability and serviceability, and it fits between simple atmospheric devices and full pressure vacuum breakers when higher throughput or tougher site conditions demand it.
Irrigation-friendly flow
High-capacity delivery
Irrigation-friendly flow
High-capacity delivery
Review Summary
"Customers praise its solid brass construction and reliable anti-siphon protection with easy maintenance; a few users note seal replacements after many years of service."
Snap-fit installation
Robust, commercial-grade body designed for frequent use and higher flow rates.
Snap-fit installation
Robust, commercial-grade body designed for frequent use and higher flow rates.
Recreational Enjoyment
Eco-Friendly Living
Time-Saving Convenience
Woodford’s Model 19 is a rugged, bronze/cast design built for higher flow and frequent use in irrigation and commercial exterior fixtures, offering long service life and robust parts availability. It justifies a slightly higher upfront cost versus entry-level units like the Cash Acme by delivering greater durability and serviceability, and it fits between simple atmospheric devices and full pressure vacuum breakers when higher throughput or tougher site conditions demand it.
Irrigation-friendly flow
High-capacity delivery
Snap-fit installation
Robust, commercial-grade body designed for frequent use and higher flow rates.
Serviceable internals allow maintenance without full unit replacement.
Irrigation-friendly flow
High-capacity delivery
Snap-fit installation
Robust, commercial-grade body designed for frequent use and higher flow rates.
Serviceable internals allow maintenance without full unit replacement.
$80-150 CAD
Zurn Wilkins 720A Pressure Vacuum Breaker
The Zurn Wilkins 720A is a certified pressure vacuum breaker engineered for irrigation and higher‑hazard installations where backflow prevention must function under system pressure, delivering reliable performance and easier code compliance than atmospheric devices. Compared with the Febco 765, the 720A is often chosen for its compact footprint and competitive pricing while still offering the technical advantages of a pressure‑rated assembly.
Pressure-rated reliability
Code-compliant design
Pressure-rated reliability
Code-compliant design
Review Summary
"Highly regarded by professionals for consistent pressure vacuum breaking and durability; some mention it is bulkier and replacement parts can be relatively costly."
Inspection-ready flair
Pressure vacuum breaker assembly suited for irrigation and landscape systems.
Inspection-ready flair
Pressure vacuum breaker assembly suited for irrigation and landscape systems.
Eco-Friendly Living
Skill Development & Mastery
Time-Saving Convenience
The Zurn Wilkins 720A is a certified pressure vacuum breaker engineered for irrigation and higher‑hazard installations where backflow prevention must function under system pressure, delivering reliable performance and easier code compliance than atmospheric devices. Compared with the Febco 765, the 720A is often chosen for its compact footprint and competitive pricing while still offering the technical advantages of a pressure‑rated assembly.
Pressure-rated reliability
Code-compliant design
Inspection-ready flair
Pressure vacuum breaker assembly suited for irrigation and landscape systems.
Sturdy bronze/cast body engineered for outdoor use and repeated pressure cycles.
Pressure-rated reliability
Code-compliant design
Inspection-ready flair
Pressure vacuum breaker assembly suited for irrigation and landscape systems.
Sturdy bronze/cast body engineered for outdoor use and repeated pressure cycles.
Febco 765 Pressure Vacuum Breaker
Febco’s 765 is a heavy‑duty pressure vacuum breaker aimed at commercial irrigation and industrial applications, favored for robust construction, long service intervals, and broad spare‑part support. It typically carries a premium over models like the Zurn 720A but offsets that cost with proven durability, field serviceability and warranty terms that reduce total lifecycle expense in demanding installations.
Heavy-duty longevity
Service-friendly internals
Heavy-duty longevity
Service-friendly internals
Review Summary
"Considered a heavy-duty, long-lasting pressure vacuum breaker with excellent reliability in irrigation and commercial systems; buyers acknowledge a higher upfront cost but very low failure rates."
High-flow champion
Heavy-duty construction for long-term reliability in commercial and municipal setups.
High-flow champion
Heavy-duty construction for long-term reliability in commercial and municipal setups.
Eco-Friendly Living
Skill Development & Mastery
Febco’s 765 is a heavy‑duty pressure vacuum breaker aimed at commercial irrigation and industrial applications, favored for robust construction, long service intervals, and broad spare‑part support. It typically carries a premium over models like the Zurn 720A but offsets that cost with proven durability, field serviceability and warranty terms that reduce total lifecycle expense in demanding installations.
Heavy-duty longevity
Service-friendly internals
High-flow champion
Heavy-duty construction for long-term reliability in commercial and municipal setups.
Replaceable internal components reduce lifecycle cost and downtime.
Heavy-duty longevity
Service-friendly internals
High-flow champion
Heavy-duty construction for long-term reliability in commercial and municipal setups.
Replaceable internal components reduce lifecycle cost and downtime.