FEBCO 765 Pressure Vacuum Breaker: Reliable Backflow Protection
The FEBCO 765 Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB) protects your home’s potable water supply from back-siphonage of irrigation water, fertilizers, and other contaminants. Installed downstream of your water source and at least 12 inches above the highest sprinkler head or outlet, this all-bronze assembly combines a spring-loaded check valve and air-opening port in one compact unit. Available in 3/4″ and 1″ sizes, it’s rated for a maximum working pressure of 150 psi (10.3 bar). Pair it with a compatible irrigation valve to complete your backflow-protected system.
This model includes a built-in freeze sensor that detects when temperatures near freezing; note that the sensor is passive out of the box, so an add-on BMS/IMS connection kit (available separately from FEBCO) is required to activate freeze alerts. All internal parts are serviceable in line from the top of the unit. Because this is a PVB assembly rather than an RPZ, it must never be installed where backpressure conditions could occur downstream.
- Trusted Backsiphonage Protection: Keeps irrigation water, fertilizers, and other non-potable liquids from siphoning back into your home’s drinking water.
- Durable All-Bronze Body: A single check valve and air-opening port combined in one long-lasting bronze assembly.
- Freeze Sensor Ready: Includes a built-in sensor compatible with an optional add-on connection kit for building/irrigation management system (BMS/IMS) freeze alerts.
- Simple Servicing: All internal parts can be inspected and serviced in line from the top of the unit — no need to remove it from the pipeline.
- Designed for Minimum Head Loss: The lightweight poppet seals the air opening under minimum flow conditions, preserving system pressure.
Detailed specifications for system planning.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| SKU | FEB765BV34 |
| UPC | 0643925001112 |
| Available Sizes | 3/4″ and 1″ |
| Body Material | Bronze (elastomers: nitrile) |
| Maximum Working Pressure | 150 psi (10.3 bar) |
| Hydrostatic Test Pressure | 300 psi (20.7 bar) |
| Temperature Range | 32°F to 140°F (0°C to 60°C) |
| Freeze Sensor | Included (passive; requires optional add-on connection kit to activate BMS/IMS alerts) |
| Installation Clearance | Minimum 12″ above the highest downstream outlet/piping |
| Approvals | USC Foundation for Cross-Connection Control and Hydraulic Research |
| Brand | FEBCO (a Watts brand) |
Key steps for a proper, code-compliant installation.
Step 1: Flush the Line
Before installing the valve, flush the supply line of all foreign material to prevent debris from fouling the check valve.
Step 2: Position Correctly
Install the valve only in the vertical, upright orientation shown in the manufacturer’s instructions. Installing it in any other position will cause the device to malfunction.
Step 3: Maintain Clearance
The assembly must be installed at least 12 inches above the highest downstream outlet and the highest point in the downstream piping, in a location accessible for periodic testing and maintenance.
Step 4: Pressurize and Test
After installation, fill the assembly with water, open the inlet valve to pressurize the unit, then slowly open the outlet valve to fill the downstream line. Test the device to confirm proper operation before regular use.
