Building Code Glossary
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.
On this page
Last updated September 7, 2026 · 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.
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, 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.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Spillproof Vacuum Breaker is defined once in this corpus, in the Definitions 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 | IPC 2009 | 5 |
| General Regulations | IPC 2009 | 2 |
| Water Supply and Distribution | IRC 2009 | 2 |
| Definitions | 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 — 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 and the ICC 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
- Valve: Building Code Definition
- Building: Building Code Definition
- Construction Documents: Building Code Definition
- Registered Design Professional: Building Code Definition
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 publishes the current model text and the ICC adoption maps show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.
Source links
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.
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