Vedligeholdelse af ventiler
Luftmadrasser, lufttelte og endda nogle gummibåde er ofte udstyret med en envejsventil til luftindtag som på fotoet her. De er meget enkle og pålidelige.
Hvis du kigger ind i dem, kan du se, at hullerne lader luften strømme ind i det oppustelige produkt, når du bruger pumpen. Når du standser pumpningen, tvinger modtrykket den enkle selvlukkende klap, som er placeret bag hullerne, på plads for at undgå lufttab.
Men nogle gange kan sand og skidt forhindre, at denne klap kan skabe en lufttæt forsegling, og luften vil langsomt sive ud. Det forveksles ofte med en punktering, men problemet kan afhjælpes nemt og hurtigt.
Hvis ventilen taber luft, er det tid til at skille ventilen ad. Hele ventilen kan skrues af det oppustelige produkt, selvom den er fastgjort med en enkel plastikstrop for at forhindre, at den bliver væk. Når den er åben, ses bunden af den selvlukkende klap.
Fold den forsigtigt tilbage, og tør klappen og plastsædet med en fugtig klud for at fjerne snavs eller sand, der kan forhindre den lufttætte forsegling.
Sæt ventilen på igen, og pump produktet op for at kontrollere, at det er lufttæt. Så er det klaret!
BEMÆRK! Forebyggelse er bedre end helbredelse, så skru ALTID beskyttelseshætten på igen, når du er færdig med at oppumpningen. Det er med til at forhindre snavs i ventilen og mindske lufttabet, hvis ventilen går i stykker. Sørg også for, at der ikke kommer snavs i ventilen under brug. Kontroller f.eks., at pumpeslangens ende er ren, før den sættes i ventilen.
Valves for air mattresses
Valves on air mattresses, inflatable sleeping mats and other inflatable bedding can also lose air because of dirt in the valve. If your mattress feels softer by morning, it does not automatically mean that it has a puncture.
Why is my air mattress losing air?
An air mattress may lose air for several reasons, including:
- Dirt, hair or grit preventing the non-return flap from sealing
- A valve cap that has not been fully closed
- Dust or sand entering the valve via the pump nozzle
- Changes in temperature causing the air inside to contract
- A genuine puncture or leak in a seam
Before searching for a puncture, it is always worth checking and cleaning the valve.
How to clean an air mattress valve
- Deflate the mattress completely.
- Open or unscrew the valve, depending on the valve design. Some valves can be removed fully, while others can only be opened partially.
- Locate the flexible non-return flap behind the valve opening.
- Carefully fold the flap back.
- Clean the flap and the valve seat using a soft, damp cloth.
- Remove visible dust, sand, grit or hair without using sharp objects.
- Allow the valve to dry if moisture has entered it.
- Reassemble the valve, inflate the mattress and check that it holds air.
How to check whether an air mattress is airtight
Once inflated, close the valve cap securely and leave the mattress for several hours or overnight.
Bear in mind that a drop in temperature can reduce the air pressure inside the mattress. This is particularly common when camping, as temperatures often fall overnight. A small reduction in firmness is therefore not always a sign of a faulty valve or puncture.
If the mattress becomes noticeably flat after the valve has been cleaned and closed correctly, inspect it for a puncture or damaged seam.
Air mattress valve maintenance tips
- Always replace the valve cap after inflation.
- Keep the pump, hose and valve free from sand, dust and moisture.
- Avoid standing on, pulling or putting unnecessary pressure on the valve.
- Store your air mattress clean and dry.
- Check the valve before each trip, particularly after long-term storage.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my inflatable tent slowly losing air?
The most common cause is dirt in the valve. Sand, dust or grit can prevent the non-return flap from sealing properly. Clean the valve, reinflate the air beam and check whether it holds pressure.
Is a leaking valve the same as a puncture?
No. A leaking valve can produce similar symptoms to a puncture, but the problem is with the valve seal rather than a hole in the inflatable material. Check the valve first before attempting a puncture repair.
Can I use soap or lubricant to clean an inflatable valve?
It is best not to use soap, oils, lubricants or harsh chemicals inside the valve. A clean, damp cloth is usually all that is needed to remove dirt and grit.
Why is the valve cap important?
The valve cap protects the valve from dirt and debris. It also provides an additional barrier against air loss if the internal non-return flap does not seal completely.