Fafco
Drain-Down Check Valve or Vacuum Breaker Leak
Water drips from the roof area only when solar is off and the panels are draining.
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Possible Causes
Worn vacuum relief valve on the Fafco array, Cracked check valve seat, Loose fittings at the high point of the system, Debris preventing full closure of the valve
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety: Work on the roof only in safe, dry conditions. Turn off pumps before disassembly.
- Identify component: Locate the vacuum relief valve or check valve at the highest point of the Fafco system. This is often where drain-down occurs.
- Inspect for cracks: Look for visible cracks in the valve body or fittings. Replace any damaged components.
- Clean valve: Remove the valve and inspect the internal seat and seal. Rinse out debris and reassemble.
- Replace if worn: If the vacuum breaker or check valve no longer seals reliably, install a new Fafco-compatible valve.
- Test drain-down: Run the system, then shut off solar and observe the valve area during drain-down to confirm that the leak is resolved.
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Repair Difficulty
Easy
2/5
Required Part
Fafco Vacuum Relief Valve
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