Question: What Is A Check Valve On A Sump Pump

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Sump pump check valves are an important part of any sump pump system. Installed in the discharge pipe leaving your sump pump, the sump check valve prevents your pump from having to re-pump water it has already discharged.

What happens when sump pump check valve fails?

When a check valve is not installed on your sump pump’s discharge line, a back flow of water can cause the pump impeller to rotate backwards and unscrew off the motor shaft. If this occurs, the motor in your sump pump will sound like it is running but it will not be pumping any water out the discharge line.

Where is the check valve on a sump pump?

The most suitable location for a sump pump check valve is close to the floor level to minimize the volume of water that drains back at the end of each pumping cycle and it is a convenient location for easy servicing or replacement of the valve.

How does a check valve work on a sump pump?

How a check valve works. A check valve on the discharge line keeps water in the pipe from flowing back into the sump pit when the pump switches off. The water that remains in the discharge pipe will fall back into the sump pit, raising the water level again so that pumping will need to resume.

Do I need a check valve on my sump pump?

Should you replace the check valve on a sump pump?

When a sump pump check valve is not working, water flows back from the discharge piping into the sump pump pit. So, a check valve can cut down on electrical costs and prolong the life of your motor. If your sump pump is often running, it could be a sign that your check valve needs replacing.

Is a check valve necessary?

Do I need a check valve? A check valve is a valve that is used to prevent backflow in a piping system. Even if a pump does have a built-in check valve, we recommend that a check valve be installed in the discharge line within 25 feet of the pump and below the draw down level of the water supply.

What’s a check valve do?

A check valve is a device that only allows the flow of fluids in one direction. Since they only allow media flow in one direction, they are commonly referred to as ‘one way valves’ or ‘non return valves. ‘ The main purpose of a check valve is to prevent backflow in the system.

How often should you replace a check valve?

While typical component lifespans are application specific, manufacturers suggest metal and plastic check valves should be replace every 5-7 years whereas check valves manufactured from rubber may remain fully serviceable for up to 35-50 years.

How high should a check valve be on a 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 a check valve be submerged?

Will the valve be installed in a submerged condition? If the valve is installed in a submerged condition, this means that there will always be back pressure on the valve.

Can a check valve fail?

For example, failing check valves will start to vibrate and even lose some internal parts when problems begin to arise. Other symptoms of check valve failure include reverse flow and excessive component wear and damage. Check valves will also emit noises as they start to break down.

Can you have 2 check valves on a sump pump?

The two check valves are NOT a problem. The problem is where the original one is. When the secondary pump operates its discharge will flow down through the other pump so all you will be doing is circulating the water.

How long does a sump pump check valve last?

It’s a difficult question to answer because every system will have some differences. Typically, our valves will last in an excess of 5 to 7 years, so we recommend replacing it that often. However, if the pump cycles frequently, that can result in the check valve wearing out faster than that.

Why is my sump pump check valve so loud?

Waste lines from a sewage ejector or sump pump use a check valve to stop wastewater from flowing back into the basin. When these valves shut, they can make a thud loud enough to be heard throughout the house. To quiet them, replace the old check valve with a “silent” or “soft close” check valve.

How much does it cost to install a check valve?

Depending on the size of the system and how much it costs, most homeowners pay between $135 and $1,000. The device costs between $35 and $600, while labor costs between $100 and $400.

Why does a pump need a check valve?

The humble check valve is one of the most important components of any pumping system or fluid moving application. If water continually flows back into the pump’s basin, the pump will turn on and off continuously. This will lead to improper pump cycling and eventual burnout.