Air Admittance Valve Replacement

What air admittance valve replacement covers

AAV replacement is a targeted repair that focuses on restoring correct pipe ventilation and confirming normal drainage afterwards. The service typically includes:

• Locating the AAV and checking access (under sinks, in boxed-in pipework, loft spaces, or service voids)
• Assessing symptoms such as slow drainage, gurgling traps, or persistent odours
• Checking for contributing issues like partial blockages, poor falls, or dried-out traps
• Removing the faulty valve and fitting a like-for-like replacement in the correct orientation and height
• Inspecting seals and connections around the valve and nearby pipework
• Testing with running water to confirm drainage improves and odours are reduced
• Explaining what was found and what to do if symptoms return

When this service is the right fit

AAV replacement is most relevant if you notice bad smells near a waste pipe, intermittent gurgling after flushing, or slow drainage that is not solved by basic trap cleaning. It is also common after bathroom or kitchen changes where ventilation has been altered, or where a valve has been painted over, damaged, or is past its working life.

How the work is carried out

The job starts with confirming the likely cause and locating the valve, then checking the surrounding pipework for signs of leakage, incorrect installation, or restrictions. If replacement is appropriate, the old AAV is removed and a new valve is fitted securely. Final testing checks that fixtures drain normally and that the system is drawing air as intended.

After replacement: what happens next

Once fitted, an AAV should work quietly in the background. If there are still smells or slow drainage, the next step is usually a targeted drainage investigation to rule out a blockage or a separate ventilation issue. You will be advised on practical steps to keep traps sealed and reduce the chance of odours returning.