A rat stopper drain valve is a specialized type of valve designed to prevent rodents, like rats and mice, from entering or traveling through plumbing systems, especially drain pipes. These valves are commonly used in situations where there is a risk of rodents finding their way into buildings through drains or sewer lines. The primary function of the rat stopper is to block rodents from entering pipes or structures while allowing wastewater or sewage to flow freely in the opposite direction.
Key Features and Benefits of Rat Stopper Drain Valves:
Rodent Prevention: The primary purpose of these valves is to prevent rats and other rodents from entering the building through drain pipes. Rodents are known to travel through plumbing systems, particularly in areas with poor sanitation or compromised drainage.
One-Way Flow: Rat stopper valves are typically designed with a one-way flow mechanism, meaning they allow wastewater or sewage to flow out but prevent rats from entering the system. This ensures that rodents cannot travel upstream through the plumbing.
Self-Closing Mechanism: These valves often have a self-closing feature that seals shut when not in use, thereby preventing any entry points for rats.
Durability: Rat stopper drain valves are usually made from durable materials such as stainless steel, brass, or other corrosion-resistant metals to withstand the harsh environments of sewage and drainage systems.
Prevents Contamination: By preventing rodents from entering the pipes, these valves also reduce the risk of contamination from rodents carrying disease or bacteria.
Common Uses:
- Sewage Systems: In municipal or commercial plumbing systems, rat stopper valves are often installed in sewer lines to prevent rodents from entering buildings.
- Residential Drainage: Homeowners with drainage systems that are prone to rodent infestations can use these valves to protect their property.
- Industrial Facilities: Factories, food processing plants, and other industrial facilities use rat stopper valves to safeguard their plumbing systems.
Installation:
Rat stopper drain valves are typically installed in the drainage system where rodents might attempt to enter, such as at sewer entry points or in areas with high-risk plumbing. The installation process is usually straightforward and involves fitting the valve into the existing drainage line. However, it should be done by a qualified plumber to ensure proper function.
Maintenance:
Regular maintenance and inspection are necessary to ensure that the valve is working properly and not clogged with debris. It’s also important to check that the valve is sealing effectively and that no leaks or cracks have developed over time.
In summary, rat stopper drain valves are a useful solution to prevent rodent infestations via plumbing systems, providing a barrier against rats and other pests while maintaining proper waste flow.
Let our Rat Stopper keep them out of your house !!
Drain lines are either 4″ or 6″ for most houses and premises and generally the large lines are for area or regional drains.
We supply Rat Stoppers for all size pipes but the most common are the 4″ / 110mm units.
If you are confident that you understand the construction and flow of the drains on your property then you may be able to fit these yourself. We would always recommend that a survey and smoke test be done to assess the condition of the lines so that future issues may be prevented. These are not only rodent issues but perhaps foundation issues and soil ingress and line blockages.
You can purchase a Rat Stopper (a one way Drain Valve) to rodent proof the drains on your property. We keep the 4″ and 6″ in stock.
Drains in older parts may be of clay material as opposed to plastic and may not be as close to the measurements as their current plastic counterparts. We would recommend that the drains be inspected by a qualified individual to ensure the unit you purchase will work properly.