Air drain valve

Sewerage is a multifunctional and important communication system. But, like other benefits of civilization, such a system has negative aspects, in particular an unpleasant smell and noise. To minimize such problems, an air valve for sewage was invented.

This device was developed specifically to effectively combat difficult-to-tolerate odors. This element is also called an aerator; with its help you can get rid of the noise produced by pipes. The purpose of the device is to create a barrier and protect the apartment from the return penetration of odors.

From our review you will learn how the air valve works, the details of its installation and what types of devices there are.

Why is this device needed?

A signal that a valve needs to be installed is the following symptoms: the appearance of unpleasant odors and/or the appearance of extraneous sounds.
Any deviation from the norm is a clue about improper sewer design. The valve is needed to compensate for the pressure in the system. It not only replaces the ventilation riser, but also allows you to solve the following problems:

1. Helps out when you can’t install a fan riser.
2. Reduces heat loss through ventilation.
3. Improves the functionality of the entire sewer system.
4. One of its tasks is to protect against the failure of the fan element.

Principle of operation

So, let's look at the operating principle of a sewer air valve:

1. When draining water, the liquid passes into the sewer pipeline. The process is accompanied by a decrease in pressure.
2. Due to the difference with atmospheric pressure, the air valve opens. Air enters through the holes on the side.
3. The pressure normalizes after the required volume of air enters the pipeline. As a result, the device takes its original position, which in turn creates a tight system.

The whole process happens very quickly, and as a result of the water seal being activated, unpleasant odors from the sewer do not enter the room.

The air valve for sewerage consists of a body, which is made of high-rigidity polymers. The top part is removable, allowing inspection and cleaning.

The gasket made of rubberized material ensures a tight fit. An air hole is provided, resulting in an opening and closing mechanism. Such a device allows you to equalize the negative pressure in the structure. In normal condition, air flows through the fan pipe.

Note! This device protects the room not only from methane, but also from harmful microorganisms and fungal spores.

Valve device

The sewer vacuum valve is a cylindrical shut-off and control device made of plastic. Despite the importance of the functions it performs, it is a very simple product and consists of the following parts:

• Housing (has a specially shaped partition separating the receiving chamber with a side window from the working one).
• Protective cover (attached to the housing to prevent debris and foreign objects from entering the receiving chamber).
• A rod with a damper (installed above the dividing partition, serves to automatically respond to pressure differences in the network).
• Rubber gasket (mounted under the damper rod, designed for its tight seal and shock absorption).

We recommend that you read: HDPE pipe for laying cables in the ground

The valve is designed for installation in a socket connection.

When installing on plastic (PVC) pipelines, a standard seal is used; for a cast iron sewer pipe, a special adapter is required.

Products from some manufacturers are equipped with a rubber membrane instead of a plastic rod. There are two main standard sizes of valves in accordance with the connecting diameters: 50 and 110 mm.

Determining the installation location

It is important to know! The air valve for sewerage is usually mounted 20-30 cm above the main pipe. During installation work, do not allow dust, dirt or liquid to penetrate the membrane. For optimal performance, a systematic supply of oxygen is necessary.

For installation in an apartment, the device is mounted on a pipeline in a vertical position. This method will not provide ventilation to the riser, but will eliminate odors in a specific area.

It is recommended to install a sewer air valve in a private house. In this case, it is possible not to carry the fan structure through the roof. But some experts argue that it should be mounted only as an auxiliary part to the riser.

In private houses and apartments, plastic sewers are installed. Air elements are also made from polypropylene or PVC.

The valve must be installed:

1. In high-rise buildings that are connected to wastewater treatment plants.
2. In waste disposal areas.
3. When connecting sewerage to sanitary facilities.
4. In systems that can be connected horizontally.

Design and principle of operation of the fan valve

The ventilation valve consists of the following components.

1. Frame. There is a channel in the side through which air flows penetrate. The body is made of polypropylene or polyvinyl chloride.
2. Lid. The removable element allows the valve to be cleaned.
3. Membrane. Made from rubber.
4. Sealing gasket. Determines the amplitude of movement of the rod and imparts tightness to the structure.

On the left - the valve is open, on the right - the valve is closed.
The device works like this:

1. When the pressure in the pipe is equal to atmospheric pressure, no air enters from outside.
2. When you drain a toilet tank, bathtub, or other appliance, a vacuum occurs in the riser. The rod moves, causing air currents to flow.
3. The pressure in the sewer system is equalized. The rod returns to its previous position, the air flow stops.

Do-it-yourself valve installation - in apartments; in a private house

You can install this element yourself or call a specialist. There are no differences in installation in a private house or apartment; the same installation principle is present everywhere. But when performing installation, the following rules must be observed:

1. The device must not be installed in rooms where heating is not provided.
2. When using the device, it is important to provide free access to it for inspection or preventive inspections.
3. When installing the automatic version, it is important to find out the point of the highest flow into the riser.
4. Fixation is made above 10 cm from this point. This is true if a drain has not been installed.
5. If the ladder is equipped, the part is attached 35 cm above the level of the floor covering.
6. The valve should be placed in the socket in the area with the O-ring. The vertical direction will ensure good functionality of the sewer system.

Modern appliances can be used in the bathroom or toilet.
They are easily installed on the riser. Simple devices are placed on the washbasin, bathtub or sink. For the fan pipe, it is recommended to choose a cylindrical design. The 50mm diameter sewer air valve dilutes the system air in horizontal areas. It must be installed on long sections of the pipeline. When creating a slope, a natural outlet of the drainage system will occur.

Air valve for sewerage with a diameter of 110 mm, mainly used on drainage pipes. Under certain conditions, mounting to an auxiliary riser is permissible. The mechanism must not be mounted at an angle.

The valve must be installed following the exact instructions. It can be mounted into a flange, threaded or using a coupling. You should create airtight connections and joints, and then check this parameter after completion of work.

At the beginning of installation work, be sure to check whether the water supply taps are turned off. Then the required pipe element is dismantled and a valve is installed on this section. If the pipeline is placed horizontally, you need to check the direction of water flow with the parameters on the device. It is not recommended to rearrange the socket and inlet pipe, as the valve will not start.

The mechanism is installed into the socket of a plastic pipe without auxiliary parts, and the tightness is ensured by a special seal from the socket. When installing in a cast iron pipe, you will have to use an adapter. This option has a more complex installation.

During installation work, it is necessary to ensure a tight connection between the main device and the elements of the comb and socket.

If the structure has a bell-type connection, installation work is performed as follows:

1. Surfaces are cleaned of dust.
2. The seal ring is cleaned and degreased, then a trench is laid.
3. Contacting parts are lubricated with sealants or glycerin, which reduces friction.
4. The end of the valve is brought into the socket to a special mark.
5. At this stage, it is important to check the quality of the fastening by turning it.
6. Additionally, the area with the fixed valve is secured with a clamp.

After completion of the work, the joints should be inspected for leaks.

Watch the video

McAlpine Sewer Vent Air Valves

Prices and manufacturers

Models are selected taking into account certain criteria. This is a diameter, the value of which can be 50, 75 and 110. As well as throughput - the figure varies between 7-37 liters per second.

Products from the following countries are represented on the Russian market:

1. The HL company from Austria offers the most expensive designs. The price varies between 2500-3600 depending on the models.

1. McAlpine from the UK provides products in the average price category of 1200-1300 rubles.

1. You can also purchase inexpensive air valves from domestic manufacturers Sinicon and Politek. The cost of devices varies between 150-380 rubles.

Types of valves

There are different types of these devices. They differ in the features of their work. Let's look at them.

1. Automatic - in demand for use in small private households. The device will not cope with significant loads.
2. The kinetic valve functions correctly at low pressure. This device protects against air accumulation during drains.
3. A combined option is a device that combines two types.

The pipeline can be installed in any direction. And for each case there is a separate option. When installing an air valve on a sewer, the diameter of the pipes must be selected correctly.

Watch the video

This factor influences the division:

1. The receiving aerator has a diameter of 20 cm. The device is equipped with a filter that retains solid suspensions. This option is mounted on a horizontal highway.
2. Ball devices are fixed to pipes with a small diameter. The device uses a ball part as a shutter.
3. Inter-flange devices are characterized by compactness and low weight. Products are available as walk-through or corner. The shutter is represented by a special plate.

It is worth classifying products according to the method of fastening. The devices can be installed by welding. This option is not suitable for residential premises. For pipes with a small diameter, fasteners with couplings are suitable.

If the valve does not have a fastening element, it is clamped between the flanges. Fixation through flanges using a seal is also often used.

Features of operation

The nuances of installing a sewerage device are regulated by special SNiP standards. In order for the device to serve for a long time, it is necessary to monitor its serviceability and regularly check the quality of operation.

1. Problems can be caused by the rod or membrane sticking in one place.
2. If the device is jammed open, sewer odors may enter the room.
3. When stopped in a closed state, the water seals may fly off.

The special strength of the design and systematic testing of the device will allow you to avoid emergency situations.

Installing the device in combination with fan or ventilation outlets helps to avoid failure of water seals.

If the device has ceased to cope with its duties, then the reason may be a malfunction of the sewer system as a whole. In this case, you need to pay attention to whether household appliances were recently installed - a washing machine or dishwasher.

Watch the video

Eliminate sewer odor

When draining under pressure of water into the sewer system, the functioning of the system may be disrupted. In such a situation, it is recommended to install an additional device that ensures the operation of household appliances.