What must all outside faucets with hose connections be equipped with?

All outside faucets with hose connections must be equipped with a backflow preventer and vacuum breaker to prevent contamination of the potable water supply. This is critical because when a hose is connected to an outside faucet and comes into contact with contaminants—such as dirt, chemicals, or irrigation water—there is a potential for backflow to occur. Backflow happens when water flows in the reverse direction, which can lead to the hazardous substances entering the drinking water supply.

A vacuum breaker is specifically designed to protect against back siphonage, which is a condition that can cause contaminated water to be drawn back into the potable water system. By having a backflow preventer and vacuum breaker in place, it ensures that the water flowing out of the faucet does not allow anything to flow back into the public water supply, ensuring compliance with health and safety standards outlined in plumbing codes. This preventive measure is a fundamental requirement in both residential and commercial settings to maintain water quality and safety.