Features of the operation of sewer air valves

To prevent stench from oozing into the room from the collector, it is important to install the valve on the sewer pipe from smell. Simple installation of the device and its high efficiency fully justify the cost of acquiring / installing the device.

What is a sewer valve

Sewer valve (aka aerator, fan or air valve) is a device that is designed to maintain optimal pressure in the pipeline and high-quality discharge of accumulated gases to the outside.

Such a device is a very accurate example of a classic type of membrane fittings. The flexible partition of the mechanism protects the room or the external environment from the spread of unpleasant odors from the collector.

Application area

The aerator is often installed in such cases:

• Plumbing located far from the common riser. At the same time, the slope of the collector is several times higher than the installation height of the hydraulic lock.
• Unventilated sewage system. The lack of exhaust / ventilation forces the installation of an aerator for sinks and toilets in order to maintain a pressure balance in the system.
• Extended horizontal manifold pipes with a predisposition to salvo discharge. This happens more often in public toilets. In order to prevent the hydraulic lock from breaking off as a result of volley discharge of drains, aerators are mounted every 3-4 meters of the collector.

The non-return air valve allows you to install a private sewerage system at the lowest cost without having to install a ventilation pipe.

Types of valves for sewage and the principle of operation

The sewer aerator has such a constructive device:

• housing;
• hole for venting the pipeline (located on the side);
• stem or diaphragm responsive to differences in operating pressure;
• gasket made of rubber, which ensures soft operation of the stem;
• top protective cover.

At specialized points of sale, these types of fan valves are presented:

• Auto. It has a small capacity, and therefore is used in private construction.
• Anti-vacuum. Due to its high throughput and inlet / outlet operation, it is used for installation on large sewer lines.
• Combined. Combines the qualities of the above two types of aerators.

Without exception, all fan devices work according to this principle:

1. At the time of wastewater discharge, pressure drops in the sewer pipe.
2. The air valve opens, as a result of which air enters the manifold through the side opening of the aerator.
3. The pressure in the pipe is equalized to atmospheric. The aerator eventually closes, which ensures the tightness of the device. Unpleasant odors do not penetrate the room.

The entire process described is very fast (8-12 seconds). A special tightness of the closed valve provides a rubber gasket.

Selection recommendations

A fan valve is selected according to several criteria:

• Diameter (size). Valid options are 50 and 110 mm. The cross section of the aerator must match the diameter of the pipe on which it will be installed.
• Design. You can buy a membrane or rod mechanism. The second is considered more reliable because it lasts longer.
• Manufacturer. Depending on it, the price of the device is also formed, which is important for private masters. Specialists recommend paying attention to goods from Germany (Ostendorf, Sanit), Russia (Politek, Politron), Scotland (McAlpine).
• The material of manufacture. It is important to select the valve according to the material of the main manifold (cast iron, polypropylene, PVC, etc.).

All types of aerators vary in color and shape. It is advisable to choose a device that is combined with other elements of the sewer system.

Installation Rules

Before installing the fan valve, it is important to understand the basic rules of the work. Experts recommend taking into account the following points:

• They put the mechanism only in an upright position. Its horizontal installation will lead to malfunctions of the device. If it is impossible to install the aerator vertically initially, you need to use special knees and adapters, which will eventually form the correct position of the mechanism.
• It is important to keep access to the aerator open in case of repair or maintenance.
• The fan valve is placed above the water / wastewater discharge points (plumbing connections to the collector). If the house has two or more floors, you can mount the aerator in the attic, provided it is insulated. The external mechanism must be qualitatively protected from the cold.
• The air check valve operates at positive temperatures. In case of installation on a cold pipe, it must be insulated.

Install the aerator in the socket or using a threaded connection. If the first installation option is provided, use a special rubber sealing sleeve and an additional sealant. If the aerator joins by means of a thread, first it is cut into sections of the collector, then it is treated with sealant and the fan valve is screwed.

Before installing the device, you need to shut off the water in the riser. After installation, the equipment is last checked for leaks.

Operational Features

The aerator installed according to the rules and in accordance with the developed scheme works without failures. This is evidenced by the absence of third-party odors in the apartment / house. However, it happens that the device externally performs its functions, but the smells penetrate into the room. More often, such changes occur during the installation of additional household appliances that discharge water under high pressure into the collector. A previously installed valve simply does not have time to cope with a new task. In this case, it is better to additionally mount another aerator.

The rest of the device does not require complex maintenance for the entire period of operation.

Valve Cost

Valve prices for sewer pipes with a diameter of 110 mm or 50 mm vary depending on the manufacturer.

• Politron, Politek (Russia) - 150-200 rubles / pcs.;
• Ostendorf, Sanit (Germany) - 400-1000 rubles / pcs.;
• McAlpine (England / Scotland) - 1200-1500 rubles .;
• HL (Austria) - from 2500 to 3600 rubles.

When purchasing a plumbing product, ask the seller for a receipt. Based on it, you can return an inappropriate vacuum mechanism or exchange it for another.