A Complete Guide To Amerec ADK Automatic Drain Valves For Steam Generators

A seamless steam shower session is something every steam bather longs for, and with Amerec ADK automatic drain valves, you can have optimum steam sessions hassle-free. 
You see, from a fitness and well-being enthusiast to someone simply looking to relax after a long day, a home steam sauna has come to capture just about everyone's imagination. 

But one has to ask whether residential steam saunas have really made our lives easygoing.
After all, despite all the health benefits that a steam shower unlocks, at the end of the day, it calls for extensive and back-breaking maintenance. And that's the last thing you want to do after a good long session of tranquil in your steam room. 

Thankfully, with the modern-day automatic drain valves, that's not the worry anymore. 
Wondering how? 

Let's find out!

​What is an auto drain valve for a steam generator?​

Simply put, an auto drain valve is the automated or mechanized avatar of your steam shower generator's drainage system. And as the name itself suggests, one such valve system drains your steam generator tank automatically after every session, thus eliminating the need for manual drainage. 
​
Talking about the Amerec ADK automatic drain valves, these are designed for the AK and 3K Amerec steam generator series, which are among the best-selling generators in the country.

What's the big deal with auto drain, you might wonder? 
Well, as you might be aware, steam generators are the heart and soul of your steam bath facility. And as basic as it may sound, the autoflush technology goes a long way in maximizing the steam generator's performance and lifespan. 

Not to mention it also helps promote healthy steam sessions among the bathers by ensuring that the generator tank has fresh water before every session. 

Sounds impressive, doesn't it? 

There's a lot more that an Amerec auto drain system has to offer. So let's have a look at them. 

​Benefits of Amerec ADK automatic drain valves:

#1. It's a self-drain system 
To begin with the basics, an auto drain system for steam boilers is made to do away with manual inputs to drain the generator tank. That's because the automatic drain valves will deploy after every 20-25 minutes of a steam bath session, draining the tank entirely. 

As such, you can go about your day or simply kick back without bothering yourself with draining and cleaning the steam shower unit. 

So why doesn't an auto drain system activate instantly? 

You see, the water in your steam generator tank is boiling hot after a steam bath. And even if you've turned the generator off, it will still be hot for a long time. 

Since releasing water at high temperatures can damage your plumbing system, among others, the auto values let it cool in the tank itself. 

#2. Automatic drain valves increase the steam generator's lifespan 
While the Amerec steam bath generators have a long service life going up to 30 years, they are also susceptible to damage over time. And that's also true for the generator tanks that are prone to corrosion, especially for homes that have a hard water problem. 

Now, leaving the water inside the tank after a steam bath only increases the problem, as it creates mineral and lime deposits as it cools down. 

No matter how solid your generator tank is, it will corrode from the inside due to sediment build-up. And apart from degrading generator functions, this will also affect the longevity of the water tank. 

Nevertheless, with the ADK series automatic drain valves from Amerec, that's no longer the case since they also flush out the sediments and other potentially damaging water-borne elements. 

There you have it, the perfect solution to maximize your steam generator's lifespan. 

#3. DIY-friendly installation
Whether you're building a steam bath or installing add-ons, the odds are that it'll be a complex process, more so if you're new to the world of steam saunas. 

And rightly so, as steam room installations (and saunas, too) involve sophisticated parts and procedures, thus calling for expertise. 

However, you need not hire an installation expert to have your auto drain valve up and running. That's because, with a basic knowledge of the steam generator's working, you can install one hassle-free. 

In fact, you can simply follow the all-inclusive installation manual for automatic AK drainage systems provided by the manufacturer to complete the installation. 

That's simple, isn't it? 

Note: Installing a motorized drainage valve for your steam generator involves working with electrical and plumbing systems and thus requires caution. So you should have all electrical and mechanical safety measures in place while installing one. Also, it's important to check whether or not all the connections are made safely. 

#4. Amerec ADK automatic drain valves are compatible with two generators 
One of the best things about these auto-flush valves is their versatility. 

What makes these auto drain systems versatile? 

The flexibility comes from the dual generator profile or compatibility with two Amerec steam generators that ADK series automatic drain valves feature. And this allows you to use the ADK valves for both 3K and AK series Amerec steam generators. 

Not to mention, these drain units are apt for both new as well as older Amerec generator models. 

#5. Fresh water for every steam session
The quality of your steam session and its impact on your overall health has a lot to do with the quality of water in the steam generator tank. 

Unfortunately, the problem with manual drainage systems is that users tend not to drain the water after a steam session and use the same water over again. 

The Amerec AK drains for steam generators empty the tank after every steam sauna bath, allowing you to have fresh water steam every time. 

​How to install Amerec ADK automatic drain valves on your steam generator?

As we discussed earlier, installing an ADK series auto drain is pretty straightforward. So much so that you can install one in four simple steps. 

Here's a step-by-step guide to complete the installation for your ADK auto-flush unit: 

​Step #1. Plumbing the generator

• Firstly, if you're installing an auto valve on a steam generator already in use, then you should remove the necessary drain plumbing to make room for the valve unit. 
• For a multiple steam boiler system, you'll need to install the auto drain feature on each of the boilers. 
• The motorized flush system should be connected to a flowing drain through a copper drain line in accordance with the drainage codes in your area. 

Step #2. Mounting the drain motor

• The auto valve mounting process for both older and newer generator models is different. However, the installation manual has detailed steps for both. 
• Before you install the motor on an old generator, you should ensure that the lever for manual drain operation isn't left open. 
• The motor should be properly and securely placed at the drain exit, as otherwise, the auto valve can leak or fail to function altogether. 

Step #3. Wiring the valve system 

• Wires for the drain valve should be routed via a conduit to a knock-out in the generator's upper right corner.  
• Thereafter, you should route the wires in the generator's drain terminal block. 
• Note: the wiring methods for both old and new generator models differ slightly. So be sure to refer to the installation guide before wiring. 

Step #4. Running a test operation

• Turn the water and electricity for the steam generator on. 
• Turn the generator on, let the tank fill, set the bath temperature to 10 degrees Fahrenheit or above, and run the generator for 20-30 minutes. 
• Once the steam session duration is complete, turn the generator off. 
• Wait for the next 20-25 minutes, and as the water in the tank cools down, your auto-flush system will start draining the tank. ​