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.
Can you install a sump pump without a check valve?
If you do not have a Check Valve installed, it will cause your system to work much harder and more often to pump out the same amount. Installing one of these valves will drastically reduce the stress that is put on your pump and save energy by limiting the amount that the pump needs to run.
Do sump pumps need backflow preventer?
Traditional water powered backup sump pumps, located down in the sump pit, have discharge pipes filled with dirty sump water. … To guard against this, plumbing authorities generally require that homes with traditional water powered sump pumps install a Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) backflow preventer.
What does a sump check valve do?
A Sump Pump Check Valve is a plumbing product that is specifically used in a Sump or Sewage Pump system. These valves help to make sure that the water that was pumped out does not come back into the pit.
How close should check valve be to 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.
Where should a sump pump check valve be installed?
Sump pump check valves should be installed close to the floor after the pump, as shown by arrow #1. This will reduce the amount of water that drains back to the pump after each cycle. You may also read,
Should there be water in my sump pump pit?
First, it is usually completely normal that a sump pump pit has water in it, at least a little. If there is usually too much water, there is probably a problem, especially if you don’t ever hear your pump kick on. Check the answer of
What happens when a check valve fails?
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.
What happens when sump pump check valve fails?
A Sump Pump Check valve is used to keep water out of the pump basin when it is shut off. If this fails, the water will wash back into the basin and create a heavy amount of wear and tear on the pump itself. If the water begins to wash back into the basin, you shorten the life of your sump pump dramatically. Read:
Do I need a check valve?
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.
Can you run a sump pump without a check valve?
What Happens If A Sump Pump Check Valve Is Not In Place? Without a sump pump check valve in place, all the water in the discharge pipe empties back into the sump pump pit liner. … Higher water levels in the sump pit liner causes the pump to run more often, increasing energy costs.
How do I know if my check valve is bad on my sump pump?
- Check for leaky or moisture on seals, connections and valve.
- Fill the put 1/4 to 1/2 with water and see if it drains.
- Watch for water backwash into your basin during testing and rainstorms.
Can you have 2 check valves on a sump pump?
Using a second check valve just in case the one on the pump fails is never a good idea. If the check on the pump fails, it must be replaced. Having a second check valve will only mask the problem of the first check valve, and cause water hammer and possible contamination in the process.
How can I tell if sump pump check valve is working?
- It Is Taking Longer Than Usual to Discharge the Water.
- Check for Leaks or Moisture on Seals, Connection & Valve.
- Fill the Pit With 1/4 to 1/2 of Water and See If it Drains.
- Look Out for Water Running Back Down During Rain.
How often should a check valve be replaced?
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.
