This application discloses novel vacuum break devices useful in automatic vacuum flushing systems. The vacuum break devices are capable of rapidly breaking the vacuum in a storage tank of a sewer line, thus enabling efficient flushing of sediments and cleaning of the sewer system. The invention also provides automatic vacuum flushing systems comprising these novel rapid vacuum break devices and methods thereof for sewer or storage tank sediment cleaning in urban drainage systems.

A device and method for troubleshooting, testing, and removing blockages from low-pressure sewer systems (LPSSs) connects to a source of pressurized water and includes a controller for regulating pressure of the incoming pressurized liquid, a flow meter downstream of the controller that meters and totalizes liquid flow, a variable pressure relief valve downstream of the flow meter to protect against an over pressure event, and a check valve downstream of the variable pressure relief valve for preventing backflow from contaminating the cleaning liquid. A gauge on the backside of the check valve measures system pressure for monitoring the pressure delivered to the host pipe for the duration of the event. A quarter turn dump valve is provided downstream of the gauge for relieving any remaining pressure between the check valve and the host pipe, rendering it safe to disconnect the device from the LPSS.