Do-it-yourself air valve for sewage. What is a sewer air valve

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The ventilation pipe of the sewer system is necessary for air intake into the area of ​​rarefaction created when the liquid is drained. Through it, unpleasant odors are removed from the house. An air valve for sewage is capable of replacing a fan riser, which has many operational advantages. It is installed indoors, which eliminates icing, and a working mechanism for air intake only will prevent the exit unpleasant odors from the system.

The device, design and operation of the valve

Working mechanisms and appearance different aerators have slight differences, but their general structure is the same.

The valve consists of:

  1. The case and the top removable cap are made of PVC material. The cover is firmly connected to the body and is necessary for servicing the working mechanism.
  2. There is a hole on the side. Through it, air is sucked into the sewer system.
  3. The working mechanism can be made by a stem with a valve or a membrane. Regardless of the design, it fires in one direction.

The main purpose of the aerator is to compensate for pressure inside the pipeline and prevent unpleasant odors from leaving the sewer into the room. Using household appliances, which drain a lot of water during operation, the load on the sewer increases. The siphon and the fan riser are no longer enough, this is where the air valve comes to the rescue.

Until water is drained into the sewer pipe, the mechanism is in its initial state of rest. The pressed membrane or valve tightly closes the aerator, preventing the release of unpleasant odors from the system into the room. The movement of fluid through the pipes during draining changes the internal pressure, creating a vacuum. This causes the mechanism to work.

The valve opens slightly and clean air is sucked in through side hole from inside the system. The air pressure equalized inside the system with atmospheric pressure closes the valve, returning the mechanism to rest mode.

As you can see, the aerator works on the principle of a siphon, only the latter is not able to withstand strong air shocks, which leads to the breakdown of the water lock. Often this picture is observed during the drain of a full tank of water in the toilet bowl. high drop pressure breaks the water seal of the siphon, standing next to washbasin.

If we talk about the operation of the air valve, then the difference in atmospheric pressure does not allow dirty air from the system to penetrate into the room through the open valve during its operation. According to the laws of physics, the movement of air masses from a low pressure zone to a high pressure zone is impossible.

Existing species

The principle of operation of all aerators is the same, but their internal structure, dimensions and appearance may differ.

size difference

Air valves are produced in different sizes. The most popular for home sewage are devices with a diameter of 110 mm and 50 mm.

The size of the aerator affects the place of its installation:

  1. A product with a diameter of 110 mm is installed on a sewer riser that exits the building into the attic. Alternatively, a 110 mm valve can be mounted on an additional riser inside the bathroom, provided that a second aerator with a diameter of 110 mm is installed in the attic.
  2. The valve with a diameter of 50 mm is able to serve one or two plumbing fixtures and is installed on the sewer pipe directly next to them. Installation of a 50 mm aerator is mandatory when the pipe changes from one diameter to another or when the length of the horizontal pipeline is long. In the latter case, the correct slope must be maintained, otherwise the operation of the aerator will be impossible.

The choice of the installation site also determines the type of product, if, more precisely, the functionality of its mechanism.

Difference by species

In addition to size, aerators come in different modifications. This must be taken into account not only when choosing a product, but also during installation.

Features of the operation of the valve mechanism, divides the product into the following types:

Aerators can work with horizontal and vertical pipelines, which must be taken into account when choosing a suitable model.

The difference in the design of the mechanism

Depending on the working mechanism, air intake products are divided into several types:

  1. The receiving type of the mechanism works on a horizontal pipeline. If there is pumping equipment, then a vacuum aerator is placed in front of the pump. Thanks to the built-in filter, solid fractions that harm the pipes are retained.
  2. Wafer design is classified as a primitive type. The valve is mounted between the two ends of a cut pipe with a diameter of 110 mm. Due to the flanges, the tightness of the connection is achieved.
  3. The ball mechanism is equipped with a valve designed for installation in horizontal pipelines with a diameter of 50 mm. This name of the mechanism came from the ball valve located inside the case.

Aerators equipped with a rotary or petal mechanism are not installed on sewer risers with a large pipe diameter. This is due to weak spools, which often break.

IMPORTANT! Regardless of the design and installation location, air dampers must not be installed at a slope or horizontally.

Installation features to be considered when installing the product

When choosing a place to install an aerator, it is necessary to take into account the year-round air temperature inside the room. It should always be positive. The end of the riser with a valve must rise 150 mm above the highest entry point of the pipe extending from any plumbing fixture. If there is a grate on the floor indoors, the product rises above it by 350 mm.

When choosing an installation site, it is necessary to provide free access. Over time, the mechanism will require revision or repair. It is important to pay attention to the air throughput designations indicated on the body and take care of the tight connection of the product with the pipe.

Self-installation of the valve

If you have to install an air valve for sewage in an apartment, you must turn off the water supply and warn your neighbors to avoid flooding the premises with sewage. In a private house, such problems, as a rule, do not arise.

The installation process is simple and does not require special skills. On the riser, the aerator is simply installed vertically in the pipe hole. For tightness, rubber seals are used. To make it easier for the product to move along the seals, they are lubricated with silicone.

On horizontal pipelines, the valve is placed at the highest point. Here, a tee may be needed for tie-in. Its side outlets are connected to the two edges of the cut pipe, and an aerator is vertically attached to the middle outlet. When mounting the product at the inlet of a horizontal pipeline near plumbing equipment, the valve is placed in the direction of the arrow on the body, indicating the direction of fluid movement.

An aerator is not a mandatory installation, but it brings great benefits. If you are not sure about the need to install the product, it is better to turn to specialists for advice.

The unpleasant smell coming from the sewerage system is a fairly common occurrence in our houses and apartments. Therefore, it is important to know that there is an easy way to improve its performance without resorting to overhaul.

A vacuum valve for sewage (or as it is also called an air valve, aerator, ventilation duct, fan valve) allows you to improve the system, and in some cases even abandon the construction of a fan ventilation riser.

In our material, we will talk about the device and purpose of the aerator, as well as how to independently install it in the sewer system.

Disturbances in the sewerage system can be identified by characteristic signs.

These are:

  • the presence of extraneous sounds;
  • the spread of bad odors.

In houses with a long-established sewer network, it is necessary first of all to check for damage to all elements of the network. Deviations in work new system may indicate incorrect installation.

If during the inspection it was possible to exclude such causes of possible damage as cracks in pipelines or ventilation ducts, incorrect pipe slope, then the cause of the problems is most likely insufficient air flow. In this case, installing a vacuum valve will help troubleshoot the system.

There can be several reasons for improper sewerage operation: clogging in pipes, violations of installation rules, blocking by residents upper floors ventilation (fan riser). Sometimes only a specialist can identify the source of trouble.

The principle of operation and purpose of the vacuum valve

During the hours of maximum drainage and during the discharge of a large amount of water in the sewer system, an air rarefaction can be created and water is sucked out, and odors, harmful gases and vapors enter the room.

A vacuum valve is installed to compensate for pressure in the sewer system. It prevents water from being sucked out and odors from entering the siphons.

It happens in the following way. The vacuum valve starts to work during the pressure drop in sewer network. When a large volume of waste liquid is drained (for example, when using a toilet bowl or several plumbing fixtures), the pressure in the system is diluted and the valve membrane automatically opens, letting air into the pipeline until the pressure equalizes.

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At the beginning of the work, the place of installation of the valve is determined, taking into account the installation rules and its availability for further maintenance.

  1. Turn off the water supply in the house.
  2. If the installation is carried out on a previously installed pipeline, then a tie-in is carried out and a special adapter is installed.

Most models of aerators have a socket type of connection.

The assembly of such connections is carried out in the following sequence:

  1. The outer surface of the smooth part and the surface inside the socket are cleaned of dust.
  2. Wipe the sealing ring from possible contamination and put it into the socket groove.
  3. Surfaces that come into contact during joining are lubricated to reduce friction. To do this, use a silicone-based sealant or soapy solution, glycerin.
  4. The smooth end of the valve is inserted into the socket up to the mark. The quality of the connection is checked by turning the parts relative to each other, followed by a return to their original position.

If necessary, the area with the connected vacuum valve is fixed with a clamp. At the end of the work, it is necessary to check the joints for tightness.

As important as the life support of the house is, the air valve is its main part. The aerator will also solve the problem of extraneous sounds from the bowels of the sewer. Residents of the first floors can sleep peacefully, the principle of operation of the device will make it impossible for sewage to enter the apartment in the event of an air lock in the system. What size fixture of the two existing 100/50 mm should be installed and what installation scheme is advised by experts.

Purpose and design

The design of all aerators is the same. The case, made of PVC, has a removable top cover with a secure fit. The cover is needed for maintenance, inspection and repair of the device. Side air inlet or outlet and valve movement mechanism. The mechanism can be a rod or a membrane acting in one direction.

Air valve device for sewerage

The main task of this device is to compensate for the pressure in the sewer system and prevent the penetration of odors into the room. Modern household appliances create an additional load on the sewer system and the riser brought to the roof is no longer enough, as well as the siphon.

At rest, stable pressure in the sewer system presses the membrane, making the aerator closed. When draining water, the atmospheric pressure in the sewer changes, the air becomes rarefied. The aerator slightly opens the membrane and lets air into the sewer, drawing it in through the side hole. When the air pressure equals atmospheric pressure, the valve closes. The water lock in the siphon cannot hold back sudden jolts of air and sewer gases enter the room. This phenomenon is especially noticeable when draining water from the toilet bowl.

The principle of operation of the aerator

It is the difference in atmospheric pressure that does not allow gases to enter the room during the opening of the membrane. Air from the low atmospheric pressure physically unable to enter the zone high pressure. When the sewage flows back, the valve remains closed, making access to the room impossible.

Aerator sizes: 110 or 50 mm

Modifications of sewer aerators may differ both externally and in internal device, but they are all united by the principle of action. Aerators are available in various sizes. The most popular sewer aerators of the following sizes:

  • a modification of 110 mm in size is installed on a common sewer pipe, which has access to the attic. In the bathroom of a private house or apartment, the aerator can be mounted on an auxiliary riser, while one of the aerators must be placed in the attic;

Connecting the air valve to the sewer

  • A 50 mm aerator is installed near plumbing fixtures. One aerator of this format is designed to serve one, maximum two plumbing fixtures. Such an aerator is mandatory for installation if the length of the horizontal pipe is large enough or if there is a transition of pipes of different diameters. For the device to work correctly, the pipes must have a horizontal slope.

Advice. In order not to expose the aerator installed on the sewer to washing or dishwasher, excessive load, it is worth installing it at the top of the sewer riser.

Installation of aerators

Installing an air valve yourself is not at all difficult. This is done as follows:

  • before starting work, ask the neighbors not to flush water into the sewer for a while. After that, dismantle the pipe;
  • according to the rules, it is necessary to prepare the pipe: cut to size and remove the notches at the ends. An exception may be an air valve for a downpipe. Usually it is a fixture with a cover that is mounted on the end of the pipe;

Aerator installation process

  • to make the connection airtight, a rubber gasket is placed in the socket. If the installation of the connection will be carried out along the thread, then instead of the gasket, the FUM is wound on the thread. Now the aerator itself is installed.

Only one air valve is rarely installed in one apartment. Any of them should be installed in an easy reach zone for visual inspection or repair. Preventive cleaning is carried out annually. Membrane devices are cleaned more frequently.

Advice. When installing the device, check the designation of the direction of waste water on the housing with the direction of sewage water.

Mounting Features

The device comes with an instruction manual for use and installation, which you should familiarize yourself with first, but there are still some subtleties:

If it is planned to install several aerators in one wiring diagram, then the distance from one device to another is laid at least a meter.

Sewer aerator in operation

  1. The presence of a sewer aerator does not require a separate ventilation shaft.
  2. If the sewer system is located under flooring, then the valve is mounted at least 35 cm from the floor surface. The same distance is laid if there is a grate in the floor.
  3. The most high point the drain should be located at least a meter from the floor.
  4. Sewer aerators must not be installed in unheated rooms. The riser, which goes to the attic, needs additional insulation.
  5. The aerator is installed in the socket, this sequence cannot be violated.

Proper installation of the device in compliance with all these rules will avoid clogging the aerator with sewage.

Selection rules

What should be considered when going to the store for an air valve?

vacuum valve

Here is a list of the main points:

  1. Orientation of the sewer system.
  2. Type of device: membrane, combined, lever, vacuum, cylindrical. With ball or swivel mechanism.
  3. Rated pressure.
  4. Device size and mounting method.
  5. Material of manufacture and its strength.
  6. Possibility of manual adjustment of the device in case of breakage. If the damper is stuck in the “closed” position, it can break the hydraulic seals.
  7. The design must have a knot that will prevent the penetration of rodents from the sewer into the room.

An aerator is not the most impressive investment for a home, and it does not require expensive installation work. Its effectiveness in eliminating odors and the need for installation is beyond doubt.

What is an aerator for: video

Sewerage aerator: photo





The sewer aerator 110 relieves residents of the unpleasant smell and sounds when draining from the toilet. Install the device on horizontal sections of the sewer, auxiliary risers. Here is information about the devices and how to properly install the air valve.

The internal sewer aerator primarily works as a check valve, preventing liquid and gases from passing to the drain point. When using the toilet, a sharp descent of water lowers the pressure in the system, and if there is no valve, the liquid can return at a faster rate than it drained. The sewer valve 110, when the pressure drops in the drain pipe, opens and equalizes the indicator.

A schematic diagram of the operation of air valves is shown in the figure. All devices include:

  • frame;
  • air intake;
  • pressure control mechanism.

The case is hermetic, with a removable cover. The connection must be threaded. There is a rubber seal between the parts.

The inlet should allow air to pass through, but not insects and rodents. The damper opening mechanism is rod or membrane. Membrane gets clogged less often.

A septic tank aerator is used to supply air to bacteria that decompose sewage. You can make it yourself, take the pipe out of the septic tank, like a riser, and drown it out at the top. Weld an inlet for forced air injection on the side.

Types of air valves

The sewerage layout is multi-level, has vertical and horizontal sections. It depends on the diameter of the pipes, the sustained slopes and the flow rate, which sewer aerators are the most effective. There is a system of aerators, each of which has a specification:

  • the receiving aerator is mounted in front of the pumping pump on a horizontal section of the pipeline;
  • ball model aerator for plumbing fixtures with small diameter pipes;
  • ball valve with clamping spring;
  • the wafer model is installed on pipes with a diameter of up to 20 cm, can pass the flow or turn 90 0.

Wafer models can be disc spring or bivalve. The actuator is a plate with a spring.

Air check valve with flap or rotary type actuator. This type of aerator is installed on pipes with a diameter of less than 400 mm. For long sections where there is a risk of water hammer when the spool breaks, damper valves are installed.

Valves are fastened by welding, clamped between two flanges with gaskets, or a threaded coupling is used.

Reasons for Installing Air Valves

The sewer system is dynamic. Costs are constantly changing, gases from the decomposition of sewage appear. Draining through sanitary appliances changes the hydraulic regime in the pipes. Without the instruments of regulation, life, with poorly functioning sewers, becomes uncomfortable. Sewer aerator 110:

  • automatically regulates pressure;
  • non-volatile;
  • protects against freezing in winter fan pipe;
  • simple installation;
  • low cost.

The device equalizes the pressure between the line and the atmosphere on the roof where it is installed. However, such a device can work effectively at a height not higher than the second floor. If a large flow is drained simultaneously from two points on the same riser, the valve may not be able to cope.

Sewer aerator 50 is installed on internal sewerage from plumbing fixtures. Typically, such a device is equipped with transition points from a 32 cm liner that joins a 50 cm collector. An air valve is installed on a horizontal section, cutting off the bad smell from the common pipe, equalizing the pressure in the system.

Proper installation of aerators

The air valve on the riser is installed in attic, since it is frozen, it will not work. But the smell in the room should not be felt. If the house has several auxiliary risers and the main riser is brought to the roof, then a sewer aerator 110 can be installed on others. This will significantly reduce costs. The device can also be used when a riser is not provided or it cannot be brought to the roof, providing the requirements of SNiP for the distance to structural elements. When choosing an instrument, it must be taken into account that manual adjustment may sometimes be required. Install the aerator above the top drain point in the system and must be accessible for inspection and repair.

The aerator only works when properly assembled! It is impossible to interchange the pipe and socket,

The sewer aerator 50 can serve no more than two plumbing fixtures. Install the device no closer than a meter from the drain point. The aerator in the internal sewer must be at the end of the network wiring, after the last device. The minimum distance from the floor during installation must be 35 cm. The device is mounted vertically.

A properly installed aerator will last a long time, but a periodic check of the valve's condition is a must.

What is a sewer vacuum valve for - video

At times, there is such a situation when the smell from the sewer seeps into the bathroom or toilet. In the normal state, it is cut off by water locks. This is a certain amount of water that remains in the bend of the siphon and blocks the access to the apartment for gases from the sewer. Sometimes, with the simultaneous operation of several plumbing fixtures, these valves break off - there is a sharp change in pressure that pushes water out, sewer gases break into the room. To prevent such situations, put an air valve for the sewer. It neutralizes most of all air pressure drops in the system.

An air sewer valve is required in the system to equalize the rarefied (negative) pressure. It occurs when a large amount of water is suddenly released (descent, pouring a bucket of water, etc.), which takes a large amount of air with it. In the normal state, air is sucked in through the fan riser, the pressure stabilizes, no unpleasant odors are observed.

But situations arise when the amount of air entering through the fan riser is not enough for the water to leave freely. That's when the smell comes in. With a lack of air, the resulting negative pressure breaks the weakest water seal. This means that the water that is in the knee of the siphon (washbasin, sink, ladder under the bathroom) is partially sucked into the sewer, opening access to sewer gases. While you are not using this appliance, air from the sewer enters the bathroom/toilet. This is not only unpleasant, but also dangerous. The sewer atmosphere contains not only methane, which in itself is not a gift. There may be bacteria, spores of various fungi, microorganisms.

To prevent disruption of the water seal and put an air valve for sewage. It has several other names - a vacuum valve, a ventilation sewer valve and an aerator. In principle, it is the “aerator” that better reflects the purpose of this device, but this term is rarely used.

The principle of operation of the air valve for sewerage is simple. There is a diaphragm that, under normal or positive system pressure, is attached to the valve body. In this position, the system is sealed, the air from the sewer is blocked. When a negative pressure occurs in the pipe (when draining water), the membrane rises, air is sucked in from the room into the sewer (not vice versa), quickly neutralizing the resulting difference. Everything happens at lightning speed, the water seals on the sanitary equipment remain in place and continue to block access to sewer gases into the room.

Where to put

When installing the air valve for sewerage, it must be placed 20-30 cm above the axis of the main sewer pipe. In two and three-story private houses, they put the device on the top floor.

It must be installed in a place where splashes or dirt will not get on the membrane. The quality of the device depends on how clean the membrane is. Salt, grains of sand, trash, etc. will appear on it, it will not be hermetically pressed against the body, the stench will begin to seep into the room. By the way, if you observe this, clean or change the membrane for now.

A place must be found such that air flows freely to the membrane. This is the basic condition for normal operation. When 1 liter of water falls into the sewer, it can carry 25 liters of air with it. Therefore, air access must be free.

If you decide to put a ventilation valve on the sewer, you need to know that sometimes during operation it can make “grunting” sounds - the membrane sucks in air when a slight vacuum occurs in the pipe. Not all models behave this way, but there are such complaints. So it is better to find a place where these sounds (if any) will not interfere.

In apartments

If we are talking about an apartment in a multi-storey building, then you can put an air valve on any vertical section of the pipeline. To do this, you can build a tee into the system, install a pipe vertically upwards into it, and put a ventilation sewer valve on it. Globally, this will not solve the problem of ventilation of the entire riser, but your particular site will work without problems.

In a private house

If we are talking about a private house, then most often they want to put an air valve for the sewer so as not to bring the vent pipe through the roof. The correct passage of the pipe through the roof is a complicated thing, it is not easy to achieve its tightness. This is often the reason why people do not want to make holes in the roof. Many more do not like the pipes sticking out above the house. In principle, you can bring the ventilation pipe to the attic, put a ventilation sewer valve on top. In this case, the riser will be unventilated. But this is far from the most The best decision. At least that's what the plumbers say. They argue that ventilation is necessary for normal operation - to provide bacteria with oxygen.

If your wastewater treatment takes place in a septic tank, you cannot do without a fan riser, you will have to take it out through the roof. If the hydraulic locks periodically fail, it will be possible to install an air valve for sewage as an additional element of the system - on the highest floor (you can not put it in the attic).

If you have an autonomous sewage system based on it, you can try to make it non-ventilated - insert the pipe into the attic, and put a vacuum valve on top of it there. At the same time, the attic should be unexploited, large in volume, with good ventilation. The smell will be present and it will have to be somehow brought out into the street. If the attic is cold, the pipe must be insulated (but not the valve).

And anyway, plumbers and designers insist that in private houses an air valve for sewage should be installed only as an addition to the fan riser.

Installation

For the most part, plastic sewers are installed in private houses and apartments. Air valves are also selected from the same material - PVC or polypropylene. Like any sewer products, they have a bell with a sealing rubber at the end. The whole installation consists in putting the device on the prepared pipe. All.

For reliability, you can pre-lubricate the junction with a plumbing sealant, but even without this measure, the connection is tight (about the normal quality of the pipe and device).