If your sump pump isn’t working properly, it could cause serious flooding and water damage to your property. This is why you should have it checked by a professional.
Installing a new sump pump check valve is a relatively straightforward job. You just need to know what parts to buy.
Checking the Valve
A check valve is a one-way valve that keeps water from entering the discharge line after the pump has completed pumping. Having a check valve installed can save you money on electricity costs and prolong the life of your sump pump motor.
Unlike other valves that are based on the direction of fluid flow, a check valve is dependent upon a pressure differential to open or close. It can be operated by gravity, back pressure, a spring or some combination of these.
Check valves are used in a wide range of applications, including fluid flow and pumping. These include pumps, pipelines, power generation and HVAC. They are also found in chemical, pulp and paper, food processing, water treatment, industrial, marine and mining operations.
Installing the Valve
A check valve is a vital part of a home sump pump system. It prevents water from reentering the drain pipe when the sump pump isn’t working.
In addition, a check valve helps to eliminate sump pump short cycles that can lead to premature pump failures. It also reduces power consumption and extends the life of your sump pump.
To install a check valve, you will need a few tools. First, you need to get the correct size valve for your drainage pipe.
Afterward, you need to cut the end of your piping to make room for the valve. You can use a hacksaw or pipe cutter to do this.
After cutting the piping, you can then place your new check valve in the hole. Be sure to sand the pipe down before you insert it so that the new valve fits snugly. You can also test the valve to ensure that it’s working properly.
Testing the Valve
A sump pump check valve is a device that prevents water from reentering the discharge pipe whenever the pump isn’t running. This saves energy, reduces power consumption and prolongs the life of your sump pump.
Test your valve to ensure that it’s functioning correctly. To do this, pour a bucket full of water into the pit.
If the water doesn’t drain out of the pit and into your basement, you have an issue with either the pump or check valve. If the pump works, it should clear the water quickly and efficiently.
Install the check valve on the spout of the drainage pipe emerging from the pit. It should be about the same diameter as the pipe.
You’ll also need some PVC nuts and couplers. These are the pieces that screw into each rim of the pipe ends.
Ideally, the pipe and valve fit together snugly so there are no gaps between them. However, if there is, it’s fine to leave them a little loose at first to adjust later.
Cleaning the Valve
If your sump pump check valve isn’t in good condition, the water can back up into the basement, causing damage. You should clean the valve with a hose and a brush after every use, or at least once per year.
All check values have a gate (flapper) that opens upwards when the pump runs, and closes when the pump stops running. This prevents the same water from flowing backwards down the discharge pipe, which will save your pump motor from being overworked.
In addition, the check valve’s flapper or gate can also block small pebbles and debris from getting into your sump pit. You may need to clean this by hand if it’s clogged.
All check valves come with connectors at each end that can be connected to existing discharge piping systems. They vary in style and construction, but most have a one-way operation that prevents the water from going backwards down the discharge pipe when the pump shuts off.
