QA

Question: Where To Install Sump Pump Check Valve

Where should a sump pump check valve be located?

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 far should a check valve be from 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.

How close to pump should check valve be?

Many well pumps have built-in check valves. 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.

Is a check valve part of a sump pump?

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.

Where should the weep hole be on a sump pump?

Your Weep Hole should be drilled between the discharge and check valve. The hole should be drilled downward at a 45 degree angle, pointing away from your pump but inside your pump pit. Make sure to disconnect your pump from the lines and place it in a place that is easy to drill.

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.

Can you install a check valve vertically?

Check valve can be installed in horizontal or vertical piping runs, with the flow running upward. Mounting for vertical installations is critical.

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.

Should a check valve be before or after pump?

The most common installation is at the pump. A check valve may be installed on the suction side of the pump to maintain the pump’s prime in the event of a pump shutdown. A check valve will be used commonly on the discharge of the pump to prevent backflow from the downstream system, when the pump shuts off.

Do I need a check valve and a foot valve?

We recommend using only one check valve or foot valve in a pump system. A foot valve should be at the inlet to the suction line of turbine, centrifugal, and jet pumps. If an additional check valve is required, it should be placed after the pressure tank to allow the pump and discharge pipe to remain pressurized.

How long will a PVC check valve last?

As one of the most-used plumbing materials, PVC pipe is known for being very durable and long-lasting. In fact, PVC pipes last approximately 100 years.

How do you keep a sump basin from floating?

Some contractors drill holes in the bottom of the sump basin and around the sides to allow excess water to enter and prevent the basin from floating up. If you choose to drill holes in the basin, make sure the holes are smaller than the “solids handling rating” of the pump (generally 1/4 in. to 1/2 in.

Should I put holes in my sump pump basin?

Yes – drilling sump pump basin holes is almost always needed! If you choose to skip drilling these holes you risk the basin ‘floating’ in the pit. This can cause damage to the pump as well as broken drain lines!.

Is there supposed to be a hole in my sump pump pipe?

A2. A weep hole is also considered a relief hole, this hole will prevent the pump from going into “air-lock”, air-lock is when the pump is running but not delivering water. We suggested that the weep hole be a 3/16” hole in the discharge pipe below your floor line between the pump discharge and check valve.

Is a double check valve the same as a backflow preventer?

A dual check backflow preventer is similar to a double check valve in operation. It has two independent spring-loaded check valves. However, dual check valves usually do not include shutoff valves, may or may not be equipped with test cocks or ports and is generally less reliable than a double check valve.

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.

Does a well need a check valve?

A Check Valve Is Required For A Water Well. It’s important to understand the components that make up your homes water system in order to maintain it and keep clean fresh water flowing safely into your home.

Should a check valve be installed vertically or horizontally?

When installing a check valve, a horizontal line is always preferred, because it takes gravity out of the equation.

Can foot valve be installed horizontally?

The flapper type check & foot valves work using gravity. They use a disk and rubber or leather flapper attached at one side of the opening. These are generally installed vertically but can be installed horizontally as long as the flapper closes down.