What is the purpose of a check valve on a sump pump?
A check valve on the discharge line keeps water in the pipe from flowing back into the sump pit when the pump switches off. A check valve is sometimes referred to as a “one-way” valve because it allows water (or any liquid) to move in one direction only.
Where should a check valve be installed?
The check valve must be installed at the outlet of the pump and in front of the outlet control valve for maintenance. Generally, the first outlet of the pump is the soft connection (shock absorber), the next is the check valve, and then the block valve.
Is a check valve necessary?
Check valves are necessary if there is a risk of condensate backflow. For example, when a trap discharges into a common condensate collection line, there is the potential risk of backflow from condensate discharged from other traps, so as a rule a check valve should be installed.
How high should check valve be above sump pump?
Best height ( unless owner’s manual states otherwise) is two to three feet off of the top of the sump pit. This way your sump pump motor doesn’t have to work as hard as when your check valve is in lower position. It will open easier due to the reduced weight of water above it.
Can I have 2 check valves on sump pump?
So with two check valves in parallel, you protect against the stuck-closed scenario (as it is unlikely that both check valves will fail in the same manner), but are actually more likely to have a stuck-open fault, since if either check valve fails open the discharge water can flow back into the sump well.
How often should a sump pump check valve be replaced?
On average, sump pumps need to be replaced every 7 to 10 years.
How much does it cost to install a check valve on a sump pump?
The average cost to replace a sump pump check valve is $15 to $30 for just the parts. A check valve is installed to prevent water from flowing back into your sump basin when your pump is off. A broken check valve will cause the sump pump to work too hard which can lead to burning up the engine of your pump.
What happens when sump pump check valve fails?
A check valve in the sump pump’s discharge line avoids the pumped water from running back into the pit again. Without it, a sump pump would be forced to move the same water twice which can cause the pump to burn out prematurely.
What is the primary concern when installing a check valve?
Mistakes in installation can manifest in valve leakage or failure, compromising the integrity of the entire piping system. Swing check valves, double-door check valve, or silent spring-assisted axial flow check valves, all control flow through a slightly different mechanism.
Is a check valve the same as a backflow preventer?
Check valves use a hinged plug that allows water to pass through the pipeline but blocks it from coming back. Backflow preventers, on the other hand, apply an increased amount of pressure on a pipe to ensure the water can only flow one way.
