Dripping Auto Air Vent Valve

[brianinlondon]

hi everyone,

My AAVV is dripping steadily, despite having done up the plastic cap as tight as it will go. Will I need to drain the whole system down, or is it possible to replace or repair it where it is? I understand some valves do have a check valve to allow you to remove them without draining down the system, but I don't fancy taking the risk of being inundated with mucky water. Have uploaded pic of the valve - any recommendations on what type I need? Obviously keen to avoid further problems!

Thanks for any helpful thoughts.

Brian

 

[kevplumb]

get the hose pipe out

 

[Gasguru]

The brass coupling below the auto air vent would appear to be a spring loaded valve, ie you should be able to unscrew the air vent and replace with minimal water loss.

Is there sufficient clearance to the wood above. Prepare for the valve not to seal though.

Personally though I never fit auto air vents to conventional set-ups...always use a 1/2 rad bleed valve screwed into a 1/2 FI coupling.

 

[Anybody]

Untitled

• brianinlondon
• 30 Mar 2008
• 1

I took the liberty of posting your pic so others could see it.

If it was This type you wouldnt need to drain the system. ......

Might be worth investing in some pipe freezer to save draining off and clearing any airlocks later

 

[brianinlondon]

Thanks guys for your helpful comments - and to you Anybody for posting the pic. I couldn't figure out how to do that.

Maybe I'll try the freezing route, saves the time and hassle of a complete drain.

There seem to be a number of different types of valve available - any suggestions on which type is best?

Any help is much appreciated.

Brian

 

[ChrisR]

Ass GG says, you shouldn't need an auto vent really, and the manual ones don't leak! The 1/2" fitting rad valves sold in the sheds would be fine.

 

[brianinlondon]

hi all

Just to let anyone who may be interested know - in the end I took the safe option of draining down the heating system, very easy even for a novice plumber, cleared the muck out of the expansion tank and flushed it all through - and replaced the valve. It looks as if I should have been able to unscrew it without draining it down (as gasguru said) but what I did seemed safer and not difficult. So I'm feeling confident for my next task.

Anyway all working hunky dory now - here's a pic of my shiny new valve.

Thanks for all the help.

Brian

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