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Topic: Shower vacuum-breaker removal (Read 1964 times) previous topic - next topic

Shower vacuum-breaker removal

Our shower hose is leaking big time at the vacuum-breaker. The hose is installed facing 10:00. This angle makes it very difficult to get a wrench on the hose "apparatus" in order to remove and replace it, and pliers don't budge it. Is there a special tool required for this job?
Mike and Deb Durbin
1997 u320 36', Build# 5059
2007 Saturn Vue
Sophie and Rosie: pooches.
Buddy  01/01/2002 -  03/15/2017.  RIP sweet boy.

Re: Shower vacuum-breaker removal

Reply #1 –
Mike,
We have ours off right now soaking it in vinegar to remove calcium build up, which causes ours to leak. We were able to get it off with a pair of tongue & groove pliers. It has a rubber gasket on both ends which one must be stuck. Some just leave it off after it starts to leak.

Pamela & Mike
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

Re: Shower vacuum-breaker removal

Reply #2 –
Mike,

One more thought the threads are NOT Left handed.

Pamela & Mike
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

Re: Shower vacuum-breaker removal

Reply #3 –
Pamela & Mike,

Thank you! Good info.

Deb and the "other" Mike.
Mike and Deb Durbin
1997 u320 36', Build# 5059
2007 Saturn Vue
Sophie and Rosie: pooches.
Buddy  01/01/2002 -  03/15/2017.  RIP sweet boy.

Re: Shower vacuum-breaker removal

Reply #4 –
I had a similar problem only water was not coming out of the shower.  Broke the vacuum breaker trying to remove it.  If you can remove the hose you can unscrew the elbow and then remove the vacuum breaker.  I found a new vacuum breaker online using the part number on the old one, but made by delta.  It fits and works okay.  It seems like one of the main functions of the breaker is to provide a threaded fitting for the hose as the hose  will not screw on to the elbow.  The breaker can get dirt and calcium build up and then it doesn't work properly.
Jerry Whiteaker former owner 96 U270  36' #4831 Austin,TX-Owner Mods LCD TV w/front cabinet rebuild - LCD TV bedroom - Dual Central AC, either can cool coach w 30 amp - Skylights at roof AC openings - Drop ceiling for ducting of AC - Shower skylight white gelcoat/wood/epoxy frame - Air Springs/Shocks replaced - 2014 CRV - 8K Home Solar - Chevy Volt

Re: Shower vacuum-breaker removal

Reply #6 –
Thanks Jerry and Jerret.  We'll take another crack at it tomorrow.
Deb
Mike and Deb Durbin
1997 u320 36', Build# 5059
2007 Saturn Vue
Sophie and Rosie: pooches.
Buddy  01/01/2002 -  03/15/2017.  RIP sweet boy.

Re: Shower vacuum-breaker removal

Reply #7 –
Thanks Jerry and Jason, that is...
Mike and Deb Durbin
1997 u320 36', Build# 5059
2007 Saturn Vue
Sophie and Rosie: pooches.
Buddy  01/01/2002 -  03/15/2017.  RIP sweet boy.

Re: Shower vacuum-breaker removal

Reply #8 –
Alsons sent me the repair kit at no charge.
Regards,
Brett

'99 42' Foretravel Xtreme
'14 Brown Motorsports Stacker
'05 Chevy SSR
'02 BMW R1150R

Re: Shower vacuum-breaker removal

Reply #9 –
Thanks to y'all, we were able to remove the brass-colored housing  with the white plastic vacuum breaker inside it. See attached pic.  However  the plastic part --the actual vacuum-breaker inside-- won't budge. Right now we're soaking the whole thing in CLR, including the shower head. Is the replacement part all one piece? It looks like the repair kit will require access to the plastic inside.  Thanks again,

Mike and Deb
Mike and Deb Durbin
1997 u320 36', Build# 5059
2007 Saturn Vue
Sophie and Rosie: pooches.
Buddy  01/01/2002 -  03/15/2017.  RIP sweet boy.

Re: Shower vacuum-breaker removal

Reply #10 –
We used to have all the problems associated with hard water until we purchased a water softener. Hard water wreaks havoc with the plumbing systems.
The selected media item is not currently available.Bob & Faith Rozek
1997 U320 40'
Xtreme Remodel
2010 Scion XD

Re: Shower vacuum-breaker removal

Reply #11 –
M & D,

After you soak it in CLR or vinegar for the night then tomorrow get either 2 pair of channel lock pliers or one adjustable end wrench and one pair of pliers. Use the flats that are on the brass piece along with the ones that are on the plastic part to get a grip on. Don't use a big Allen wrench or disaster will strike. With some wiggling and a lot of patience it will come apart. It has about 4 threads that you have to deal with.

As stated by Bob we also use a water softener and wouldn't go without one. Some of the places we stay (our well out in NM) the water is so hard that if you don't chew it prior to swallowing it you will get bound up.

Pamela & Mike
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

Re: Shower vacuum-breaker removal

Reply #12 –
Shower head vacuum break is not needed, we don't have one. Replace without it and while you are at it remove any restrictor.

Re: Shower vacuum-breaker removal

Reply #13 –
[quote author=Pamela & Mike link=topic=22300.msg169434#msg169434 date=

As stated by Bob we also use a water softener and wouldn't go without one. Some of the places we stay (our well out in NM) the water is so hard that if you don't chew it prior to swallowing it you will get bound up.

Pamela & Mike
[/quote]

P & M

Lol "eliminates" any need for Imodium, huh?  Seriously, a water softener wii be our next Amazon purchase. Thanks for the specific instructions for removing the vac breaker.

D & M
Mike and Deb Durbin
1997 u320 36', Build# 5059
2007 Saturn Vue
Sophie and Rosie: pooches.
Buddy  01/01/2002 -  03/15/2017.  RIP sweet boy.

Re: Shower vacuum-breaker removal

Reply #14 –
Quote from: Barry & Cindy –
Shower head vacuum break is not needed, we don't have one. Replace without it and while you are at it remove any restrictor.

Haven't gotten it apart yet, but we'll try that. Thanks.

Deb
Mike and Deb Durbin
1997 u320 36', Build# 5059
2007 Saturn Vue
Sophie and Rosie: pooches.
Buddy  01/01/2002 -  03/15/2017.  RIP sweet boy.
 

Re: Shower vacuum-breaker removal

Reply #15 –
I have found CLR will discolor chrome shower heads, l don't know if it will change the color of your shower head.....I have never had a problem with vinegar ....

Safe Travels
2001 U320 40ft
Build #5867
2003 Tracker
VE7DOD