# Spillproof Vacuum Breaker: Building Code Definition > How the IPC 2009 define spillproof vacuum breaker, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term. - Canonical: https://harth.build/resources/glossary/spillproof-vacuum-breaker/ - Last updated: 2026-09-07 - Data source: Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The [ICC code library](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) publishes the current model text and the [ICC adoption maps](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control. ## Key facts | Fact | Value | | --- | --- | | Defined in | IPC 2009 (2009 editions transcribed in this corpus) | | Primary source | IPC 2009 Definitions (model text, not a jurisdiction's adopted text) | | Chapters using the term | 4 (counted across the codes hosted here) | | Wording identical across codes | Single code (compare before citing one code's wording under another) | ## Direct answer Spillproof vacuum breaker is a defined term in the International Plumbing Code (IPC) 2009, in Definitions. The code's own words are: “An assembly consisting of one check valve force-loaded closed and an air-inlet vent valve force-loaded open to atmosphere, positioned downstream of the check valve, and located between and including two tightly closing shutoff valves and a test cock.” No other I-Code in this corpus defines it, so the IPC 2009 definition is the one to work from. The term is used in 4 chapters of this corpus, most often in Water Supply and Distribution (IPC 2009), General Regulations (IPC 2009), Water Supply and Distribution (IRC 2009). These pages transcribe the 2009 model text; verify the definition against the edition and amendments your authority having jurisdiction has adopted. *Content and cited inputs reviewed by [Scott Barrington](https://nz.linkedin.com/in/barrington), Harth founder and architectural technology specialist · Published 2026-09-07 · Updated 2026-09-07.* ## What does this term mean? **Spillproof Vacuum Breaker** — IPC 2009, Definitions: > An assembly consisting of one check valve force-loaded closed and an air-inlet vent valve force-loaded open to atmosphere, positioned downstream of the check valve, and located between and including two tightly closing shutoff valves and a test cock. ![Labeled code-term definition diagram: Spillproof Vacuum Breaker: Building Code Definition](https://efwwel0vyt9vy5so.public.blob.vercel-storage.com/images/glossary/spillproof-vacuum-breaker/diagram-1344.webp) *How the IPC 2009 define spillproof vacuum breaker, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.* ## What must be verified before using this guidance? **Spillproof Vacuum Breaker** is defined once in this corpus, in the [Definitions](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/new-hampshire/ipc-2009/definitions.md) chapter of the International Plumbing Code (IPC) 2009: > An assembly consisting of one check valve force-loaded closed and an air-inlet vent valve force-loaded open to atmosphere, positioned downstream of the check valve, and located between and including two tightly closing shutoff valves and a test cock. ## Where spillproof vacuum breaker is used in the code The term appears in 4 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next. | Chapter | Code | Mentions | | --- | --- | --- | | [Water Supply and Distribution](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/new-hampshire/ipc-2009/water-supply-and-distribution.md) | IPC 2009 | 5 | | [General Regulations](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/new-hampshire/ipc-2009/general-regulations.md) | IPC 2009 | 2 | | [Water Supply and Distribution](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/irc-2009/water-supply-and-distribution.md) | IRC 2009 | 2 | | [Definitions](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/new-hampshire/ipc-2009/definitions.md) | IPC 2009 | 1 | ## The terms spillproof vacuum breaker is built out of The definition above leans on 1 other defined term. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what spillproof vacuum breaker covers: - **[Valve](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/valve.md)** — IRC 2009: A device used in piping to control the gas supply to any section of a system of piping or to an appliance. ## Spillproof Vacuum Breaker: what to open, and in what order Every row is a document this term depends on. The [ICC code library](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) and the [ICC adoption maps](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) cover the middle rows. | Check | Where | Confirmed | | --- | --- | --- | | Read the definition in the adopted IPC | Definitions | | | Re-check the requirement that uses it | Water Supply and Distribution (IPC 2009) | | | Re-check the requirement that uses it | General Regulations (IPC 2009) | | | Re-check the requirement that uses it | Water Supply and Distribution (IRC 2009) | | | Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IPC 2009) | | | Confirm the dependent definition | Valve | | | Local amendment to any of the above | Jurisdiction's amendment list | | **A research aid, not a code determination.** The authority having jurisdiction decides which edition and which amendments apply. ## Where can you explore related guidance? - [Explore all glossary guidance](https://harth.build/resources/glossary.md) - [Valve: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/valve.md) - [Building: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/building.md) - [Construction Documents: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/construction-documents.md) - [Registered Design Professional: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/registered-design-professional.md) ## Sources and method Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The [ICC code library](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) publishes the current model text and the [ICC adoption maps](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control. ### Source links - [codes.iccsafe.org](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) - [iccsafe.org](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) ## Frequently asked questions ### What is the code definition of spillproof vacuum breaker? The International Plumbing Code (IPC) 2009 defines it in Definitions as: “An assembly consisting of one check valve force-loaded closed and an air-inlet vent valve force-loaded open to atmosphere, positioned downstream of the check valve, and located between and including two tightly closing shutoff valves and a test cock.” The 2009 model text is reproduced here; the definition that binds your project is the one in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted, as amended locally. ### Which parts of the code depend on spillproof vacuum breaker? In this corpus the term is used across 4 chapters, led by Water Supply and Distribution in the IPC 2009. Those are the sections whose scope moves if the definition is amended locally, so read them together with Chapter 2 rather than on their own. ### Is a vacuum breaker considered a backflow preventer? Backflow is a separate defined term. The IPC 2009 defines it as: “Pressure created by any means in the water distribution system, which by being in excess ofthe pressure in the water supply mains causes a potential backflow condition.” That is not the same as spillproof vacuum breaker, which the IPC 2009 defines as “An assembly consisting of one check valve force-loaded closed and an air-inlet vent valve force-loaded open to atmosphere, positioned downstream of the check valve, and located between and including two tightly closing shutoff valves and a test cock.” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted. --- - Continue in Harth (open this topic in the Harth agent): https://app.harth.build/agent?context=%2Fresources%2Fglossary%2Fspillproof-vacuum-breaker%2F - View this page in a browser: https://harth.build/resources/glossary/spillproof-vacuum-breaker/ - All resources for agents: https://harth.build/llms.txt