Caleffi 502015A High Capacity Automatic Air Vent 1/8-Inch NPT Male

I needed this for the dual purpose of breaking a vacuum and allowing air in when draining. I asked a question about this and got conflicting answers. I bought it and tested. When the water pressure is supplied, air is only let out, obviously. When the water pressure is shut off and a drain point opened elsewhere in the system, this valve indeed opens and lets air in to break the vacuum, as I hoped. There is a thin metal tab inside the 1/8-inch male thread just like competing products. I believe this tab is called a vacuum breaker and gets pulled down when draining. The tab was bent (see photo) as the packaging doesn't protect it, but as others advised I bent it back straight using needle nose pliers so it can move up and down. The description of the air release under the black plastic cap being like a Schrader valve which can be manually pressed in made it sound to me like it was a one-way valve where air could be let out but not enter. In fact, see photo, there are small openings around the pin so air can enter when draining as I hoped. I guess you would only press the pin if some reason the valve was stuck. Very happy with this valve and the SCFM of 1.75 is noticeably high capacity. My draining application is much faster now. There is a little jolt and water spurt released when first pressurizing the system from empty if the cap is all the way open. People say you can reduce that by tightening down the cap a little more to get a slower smoother closing action. In my case i don't mind any occasional spurts of water in the location and application I have, so i leave the cap almost fully unscrewed to benefit from the high capacity air entry when draining. I don't fully remove the cap so as to protect from dust and debris.

Wasn’t sure how this needed to be used, sporadically?constantly? When is it not needed? Should I always keep it plumbed in? I decided to leave it open a little for the first 2 days with my new radiant floor system, despite info that I was told on not needing it, that it was a waste of money. Checked out system after having it on top of an air capture fitting, 2 days, and boom, system was on point, no more air pockets. The valve gauges were at max performance. Yesss. I turn it back on for a few seconds about 1 time a week now, unnecessarily, and things are smooth. Thnx.

Supper small.

Just as good as taco as far as im concerned

PERFECT REPLACEMENT AND WORKS GREAT!!!

Fast Shipping

Unlike the taco I had that never worked properly this is great 👍

Received item that was used, not new. Box it arrived in was tamped with, in disarray, with seal broken. Inside was the used auto air vent. White plumbers tape with black residue on the threaded end. It is being returned for a replacement. will update when I get the replacement.

Seems like good quality. Good price. Let the air out, without letting water out. Magic! Will be buying more.

works as described. no water leak, and air vent out

Quick shipping. Installed without any issue. Thanks for services.

Literal perfect replacement and fit for my old bleeder valve. Went in easily, and worked immediately. My last one lasted just shy of 2 years, hoping to get similar life from this one. #hardwater

Took over 3 weeks to receive it as it came from the States through Postal Service. A bit too long in my opinion. Product works like it should. Good brand name as I hope it lasts longer than a Watts air vent.