Features of the operation of sewer air valves

To prevent the stench from leaking into the room from the collector, it is important to install a valve on the sewer pipe to prevent the smell. Simple installation of the device and its high efficiency fully justify the purchase / installation costs of the device.

What is a sewer valve

A sewage valve (also known as an aerator, fan or air valve) is a device that is designed to maintain optimal pressure in the pipeline and high-quality removal of accumulated gases to the outside.

A device like this is a very accurate example of a classic type of diaphragm fitting. 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:

• Located far from the common plumbing plumbing. In this case, the slope of the collector is several times higher than the installation height of the hydraulic seal.
• Non-ventilated sewerage. The lack of a hood / ventilation forces you to install an aerator for sinks, toilets in order to maintain a balance of pressure in the system.
• Long horizontal pipes of the collector, in which there is a predisposition to volley discharge of wastewater. This is more common in public toilets. To prevent the water seal from being ripped off as a result of volley discharges of wastewater, aerators are installed every 3-4 meters of the collector.

The air check valve allows you to install a private sewage system at the lowest cost without the need to install a ventilation pipe.

Types of valves for sewage and the principle of operation

The sewerage aerator has the following design:

• body;
• opening for ventilation of the pipeline (located on the side);
• a stem or diaphragm that responds to operating pressure drops;
• rubber gasket, which provides a soft rod operation;
• top protective cover.

The following types of fan valves are presented in specialized points of sale:

• 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 mains.
• Combined. Combines the qualities of the two types of aerators listed above.

Without exception, all fan devices work according to the following principle:

1. At the moment of discharge of waste water, pressure drops in the sewer pipeline.
2. The air valve opens, allowing air to enter the manifold through the side opening of the aerator.
3. The pressure in the pipe is equalized with respect to atmospheric pressure. The aerator is eventually closed, which ensures the tightness of the device. Unpleasant odors do not penetrate the room.

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

Selection recommendations

A funnel valve is selected according to several criteria:

• Diameter (size). Acceptable 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 diaphragm or rod mechanism. The second is considered more reliable because it lasts longer.
• Manufacturer. Depending on it, the price of the device is formed, which is important for private craftsmen.Experts recommend paying attention to goods from Germany (Ostendorf, Sanit), Russia (Politek, Politron), Scotland (McAlpine).
• Manufacturing material. It is important to choose a 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 a fan valve, it is important to understand the basic rules for performing work. Experts recommend considering the following points:

• The mechanism is placed only in an upright position. Installing it horizontally will cause the device to malfunction. If it is impossible to initially install the aerator vertically, you need to use special elbows and adapters, which ultimately 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 / waste discharge points (plumbing connection points to the manifold). 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 properly protected from the cold.
• The air check valve works at positive temperatures. In the 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 collar and additionally a sealant. If the aerator is threaded, it is first cut into sections of the manifold, then treated with a sealant and the fan valve is screwed on.

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

Features of operation

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 outwardly the device performs its functions, but the smells penetrate into the room. More often, such changes occur when installing additional household appliances that throw water into the collector under high pressure. The previously installed valve simply does not have time to cope with the 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.

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

When buying a plumbing product, ask the seller for a sales receipt. On its basis, you can return an unsuitable vacuum mechanism or exchange it for another.