air admitance advice

[cpf]

I have a downstairs loo with no vent and goes straight nto drain via access pipe. Everything fine for 2 years now have negative pressure. Toilet won't flush. Trap emptying. I also have a washing machine going into access pipe. If I open access pipe air can get in and everything works. Bought a af110 air admittamce valve t I can't see how it let's air in and it does not work. I know I should have it above the washer which I will do in height but it should still work?

All drains near my house are clean. I suspect there may be a problem further down road but water company won't check.

Is it the lack of height stopping it working? I thought height eas just to stop positive back presure redecorating bathroom.

Any help appreciated

Chris

 

[JCplumb]

When you turn the valve over you should hear something move inside it, possibly a faulty one if it's not working.
A picture would help.

 

[snowhead]

There's nothing wrong with the new air admittance valve.
There is a blockage.
You don't need an air admittance valve.

The air admittance isn't letting air in because to allow the W.C to flush in a partially blocked pipe air needs to escape. An air admittance won't let that happen.

It seems to be a common misconception even with "Drains Professionals" that an air admittance valve cures all.

 

[cpf]

When you turn it upside down the seal moves. I can also push it up with my finger once on and it let's air in What is completely confusing me is that it looks like it let's air out not in. I've played around with it and I can't see how it let's air in. I'll post pics.

Thanks for the reply

 

[cpf]

There's nothing wrong with the new air admittance valve.
There is a blockage.
You don't need an air admittance valve.

The air admittance isn't letting air in because to allow the W.C to flush in a partially blocked pipe air needs to escape. An air admittance won't let that happen.

It seems to be a common misconception even with "Drains Professionals" that an air admittance valve cures all.

You are right I know there is a blockage. Next door had an issue 2 weeks ago. Water company said they have fixed it. Problem was further down road. That's when our problems started.

They said they have cleated it and the drains near us are clear u I think it's backing up again hence our problem. Got them out again looked in drains said nothing wrong and told me air admitance valve. Did say it was strange our problem had started.

I was not in it was my wife and I don't think they could be arsed to check. Guess I'll wait while it backs up all the way to the drains and we will get them out again

Guess I'll wait

 

[snowhead]

It works on the difference in air pressure.

When the air pressure is lower inside the pipe (tending towards vacuum), the higher (atmospheric) pressure outside lifts the spring loaded or weighted flap up and allows air in.
When the pressure equalises the flap drops.

The design is such that higher air pressure inside can't lift the flap, otherwise you'd get smells.

Take the air admittance valve off, put cling film over the end of the pipe so it's air tight but not stretched then flush the WC.
I'll bet the cling film will lift.

 

[lame plumber]

have to agree with SH, drains blocked somewhere

 

[cpf]

have to agree with SH, drains blocked somewhere

Thanks I'll try the cling film. I'm pretty sure it's blocked too, just think it's way down the road as it was a few weeks ago. I thought the valve would at least allow be to use the downstairs loo. I can use the upstairs loo which goes into a vented stack until it backs up enough to show in the chamber near me then the water company will have to look at it again.

I should take the downstairs loo to the vented stack too once finances permit

We are on a private road with 5 houses so the drain run back to the main road will be quite long.

Thanks for all your advice

 

[cpf]

have to agree with SH, drains blocked somewhere

Thanks I tried cling film, flushed loo. Air came out of access pipe immediately. Then there was a vacuum and it suckered it back in. Hence why the trap is drying out.

Would it possible to figure out how close to toilet the blockage is. I would think quite close as the air pressure was immediate. If it was further do you would think it would not do that.

Or its backed up as far as my loo?

I've already tried snaking it and put down 20-30 gallons of hot water which went straight down no problems.

Might try rodding later.

Chris

 

[cpf]

Think I've sorted it blockage between 2 manholes but both looked clean

Rodded heard a huge gush. Should have insisted water company sort it .

Thanks for all your advice saved me from sleepless nights I hate drain problems and now I know where all the drains go

 

[rpm]

We luv a happy ending on ukpf!

 

[Ermintrude]

We luv a happy ending on ukpf!

U just love the brown scented stuff!

 

[rpm]

U just love the brown scented stuff!

Own up! Who told you?