The air admittance valve(AAV) also known as a cheater valve was not closing properly in my TC and was stinking up the place. I sealed it off since I already have a vent on the roof. Now I'm wondering, do I really need an AAV? I don't have one under the sinks in my house and they work just fine and water flowed into the gray tank without issue when I sealed it up during our trip.Opinions and experiences welcome.

It depends on the run from your sink to the gray tank. If there is not enough ventilation, a large stream of drain water will siphon out the sink drain trap, letting gray tank gas out the drain. If you can let a large volume of water drain out of the sink without starting a gray tank stink in the sink, you may not need it. In most cases, it is there for a reason...

The AAV is not there to vent your holding tank. It's there to ensure a smooth flow of water and not drain the traps.vermilye is correct, they are there for a reason. If you can get away with no AAV and cause no problems, good.Personally, I would replace the valve. You may be okay today but, could have problems when you're boondocking out in the sticks.

Agree with the others . You won't necissarily know which trap it drains if it happens , kit sink , bath sink or shower . You also won't smell it immediately , you may go to bed and wake up to it . They are cheap .

Do you really think a manufacturer would spend one cent extra unless it was absolutely necessary?

Cheater Vent - Air Admittance Valve | Good Sam Community

13 Replies

gbopp
Explorer
Aug 23, 2020
The AAV is not there to vent your holding tank. It's there to ensure a smooth flow of water and not drain the traps.
vermilye is correct, they are there for a reason. If you can get away with no AAV and cause no problems, good.
Personally, I would replace the valve. You may be okay today but, could have problems when you're boondocking out in the sticks.
vermilye
Explorer
Aug 23, 2020
It depends on the run from your sink to the gray tank. If there is not enough ventilation, a large stream of drain water will siphon out the sink drain trap, letting gray tank gas out the drain. If you can let a large volume of water drain out of the sink without starting a gray tank stink in the sink, you may not need it. In most cases, it is there for a reason...
Lwiddis
Explorer II
Aug 23, 2020
Any issues after sealing?

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Cheater Vent - Air Admittance Valve

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