Where Should A Pool Check Valve Be Installed?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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As such, a common location for a check valve is

on the incoming suction pipe, in front of the filter pump

. For best results with pump priming, especially for pumps lifting more than 24” from the water surface, the check valve should not be installed directly against the pump intake, but 12”-18” in front of the pump.

Where should a 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.

Does a check valve go before or after a 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.

How far should a check valve be from a pump?

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.

Does my pool need a check valve?

If the water were allowed to flow backward after you turn off the pump, that concentrated chlorine could damage your other pool equipment. To prevent this, you must install a

check valve between the chlorinator and the piece of equipment that precedes it

, which will be either the filter or heater.

When should a check valve be installed?

Check valves are necessary

if there is a risk of condensate backflow

. For example, when a trap discharges into a common condensate collection line, there is the potential risk of backflow from condensate discharged from other traps, so as a rule a check valve should be installed.

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.

How do I know if my check valve is working?

Symptoms of a Failing Check Valve

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.

Why do you need a check valve on a pump?

When the pump shuts off, gravity wants the water that is in the discharge pipe to fall back into the pit. The check

valve is there to prevent that from happening

. The check valve prevents the pump from having to re-pump that water out which could result in short cycling.

What is the difference between check valve and backflow preventer?

A backflow preventer is to be used in high hazard situations and is meant to fully protect the potable water with their fail safe design while a check valve is used in low hazard situations and

prevents backward water flow

but it does not have the same fail safe components.

Where is a single check valve used?

A single check valve can be used for

fluid category 2 protection

, where there may be an aesthetic change such as temperature, taste or odour. A double check valve is used for fluid category 3 protection, where there is a risk of substances of low toxicity such as common disinfectants.

How does a quiet check valve work?

Installed in the discharge pipe leaving your sump pump, the quiet check valve prevents your pump from having to re-pump water it has already discharged. … However, with the addition of a quiet check valve,

water quietly collects in the valve and is unable to be fed

back into the pump.

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.

How long do pool check valves last?

Pool valves tend to last

between 5-7 years

before the exterior plastic parts need to be replaced. As long as the internal parts are working handles can be replaced. If the valves are older than 10 years you may want to replace the whole thing versus replacing just handles.

David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.