draindrain-waste-ventoverflowplumbing
In my duplex, when Unit B flushing water down the drain, the bathroom sink and bathtub in Unit A would have sewage overflow up.
I researched and I think about using Air Admittance Valve under the sink:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/STUDOR-1-1-2-in-or-2-in-PVC-Mini-Vent-Adapter-20341/202275238
BUT my question is would this solve the problem of overflow in the bathtub? Or just the sink itself? If not, how to fix overflow in tub without tearing into wall?
Thanks.
So for those out there looking for an answer here is what my plumber did:
The toilet, sink, and shower were all fairly close to each other (in my case about 6 ft). He installed one AAV inside the cabinet under the sink. That is the only AAV installed. He said it has now become a "wet vent" to the toilet and shower drain.
If by "bar-sink drain cover" you mean a perforated strainer like this:
then it might be related to the relative "softness" or "hardness" of your water supply. Where I am from we have "hard" water (high in mineral content) which has high surface tension and will not drain as easily through fine strainers. "Soft" water has less or no dissolved minerals but has dissolved sodium, and lower surface tension. Get a gallon of distilled water at the market, or mix 1/2 gallon of water with a 1/4 cup of table salt and see how that drains. If it drains fast, then you probably have to buy a strainer with bigger holes or enlarge the holes in your strainer. Or buy a water softener. Or best of all, install a sink with overflow protection.
Best Answer
How much sewage overflow occurs? If it's only a small amount, like a cup or so, then a blocked vent could be the cause.
As water runs down a drain pipe the air ahead of the water must be pushed out. If there's inadequate venting then the pressure build up in the drain can cause water to be expelled from the trap below the sink and tub. It could cause bubbling or splashing in the toilet, too.
To answer the title question "Can Air Admittance Valve under bathroom sink fix bathtub drain overflow?" -- no. An AAV allows air into the drain plumbing but does not let air out. An AAV could resolve a problem where the trap at a fixture is getting the water sucked out of it. As water runs down a drain pipe it creates suction in its wake. If there's inadequate vent or AAV then the suction literally vacuums the water out of traps.