When Products Are Misleading – THE AAV -Vents vs Valve
Well buyer beware or marketing groups should be slapped. I have just become aware of an issue with a product from the Oatey company.
When installing a plumbing trap you must ensure the trap has a properly placed vent. In some situations this can become very difficult so there is an allowance to allow for an “AAV” to be used to create a vent for the supplied fixture trap. AAV’s were most commonly used on kitchen islands but now are often used in other difficult situations.
The air admittance valve (AAV) is a device designed to allow air to enter the drainage system to balance the pressure and prevent siphonage of the water trap when negative pressure develops in the system.
Now here comes the deceptive part. It turns out Oatey has a product called their in-line vent. On their website it states “Oatey® 1-1/2 in. NPT In-Line Air Admittance Vents”
Link – Air Admittance Vents
Well for many they may not catch this is an Air Admittance Vent not an Air Admittance Valve.
The above is their “Air Admittance Vent” which is not an Air Admittance Valve.
Above is their true Air Admittance Valve
Link – Air Admittance Valve
The issue here is the Air Admittance Vent is not allowed by most codes for homes which require an Air Admittance Valve.
Air Admittance Vents are allowed on manufactured homes and in RV’s.
As home owner you need to make sure that the proper AAV is installed.
If you find any errors or have additional information that would expand on any code, building standards or manufacturer requirements please let me know.
NCW Home Inspections, LLC is a Licensed Washington State Home Inspection service located in Wenatchee Washington serving Chelan County, Douglas County, Kittitas County, Okanogan County and Grant County Washington and the cities of Wenatchee, Leavenworth, Cashmere, Oroville, Cle Elum, East Wenatchee, Quincy and many more…
Your Wenatchee and Chelan Professional Real Estate, Home and Structural Pest Inspection Service
Coordinator & Instructor- Fundamentals of Home Inspection- Bellingham Technical College
Former WA Home Inspector Advisory Licensing Board
www.ncwhomeinspections.com 509-670-9572
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