Preventative Maintenance Options

• The primary problem that occurs with air release valves is that they become clogged. If you have an air release valve in a water system, the best preventative maintenance you can do is filter the water. The more particles or contaminants the water has in it, the more easily it can clog the air valve. Using a filtration system before the water reaches the valve will stop it from clogging so easily. If your water is hard, then use a water softener filtration system to prevent the build-up of scale, which can also harm air release valves.
  
  If the water system naturally carries other particles, such as a sewage system, you will not be able to filter all the particles out. Instead, regularly check the valve to make sure it is not rusted or clogged. These regular checks are also very practical when dealing with manual air release valves. Every few months bleed a little air from your system to make sure it is still operational.
  
  

Testing the Valve

• Test your air release valve by opening it and slowly releasing air until water starts to come out. Sometimes there is a separate valve for water at the bottom of the valve assembly, which you can undo after bleeding out the air. Have a cloth handy if you need to stop the water from reaching the floor. If the system begins to leak out water at a steady, full rate, then it is operating correctly. If the system does not leak water after the air is released, then a clog has developed and must be removed. If you have experience with plumbing and valves, you can shut off the water system and clean the valve yourself by detaching it and taking it carefully apart. If you do not have any experience, call a professional. It should be a quick fix, unless the valve has rusted and needs to be replaced entirely.