A flange air valve releases trapped air from water mains and bolts to a flanged outlet.
It prevents air locks and helps protect mains. Fit it at high points with an isolating valve.
What is a flange air valve?
Air valves release trapped air from water mains and let air in when a main drains. Float valves control the water level in tanks by closing as a float rises.
Both work automatically with a float. Air valves sit at high points of pipelines, while float valves sit at tank inlets.
Further reading
- Valve types and functions (Wikipedia)
- Float valves (ballcocks) (Wikipedia)
- Water hammer (Wikipedia)
Key terms explained
- Air release valve
- Releases small pockets of air from a pressurised main.
- Double orifice air valve
- Releases large and small volumes of air and lets air in.
- Float valve
- A valve that closes as a float rises with the water level.
- PN rating
- Pressure Nominal: the pressure class in bar at reference temperature, such as PN16.
- Class 150 and 800
- American pressure classes. Class 800 is common for small forged steel valves.
- End connection
- How the valve joins the pipe: threaded, flanged, wafer, socket weld or clamp.
Features and benefits
- Works automatically with a float.
- Protects mains from air locks.
- Controls tank levels.
- Threaded and flanged types.
Technical specifications
| Product | Flange air valve |
|---|---|
| Ends | Flanged |
| Sizes | Confirm with quote |
| Supplier | Sparks Plumbing Experts Ltd, Nairobi |
| Supplier | Sparks Plumbing Experts Ltd, Nairobi |
Sizes, grades and ratings depend on stock and model. Tell us what you need, and we will confirm before you order.
Applications of a flange air valve
- Water mains high points. Releases air at peaks.
- Pump discharge. Releases air on start-up.
- Borehole lines. Releases air from delivery lines.
- Irrigation mains. Stops air locks.
- Gravity schemes. Releases air on hilly routes.
- Storage tanks. Float valves control filling.
- Cattle troughs. Float valves refill troughs.
- Cooling towers. Float valves top up water.
- Rooftop tanks. Controls building tank levels.
- Reservoirs. Controls reservoir inlets.
- Fire tanks. Keeps fire tanks full.
- Water treatment. Controls tank levels.
How to choose and install
- Fit air valves at high points with an isolating valve beneath.
- Choose double orifice valves for filling and draining mains.
- Size float valves for the inlet pressure.
- Keep floats free to move.
Why choose Sparks Plumbing Experts
- Valves, flanges and gaskets togetherComplete a pipeline joint with matching valves, flanges, gaskets and bolts.
- Pressure-rated optionsMany items come in PN16, class 150 or class 300 ratings, so you can match the line.
- Stainless and carbon steelChoose stainless for corrosion resistance or carbon steel where it suits the service.
- Plant maintenance sparesKeep critical spares on hand for planned shutdowns and breakdowns.
- Visit or collect in NairobiOur store is at KCB Building, Enterprise Road, in the Industrial Area, so you can see parts before you buy or collect your order.
- Quotes your wayAsk for prices by phone, WhatsApp, email or the online quote form, whichever suits you on site.
- Over 1,600 products in one placeOur catalogue covers 55 categories, so one supplier can handle most of your parts list.
- Help choosing the right partSend a nameplate photo, a drawing or the old part, and we help you match size and specification.
- Single items or project quantitiesWe price a single replacement part just as readily as a full site order.
- Supply across East AfricaWe serve customers across Kenya, and we also supply buyers in Uganda and Tanzania.
Related products and accessories
Browse more: Valves · Flanges · Gaskets · Industrial Piping Systems.
Ordering from Sparks Plumbing Experts
We supply customers across Kenya, and we also serve buyers in Uganda and Tanzania. You can collect from our store at KCB Building, Enterprise Road, Nairobi, or ask us about delivery to your site. Send your quantities and specifications, and we will reply with prices and availability.
Request a Quote WhatsApp 0726 086 895
Frequently asked questions
Where is a flange air valve fitted?
At high points of water mains and after pumps.
What details do you need to quote air valves?
Tell us the size, end connection, pressure rating, body material and the fluid and temperature. A photo of the old part, a nameplate or a drawing also helps. Then call or WhatsApp 0726 086 895, or use the quote form on this page.
Do you deliver air valves outside Nairobi?
Yes. We supply customers across Kenya, and we also serve buyers in Uganda and Tanzania. Delivery or courier arrangements are agreed when you confirm the order.
How much does a air valve cost in Kenya?
The price depends on the type, size, material, pressure rating and quantity. Therefore, send your list with a quote request and we will reply with current figures.
What does PN16 mean on a valve?
It means a nominal pressure rating of 16 bar at reference temperature. At higher temperatures the allowed pressure is lower, so check the rating table.
Flanged or threaded: which do I need?
Threaded ends suit small sizes, usually up to 2 inch. Flanged ends suit larger sizes and make removal easier.
Why does my float valve not close?
Debris on the seat or a damaged float. Clean or replace it.
Do air valves need maintenance?
Yes. Check and clean them periodically.
Can air valves stop water hammer?
They help by removing air and letting air in on drain-down.
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