Does A Sump Pump Need A Check Valve?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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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.

Is a check valve necessary on a sump pump?

Installing a

sump pump check valve is critical

, but it is also extremely important to ensure it is being properly installed in the correct location. Be sure to keep in mind pump efficiency, pump protection and location when you go to install a sump pump check valve.

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.

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 happens when sump pump check valve fails?

A broken or missing check valve can result in

one-third to two-thirds of the water to flow right back into the pit!

And that will overwork the pump. Continually flooding sump pit. – In rare cases, there is a continuous flow of water into the sump pit due to a high water table or an underground spring.

How can I tell if sump pump check valve is working?

  1. It Is Taking Longer Than Usual to Discharge the Water.
  2. Check for Leaks or Moisture on Seals, Connection & Valve.
  3. Fill the Pit With 1/4 to 1/2 of Water and See If it Drains.
  4. Look Out for Water Running Back Down During Rain.

Do I have to have 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.

How far from sump pump should check valve be installed?

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.

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.

Can you have 2 check valves on a 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.

Should there be water in my sump pump pit?


Sump Pump Always Has Water

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.

How long do sump pumps last?

How Long Does A Sump Pump Last On Average? Like other appliances and equipment in your home, your sump pump won’t last forever. Averaging

about 10 years

, you might not notice your sump pump has malfunctioned until it has stopped working.

How much is a check valve for a sump pump?

This item Raybend,”Silent” Sump Pump Check Valve, 1-1/2′′ Wayne Pumps 66005-Wyn Check Valve, PVC Price

$25 99

$1850
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What happens when 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.

How do I know if my check valve is working?

  1. Shut off the water supply to the check valve. …
  2. Check the valve for debris by tapping its side with the handle of a screwdriver. …
  3. Stand near the valve and have an assistant turn the water supply on for five seconds before quickly shutting it off again.

What happens when a check valve goes bad?

Usually when a check valve fails

the water will run backwards after the pump shuts off

, and the pump will start again even when no one is using water. But if you have two or more check valves, the lower one can be masking the problem of a bad upper check.

David Evans
Author
David Evans
David is a seasoned automotive enthusiast. He is a graduate of Mechanical Engineering and has a passion for all things related to cars and vehicles. With his extensive knowledge of cars and other vehicles, David is an authority in the industry.