An unpleasant smell emanating from the sewage system is quite common in our houses and apartments. Therefore, it is important to know that there is an easy way to improve its work without resorting to a major overhaul.
Vacuum valve for sewage (or as it is also called air valve, aerator, vent, funnel valve) allows you to improve the system, and in some cases even abandon the construction of the fan vent riser
In our material we will tell about the device and the purpose of the aerator, as well as how to independently install it in the sewage system.
The content of the article:
- Symptoms of sewage problems
- The principle of operation and purpose of the vacuum valve
- Pros and cons of using a vent valve
- The design and operating conditions of the device
- General Rules for Installing a Fan Valve
- Step by Step Installation Instructions
- Conclusions and useful video on the topic
Symptoms of sewage problems
Disturbances in the sewers can be identified by characteristic signs.
These are:
- presence of extraneous sounds;
- the spread of unpleasant odors.
In homes with a long-established sewer network, you must first check all the elements of the network for damage. Deviations in the operation of the new system may indicate improper installation.
If during the inspection it was possible to exclude the causes of possible damage, such as cracks in the pipelines, blockages in sewers or ventilation ducts, improper inclination of the pipes, the most likely cause of problems is insufficient air flow. In such a case, the installation of a vacuum valve will help solve the system problems.
There may be several reasons for sewage malfunctioning: clogging in pipes, violation of installation rules, and overlapping of the upper floors of a ventilating (funnel tower) by residents. Sometimes a specialist can reveal the source of the 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, air can be created siphon seal trap sucked, and smells, harmful gases and vapors enter the room.
The vacuum valve is installed to compensate for the pressure in the sewer system. It prevents the exhaustion of water and the penetration of the smell of siphons.
It happens as follows. The vacuum valve starts working during the pressure drop in the sewer network. At the moment of draining a large volume of waste fluid (for example, when using a toilet bowl or several plumbing fixtures) pressure in the system and the valve membrane opens automatically, passing air into the pipeline until the pressure is not will be leveled.
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The inclusion of vacuum valves in the sewer system allows the most simple and affordable way to normalize the pressure in a closed network
The use of a vacuum valve provides an opportunity to significantly reduce the length of the sewer pipeline due to the rejection of ventilation risers
In the assortment of vacuum valves offered to the consumer there are devices for pressure dilution in the system as a whole and devices for arranging a separate unit of sanitary equipment
The valve is connected to the sewage pipes through standard fittings or by fitting into the socket with a rubber sealing ring.
Vacuum valves used to replace vent risers are designed to allow penetration negative odors in the room was completely eliminated, but the supply of fresh air to the closed system was possibly
Localized vacuum valves installed near sanitary fittings protect the water seal from draining water into the sewer system.
A vacuum valve installed next to the siphon prevents siphon from emptying during use. sink, if due to the dilution during this period the water from the siphon cup spontaneously rushes into sewage system
Valves serving a specific plumbing unit prevent unpleasant odors from entering their equipped rooms
Using vacuum valves in the system
Economical construction ventilating riser
Vacuum devices for risers system
Flare valve installation method
Venting valve installation option
Differences in vacuum valve models
Protection siphon bytylochnogo type
Siphon Protection Device
If the sewer is not used, the valve remains closed and prevents vapor and gases from entering the room.
Water washed into the sewage system carries a large amount of air behind it. If the ventilation in the system is insufficient, this leads to the drawing of water from the water trap.
Main applications:
- Non-ventilated sewer networks. In systems in which there is no possibility to attach the exhaust part to the pipeline, it is allowed to use an air valve. A device is used for aeration of toilet bowls, sinks, where the consumption of a large amount of wastewater can lead to an imbalance of pressure and draw water from the hydraulic seal.
- Long horizontal sewer networks with a large number of sanitary points and a high probability of salvo discharge drains. For example, in public toilets. In such places, to prevent breakdown of the hydraulic lock, an aerator is installed every three sanitary points.
- Systems in which plumbing is located far from the riser, and the product slope of sewer pipe (expressed in mm / m) exceeds the height of the hydraulic shutter.
The vacuum valve (aerator) allows you to save materials and resources when building engineering networks in low-rise buildings, by refusing to install a ventilation pipe.
In high-rise buildings, it can only be used as additional equipment used to optimize the operation of the sewage system.
The ventilation valve is designed so that it lets in air when necessary, without releasing gases and odors from the sewer
Pros and cons of using a vent valve
To prevent gases, vapors and odors from the pipeline system from entering the house, provide ventilation, which will facilitate their removal from the system.
The principle of ventilation is based on the flow of air from the ventilation pipe of the septic tank, the passage of air streams through external and internal sewer networks and their exit through the ventilating channel removed to the roof.
Thus, the air, passing through the septic tank and the sewage system, carries all odors with it, leaves with them through the ventilation riser in the roof and then dissipates. In the absence of a ventilation system, an unpleasant odor and volatile substances from the septic tank and pipes can enter the room through broken hydraulic valves.
The presence in the building of the ventilation system ensures the absence of odors entering the premises even if the siphons are disrupted or dried. But sometimes the arrangement of the fan channel is impossible or causes great difficulties.
This may occur due to the characteristics of the roofing material, due to the roof being used, the impossibility of locating the exit of the exhaust riser far from the balconies, windows, ventilation systems. In this case, the exhaust part is brought to the attic, and an aerator is mounted on its top.
The output of the fan standpipe is usually removed to the roof. If the ventilation is displayed in the wall, then the distance from it to the windows and balconies should be at least 4 meters. When planning, the wind direction is also taken into account, so that gases from the sewage system dissipate and do not enter through open windows and ventilation devices into the rooms.
A vacuum valve can not be a full replacement for ventilation risers, but its use can be justified by the following advantages:
- easy and quick installation;
- saving money;
- the inability to install the riser;
- minimization of heat loss through ventilation risers;
- improvement of work of a sewer network and big freedom at its planning.
Simply put, the vent valve only solves one problem — it prevents the vent valve from collapsing, while fan stand equalizes the pressure in the network, and also ventilates the septic tank and the internal sewage system.
In multi-storey buildings, the ventilation riser is not recommended to be replaced by the ventilation valve, since the latter will not be able to provide air access in the required volumes. Here the aerator can be installed as additional equipment to improve the work of the sewage system.
When installing a non-ventilated system or replacing the ventilation stack on the aerator, it is necessary to properly calculate the network bandwidth to eliminate the possible failure of siphons or the failure of fun valves.
It should also be borne in mind that if the building does not live all year round, it may happen that the hydraulic gates will not filled with water (dry) and the air from the sewage will flow into the room, which will not happen when the device is ventilated riser
The design and operating conditions of the device
The case of the fan valve for arrangement of the sewerage is made of propylene. The internal mechanism can be equipped with a rubber membrane or a stem that allows air to enter the system without releasing it back into the room. Rod valve is considered more reliable, as its working part wears out more slowly.
When choosing a valve, pay attention to the following characteristics:
- for open or closed installation;
- required diameter of the connecting outlet;
- with ordinary or double insulating wall of the riser;
- what kind of locking mechanism is used - membrane or rod;
- for vertical or horizontal (with a T-shaped connection) connection.
There are stringent requirements for vacuum sewers; each of them is tested for tightness and reliability - during operation they can withstand more than 800 thousand cycles of operation.
The device of the vacuum valve is simple. This ensures its reliable operation for hundreds of thousands of opening and closing cycles.
General Rules for Installing a Fan Valve
Before installation, first check the valve for leaks. The easiest way to do this is to fill it with water from the side where the air should not flow into the inside of the case and check this part for any leakage.
The aerator is installed exclusively in an upright position. When placed horizontally or installed under a slope, the manufacturer does not guarantee its proper operation. To achieve the desired location when installing the valve, you can use tees and elbows, which will help set it vertically.
Although the device does not require regular technical inspection, it is still necessary to provide access to it for cleaning if necessary.
For the correct placement of the valve choose a vertically directed pipe, or install it on a horizontal section with various adapters. There are also models with connections designed for installation on horizontal sections of the pipeline
During installation, it is necessary to ensure the free flow of air to the aerator, as the water during discharge able to carry along the air, the volume of which is 25 times the amount of the waste fluid.
It is especially important to consider this feature when flush-mounted aerator for sewer system.
Connect the fan valve, removing it from the drain point horizontally or extending up above the riser. For different connection options use tees, turns, adapters, reduction inserts
It is installed above the level of connection of the most extreme point of discharge (in the place furthest from the riser). To eliminate the possibility of contact with the sealing membrane - the main working element - splashes and dirt, the aerator is installed above 300 mm from the junction with the riser.
When installing the aeration valve, they follow certain rules. It can completely replace the standpipe only in case of a small water flow.
The device is mounted in places accessible for air intake. This may be an attic, a technical floor or a bathroom in the upper floor of the house. All rooms must be ventilated or equipped with hoods.
The operating temperature range of different device models can vary from –50 ° C to +95 ° C. When installing the aerator in the unheated part of the house, the sewer riser (pipe) is insulated. The valve body can not be protected from negative temperatures, since there is an air cavity between its cover and the body, which can serve as a heater.
Step by Step Installation Instructions
Most air valves are manufactured by manufacturers for connecting to DN110 pipes. If the connecting size of the device does not match the size of the pipe, use a special adapter. For pipes DN50 or DN75 use aerators with the corresponding diameter of the connecting outlet or equipped with a reducing insert.
It must be remembered that a valve intended for pipes with a diameter of less than 110 mm can be installed for a maximum of two plumbing points.
In sections of transition from a pipe of a larger diameter to a valve with a smaller diameter, use shrinkage inserts, various adapters. To install the aerator on cast iron pipe there are also special adapters that provide reliable joint plastic with metal.
Initially, the work determines the place of installation of the valve, taking into account the rules of installation and its availability for further maintenance.
Next, perform the following steps:
- Turn off the water in the house.
- If the installation is carried out on a previously installed pipeline, then insert and install a special adapter.
Most models of aerators have a flare attachment type.
The assembly of such compounds is carried out in the following sequence:
- The outer surface of the smooth part and the surface inside the socket are cleaned of dust.
- Wipe the sealing ring from possible contamination and put it into the socket of the socket.
- Surfaces that are in contact during joining are lubricated to reduce friction. To do this, use a sealant made on a silicone base or soap solution, glycerin.
- Get the smooth end of the valve in the bell to the mark. The quality of the connection is checked by turning the parts relative to each other, with the subsequent return to the starting position.
If necessary, the area with a connected vacuum valve is fixed with a clamp. At the end of the work it is necessary to check the joints for tightness.
Surfaces that are in contact during joining are lubricated to reduce friction. To do this, use a sealant, made on the basis of silicone or soap solution, glycerin
For flush mounting use special models of vacuum valves. If the riser is hidden in a fine or protective box, then measures must be taken to ensure that the air flows into the sewer valve. To do this, according to the size of the mesh aerator, make a vent.
The body of the aerator is buried in the wall, the fastener is adjusted so that its outer edge is flush with the wall surface. The visible element is only a decorative grille, which can be fastened with screws or inserted manually. For aesthetic reasons, it is available in the most popular colors - white, gray, black and chrome.
Some valve models can be used as holes for sewage cleaning. To do this, remove the decorative cover, remove the internal mechanism of the fan valve and cable pull inside.
Conclusions and useful video on the topic
The principle of operation and the purpose of the fan valve:
Installing a fan valve can certainly significantly improve the performance of the sewer network. But you should not consider its installation as a panacea for all possible troubles associated with poor performance of the drain system.
If you independently installed the air valve in the sewage system or have the necessary knowledge and skills, please share them with our readers. Leave your suggestions, ask questions in the box below.
