Sewer aerator - how it works, how and where to install it yourself

For the proper functioning of the sewage system in a private house, several points must be considered. To eliminate the unpleasant odor from the pipeline in the room, a sewer aerator is often used. It is mounted on the main riser, and plumbing is equipped with special siphons with a water seal.

A set of these actions, however, you should know how the device works and how to properly install a sewer aerator.

Errors during installation are likely to lead to the need to redo the procedure.

Sewer aerator: what is it and why is it needed

In some cases, instead of an aerator, a sewer pipe is used for sewage, which is installed on the central riser. However, quite often it does not cope with the elimination of sewer smell, so the owners of the house decide to install more advanced equipment. Installation of an aeration valve for sewage can be done on a new or on a working system.

The aerator is a device of miniature size, in the plastic case of which there is a special hole, its main task is to suck air. Inside the body opening, in addition to the air channel, there is a damper. It works under the influence of the membrane of the device.

The main responsibilities of the device:

  • preventing the spread of an unpleasant odor from the pipeline into the room;
  • equalization of the pressure difference inside and outside the system.

Sewer aerator: principle of operation

With a volley discharge, when a lot of liquid is drained at a time, the pressure in the sewer increases significantly. When the liquid leaves the local branch and approaches the central riser, the vacuum in the pipeline leads to the failure of the water seals, as a result of which an unpleasant sewer odor enters the apartment.

To avoid such a nuisance, a ventilation pipe leading to the roof is mounted on the riser.

However, this method has significant drawbacks:

  • the ventilation pipe may become clogged;
  • there is a possibility of violation of the integrity of the roofing surface during installation;
  • in old buildings, it is often not possible to use such ventilation.

Therefore, a sewer aerator is most often used. Simultaneously with the decrease in pressure, the membrane is acted upon, as a result of which the channel opens.

Air passes through it, which allows the pressure levels to stabilize. After the water leaves and the pressure stabilizes, the valve closes on its own, which prevents odors from entering the house.

Types and sizes - 110, 50 mm, etc.

The aeration unit for sewerage differs in purpose, design, manufacturer and diameter.

The main types of devices:

  • kinetic - designed to reduce the likelihood of accumulation of excess air in the sewer;
  • automatic - necessary to remove air at high pressure;
  • combined - have the functionality of kinetic and automatic varieties.

In most cases, for the effective functioning of the sewer system, a combined type of valve is used. The piping scheme is always layered and has both vertical and horizontal orientations. Depending on the angles of inclination, pipe diameter and other parameters, the most efficient devices are selected.

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Types of sewer aerators by design:

  • receiving - installed in front of the pumping pump in the horizontal parts of the sewer;
  • ball - suitable for pipelines of small diameter and in most cases used for plumbing;
  • non-return air valve - designed for septic tanks and pipes with a diameter of up to 40 cm;
  • ball valve with gate spring;
  • damper - mounted on long sections with an increased risk of water hammer;
  • interflange - mounted on sections of the pipeline with a diameter of less than 20 cm, such devices are able to turn 90 degrees or pass the flow.

Each of these models can also differ in the type of mechanism. For example, wafer aerators are disc spring and bivalve. Valve fastening can be carried out by coupling method or by welding with fastening between flanges.

Size classification:

  • 110 mm - means the diameter of the sewer system where the valve must be installed. There are 2 types of this aerator: external and internal. The outer one is installed on top of the pipe, and the inner one is inserted into it using a rubber cuff.
  • 50 mm - used on local sewer branches. In most cases, it is mounted within a private house or apartment with a horizontal orientation of the pipeline.

A 110 mm sewer aeration unit is used when the ventilation pipe is led to the attic, and not to the roof (this prevents clogging and reduces the negative impact of low temperatures), as well as for auxiliary risers (thanks to the aerators installed on them, only the main riser can be brought to the roof ).

Advantages of this type of aerator:

  • low cost;
  • the footage of the pipeline is reduced, so it is saved;
  • non-volatile, which allows the valve to automatically regulate pressure even in the absence of electricity.

The principle of operation of a 50 mm sewer aerator in most cases does not differ from 110 mm, but the scope of application differs. It is installed when several plumbing fixtures are simultaneously used in the room (for example, a toilet bowl, a bathtub and a sink); when there is an element in the pipeline where the diameter of the pipe changes dramatically; if, when installing the sewerage system, the slope is not done correctly.

The installation of large devices should be carried out by housing and communal services workers, and local 50 mm aerators must be installed independently. For the correct and durable operation of the aerator, it is recommended to follow certain rules during installation:

  • the fixture is mounted after the last plumbing element in the system and must be above the rest of the fixtures;
  • it is necessary to connect the air valve to pipes of the smallest diameter;
  • when using a drain, the device must be connected at least 35 cm above the floor. Otherwise, the risk of channel clogging and disruption of its performance increases.

Important to remember! A sewer aerator of any kind cannot be taken outside; its operation is possible only indoors or attic.

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How to choose based on the characteristics and cost of the device

If you decide to purchase a sewer aerator, you should know how to choose the right device model. First of all, before buying, it is advisable to know the main points about your own sewage system and the desired type of device:

  • horizontal, vertical or mixed pipeline;
  • nominal pressure level;
  • fixture size and installation method chosen;
  • what material is the aerator made of and its strength;
  • valve type: vacuum, membrane, combined, cylindrical, lever;
  • the possibility of self-regulation of equipment, in the event of a defect. This is necessary in order to avoid the failure of hydraulic seals if the valve is stuck in the closed state;
  • ball or rotary mechanism of the aerator;
  • the presence in the design of a node that prevents the penetration of rats from the sewer system into the house.

In most cases, the choice should be based on pipe diameters, sewer orientation, and the required tasks that the fixture must perform. The cost of the aerator device, as a rule, is not too high, and the equipment does not require expensive and time-consuming installation, therefore, if there is any doubt, it is recommended to install an aerator to improve the quality of the sewerage system.

Reasons for installation

The state of the sewer is constantly changing. Due to the decomposition of sewage and household waste, gases are formed that affect the functioning of the pipeline. Draining through plumbing leads to a change in the hydraulic regime.

In the absence of tools for adjusting the operation of the sewer, it will quickly become clogged and begin to work poorly. This will bring a lot of unpleasant moments to the owner of the house or apartment.

The main advantages of its installation:

  • protects the ventilation pipe from freezing in winter and autumn;
  • work does not depend on the availability of electricity;
  • low cost of most models, usually 100-200 rubles;
  • simple installation process, does not require complex installation, so the procedure can be easily carried out by a person without relevant experience;
  • sewer pressure adjustment is carried out automatically.

The sewer aeration valve 110 equalizes the difference between the internal hydraulic regime of the pipeline and the external one, however, it can function at a height of no more than 2 floors. Such a valve may not be able to cope with the load if 2 or more plumbing fixtures are drained at the same time.

In this case, it is better to install an aerator with a diameter of 50 mm on a local branch of the internal sewage system. In most cases, such devices are mounted in places where the pipe diameter is reduced from 50 to 32 mm. The device is installed on horizontal sections and equalizes the pressure, simultaneously displacing an unpleasant sewer odor.

How to install a sewer aerator

After familiarizing yourself with the principle of operation of the device, you can proceed to the process of installing the device. Installation is not a complicated procedure, but it is important to follow all the steps exactly and follow the rules. Before starting installation work, turn off the water supply to the riser and warn neighbors if installation is carried out in a high-rise apartment building.

A small section of the pipe is cut off and the aerator is installed according to the instructions. If the pipe is horizontal, then the arrow shown on the equipment must match the direction of the sewer.

With the rapid movement of sewage liquids, the pressure changes, as a result of which the valve is activated and the air channel opens, through which the air pump passes. When the pressure drops, the spring closes the valve, which prevents the smell from entering the room.

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Installation sequence:

  1. From a horizontally oriented pipe, an area is cut off where the device will be located. If the aeration valve will be placed on a vertical riser, then it is mounted at the highest point.
  2. The pipe is prepared: cut to the required size, notches are removed from the cut. If an air valve for the ventilation pipe is being installed, this step can be skipped, because. it is installed on the end of the pipe.
  3. For the tightness of the connections, a rubber gasket is used, which is installed in the socket. If the installation takes place along the thread, FUM tape is used instead of the gasket.
  4. The aerator is placed and fixed directly.

There are certain installation features for each model, depending on the manufacturer. To learn them, it is recommended to carefully study the instructions that come with the equipment. After installation, it is advisable to carry out preventive cleaning of the valve every year. Membrane models should be cleaned more frequently.

Before starting the installation, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with some of the subtleties, thanks to which the procedure will be easier and faster, and the device will work for many years.

  1. Read the instructions from the manufacturer.
  2. If several sewer aerators are to be placed, the distance between them should be more than 1 m.
  3. With valve installation, a separate shaft for ventilation is not required.
  4. The highest point of the drain must be above 1 m from the floor level.
  5. If there is a grate or pipes are under the floor, then the device must be mounted 35 cm or more from its surface.
  6. The aerator device must be connected to the bell, and not vice versa.

Installation of an aerator for sewage can be performed even by a person without experience in construction and repair, because. the procedure is not complicated. Also, the master will not need additional tools, except for the aerator and pipe cutter itself. The cost of devices depends on the country and the manufacturer, the most expensive and high-quality models are from German and Scottish manufacturers. As a rule, the price is in the range from 100 to 1500 rubles.

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If you are not sure which type of sewer in your home or which type of aerator will work best, it is a good idea to consult with plumbers and other professionals. Also, many companies offer services for high-quality and quick installation of the device, their cost ranges from 5,000 to 15,000 rubles.

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