AAV

Oatey® Sure-Vent® Air Admittance Valves (AAVs) provide a reliable, space-saving solution for ventilation in plumbing systems, eliminating the need for costly and complex vent piping installations. Designed to open under negative pressure, these valves allow air to enter the drainage system to equalize pressure, effectively preventing the siphoning of trap seals and blocking the escape of sewer gases.

Each Sure-Vent AAV is manufactured with precision to meet ASSE Standards 1050 and 1051, and all sizes are IAPMO listed for assured quality. Available in four sizes, from 8 Stack/20 Branch DFU to 160 Branch/500 Stack DFU, Oatey Sure-Vent AAVs suit a range of residential and commercial needs, offering efficiency, durability, and compliance across various applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are air admittance valves (AAVs)?

Air Admittance Valves (AAVs) are plumbing devices that allow air to enter a drainage system when negative pressure occurs, helping maintain proper system pressure while preventing sewer gases from entering the building.

Are Oatey air admittance valves code-compliant?

Yes, Oatey Sure-Vent Air Admittance Valves comply with ASSE Standards 1050 and 1051 and are IAPMO listed, making them acceptable under many plumbing codes when installed in accordance with local regulations and manufacturer instructions.

What are the benefits of using an AAV over a traditional vent?

AAVs simplify installation, reduce roof penetrations, and are ideal for remodels or locations where venting through the roof is not feasible.

How do air admittance valves work?

Air Admittance Valves open automatically to admit air into the drainage system when wastewater flows and negative pressure develops, equalizing pressure and supporting proper drainage. When not in use, the valve closes to block sewer gases from escaping into occupied spaces.

Can the AAV malfunction and what are the signs?

Yes. Any AAV can malfunction or not operate properly because it is a mechanical device. Signs of that the Sure-Vent is not operating as intended, are foul odors. If you smell foul odors (sewer smell) near a plumbing fixture which has a Sure-Vent installed, this means the Sure-Vent is not closing properly to create a positive seal and should be replaced. Some individuals relate slow drains to the Sure-Vent not operating properly. The Sure-Vent is not the issue, the slow drain is related to a partial blockage within the drain itself. A partially blocked drain will fill with water when the fixture is draining, and the Sure-Vent recognizes the positive pressure from the restriction and stays in closed position to stop backflow out of the Sure-Vent. You should have your drain cleaned when this occurs.

Can the Sure-Vent be installed horizontally?

No. Sure-Vent must be installed as close to vertical as possible. You cannot have the Sure-Vent tilted more than 15° from side to side, otherwise it will not operate properly.

What is the difference between positive and negative pressure, how does it affect the Sure-Vent?

Negative pressure in a DWV is created when a drain or fixture has fluids flowing through them, this is why a vent is required. Without a vent the water would flow very slowly or not at all. Example: stick a straw in a glass of water and before you remove the straw, put you thumb over the top of the straw. When you remove the straw, the water stays in the straw because there is no vent. When you remove your thumb, the water flows out of the straw because you have a vent. The Sure-Vent allows each plumbing fixture and drain to receive the needed air to drain properly. Positive pressure is present when the city sewers are relieving pressure that is designed to push back up through the building sewer and eventually out of the roof vent on your home or building. While this positive pressure is being released and your plumbing fixtures and or drains are not being used, the Sure-Vent will remain closed. This is important because if the Sure-Vent did not protect you from positive pressure, your home would fill up with foul odors.

Can AAVs be installed if the home has a septic system and not city sewer services?

Yes, with exceptions. Remember that septic systems build up positive pressure as the organic waste breaks down in the tank, this creates positive pressure. This positive pressure can affect the performance of the Sure-Vent, and you may have to add a vent on the inlet side of the septic tank if this happens. The vent on the septic tank is most commonly recognized as a pipe that looks like a candy cane.

Is the Sure-vent approved for use in a RV?

Yes, with exceptions. When the RV is stationary, the Sure-Vent will properly vent the drains for the kitchen and bathroom. If the RV is in motion and depending on how the DWV system was assembled from the factory, positive pressure could stop the Sure-Vent from opening. 

What fixtures can the Sure-Vent be used to vent?

You must first check with your local building officials to confirm that the Sure-Vent installation you are attempting is recognized as an approved application. If your application is approved under the guidelines of the plumbing code in your area, a Sure-Vent can be used to vent any plumbing fixture and or floor drain.

Related Resources

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