Top air admittance valves best test reviews
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|   July 30, 2019
Every product is independently 
selected by (obsessive) editors.  
Top Air Admittance Valves Best Test Reviews
Here at the NYCC-mag, we like to think of ourselves as crazy (in the good way) about the stuff we buy, but as much as we’d like to, we can’t try everything. Which is why we have independent tests in which we find the best-reviewed (that’s testing reviews, and lots of ’em) products and single out the most convincing ones. While we’ve written before about the best air admittance valves, a virtually indestructible AAV, and the best plumbing vent alternative, here we’ve rounded up the best-reviewed air admittance valves testings. (Note that test reviews have been edited for length and clarity.)

#1  TUUBER Dual Seal Air Admittance Valve

#1 Best TUUBER Dual-Seal Air Admittance Valve Test Review

#1 Best TUUBER Dual-Seal Air Admittance Valve Test Review.  

  • EXCELLENT the most well constructed valve.
  • PASSES the smash test with no problem.  
  • EXCELLENT Inlet flow.  
  • EXCELLENT positive pressure resistance test.  
  • HIGH Intake flow attenuation. 
  • SAFE does prevent and protect against sewer gas from escaping when subjected to room vacuum pressure.  

The TUUBER air admittance valve is #1. It is the best test review for safest valve.
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#2  Oatey Sure-Vent Air Admittance Valve

#2 Oatey Sure-Vent Air Admittance Valve Test Review

#2 Oatey Sure-Vent Air Admittance Valve Test Review.  

  • FAIR Valve construction.  
  • DOES NOT pass the smash test.  
  • EXCELLENT Inlet flow.  
  • MODERATE positive pressure resistance test.  
  • LOW Intake flow attenuation.  
  • DOES NOT prevent nor protect against sewer gas from escaping when subjected to room low vacuum pressure.  
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#3  Studor Redi-Vent Air Admittance Valve

#3 Studor Redi-Vent Air Admittance Valve Test Review

#3 Studor Redi-Vent  Air Admittance Valve Test Review.  

  • FAIR Valve construction.  
  • DOES NOT pass the smash test.  
  • EXCELLENT Inlet flow.  
  • LOW positive pressure resistance test.  
  • LOW Intake flow attenuation.  
  • DOES NOT prevent nor protect against sewer gas from escaping when subjected to room low vacuum pressure.  
Buy at Amazon
Remodeling? Air Admittance Valve?

Don't let the Plumbing Vent get in the way of your dream kitchen makeover

A general issue in plumbing remodeling is figuring out how to run fresh vent lines when access to the existing drain-waste-vent system is stopped by some structural element. It may seem like all hope is lost, but do not let that little roadblock get in the way of your dream kitchen makeover. One solution can be an AVV, or air admittance valve.

These control devices are gravity-operated gadgets that react to the force of draining water and open to let air in. When not draining gravity forces the seal and locks the valve, keeping sewer gases out of the room. Depending on the size of the valve and vent, AAVs can support different vent lines. Local codes govern the use of AAVs in location of vents.
How does an Air Admittance Valve work?

Before you install one, it is vital to know how AAVs work. Here is a quick peek at it from our perspective. Air admittance valves are run by gravity. When water and waste move down a drain line, it causes a vacuum air force in the pipe. This force lifts the seal in the AAV and lets air in, which permits the waste to drain away freely. When the force ceases, the seal falls back in place to lock out sewer gas and smelly odor from the drain pipe. 

Earlier editions of this gadget were spring-operated but that is no longer a thing and such units are not reliable and do not meet code.
What are the Advantages of an Air Admittance Valve?

An AAV can significantly decrease the amount of venting material required in plumbing system. That is money in the pocket for the plumber. They also permit amazing flexibility in the layout of plumbing fixtures, and can decrease long-term roof maintenance where a pipe vent roof penetration was eliminated during the design process with an AAV. One less hole in the roof, one less hole to maintain in the roof. AAVs have been used in Europe for more than 2 decades. However, there are restrictions.

What are some Common problems with an Air Admittance Valve?

Although air admittance valves are checked for their durability against rodents, sometimes they cannot carry on. Holes can sometimes still be chewed through if rodents are a persistent issue. Chromed or galvanized steel tubes installation may be more difficult and even can lead to improper installations causing the AAV's to fail.  


Proper thread sealant is important to properly seal the threads between the valve and adjoining pipe connection so that the sewer gas odors don't leak out. Space under the sink can be tight and the AAV's at the back so accessibility can be difficult. The AAV's sometimes are not properly installed and are located behind a wall making it impossible to access without cutting open walls.  


The bottom edge of the AAV's inlet opening must be at least 4 inches above the drainage trap and not all applications have this space available. The AAV is stuck and won't unscrew because the space above it doesn't exist for the threads to come all the way out and then the pipe extension may need to be cut and the adapter connection lowered to allow for the replacement or installation of the AAV.



It can happen, the air admittance valve is not working like it should, then maybe a replacement is needed.

Sometimes you may find that even with AAVs, there are still sewer odors and clogs. While this is rare, it is possible. Bear in mind that these valves should last many years, so if they are just lasting a year or so there may be some other issues that need addressing.


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