A sump pump check valve is installed on the discharge pipe of your sump pump to help prevent water from returning into the pit when it switches off. This keeps the level in the pit lower and saves energy costs by not having to re-pump that volume of water again.
Air Release Hole
Sump pumps are essential devices that keep your basement dry and secure. They work by pumping water out of a pit into an outlet pipe that leads outside your home or to the storm sewer system.
Your pump needs a check valve in order to function correctly when not running, preventing water from entering its discharge pipe. Installing one is relatively straightforward, but it’s essential that you do it correctly.
Before beginning, read through the owner’s manual to fully comprehend installation instructions for your check valve and any additional information pertinent to the type of system it is designed for. After taking out the old valve, pour some water into the pit to test its functionality.
Next, use a hacksaw or pipe cutter to cut a section of piping to size. Make sure the length matches your pump’s discharge pipe threading diameter so there aren’t any extra materials that could clog or damage its fittings.
Installing a glue-in check valve requires applying primer and PVC cement to both the inside of the fitting and outside of the discharge pipe’s threading. Slide the coupling over this discharge pipe before attaching it to your glued coupler.
Before dropping the pump into a pit, double check that the check valve is securely attached to piping and its couplings are tightened securely. Testing the system’s functionality should then take place; make sure draining occurs normally and that the check valve closes securely when the pump stops running.
A sump pump’s check valve is designed to prevent water from reentering its discharge pipe when not running, but can malfunction or even fail completely due to a leak or other issue. If your check valve is malfunctioning, flooding or other serious problems could ensue if left unattended. For these reasons alone, immediate attention must be given if this issue arises.
If your sump pump’s check valve fails to open or shut properly, water could seep back into the pit and damage your basement’s structural integrity. A replacement check valve can prevent this from happening, but make sure your existing one is functioning properly before making any changes.
Diameter
A sump pump is installed to remove water from a basement and protect your foundation, flooring and other belongings. It works by collecting the water in an area called a sump pit then pumping it away from your home. Similar to toilet floats, this one also has a float which rises when water levels in the basin rise; when they drop again the float lowers and the pump ceases operation.
A check valve is installed in the discharge pipe of your sump pump to prevent water from draining back into the pit when it shuts off. Doing so could prompt your float switch to activate again, leading to premature pump wear and tear.
Sump pump check valves typically measure between 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter, depending on your drainage pipe size. You may need to trim it if it doesn’t perfectly fit, however.
Before you begin installation, measure the length of your discharge pipe and purchase a sump pump check valve that fits that measurement. You’ll also need PVC couplings or adapters to attach the check valve to your pipe, along with hose clamps to tighten connections.
Install your check valve above the floor of your basement, so that it is easy to inspect it, repair it if necessary and replace it if required.
Once your check valve is in place, test it to ensure it functions. You can either pour water into the pit until the float switches on or use a hose to raise the water level in the pit.
If your float isn’t functioning correctly, contact a plumber for assistance. They can either repair it or provide you with the part necessary to get your float back up and running. A reliable plumber also has the knowledge necessary to answer any queries regarding your sump pump or drainage system.
Length
A sump pump check valve is an essential element of your drainage system that prevents water from backing up when the pump is turned off or when power goes out. Not only does this protect your pump from damage, but having one installed helps extend its lifespan as well.
Installing a sump pump check valve may seem straightforward, but it’s essential that you take your time and do the job right. Doing this will guarantee your pump works optimally in the future and prevent any future issues with it.
First, measure the length of your discharge pipe. This will enable you to determine where to cut it and where to position the check valve.
Once you know the length of the pipe, you’ll need to order the appropriate check valve and PVC couplings or adapters. Selecting an incorrect diameter could make connecting your sump pump check valve with the pipe difficult; thus, measure carefully and pick a size that fits securely.
Once you have all of the components needed, it’s time to install your sump pump check valve. You will require a tape measure, hacksaw or pipe cutter, PVC cement or glue, sandpaper, and a wrench or other tool for tightening the connection.
Before beginning, empty any standing water from the pit where the pump is installed. Doing this will help minimize any puddles of water that might form and make work more challenging.
Next, you must sand down the ends of the pipe to make them smooth and allow for the check valve to fit securely. This step is especially essential if your pipe is plastic as this could potentially leak if not thoroughly sanded down at each edge.
After smoothing the ends of the pipe, insert PVC nuts and couplers into each end. If your check valve came with rubber o-rings, slide those on too! Lastly, screw in the check valve into place and tighten its hose clamps.
Material
A sump pump check valve is a plumbing device that protects a sump pump from short cycling, prolonging its life and saving you money. By stopping water from reentering the discharge pipe when not running, check valves prevent overworking of both motor and internal electronics in the pump.
A check valve is typically mounted at the end of a sump pump’s discharge pipe. It may also be situated on top, though not always.
The check valve’s job is to prevent water in the pit from reentering the pipe. This is especially critical if your system has a pit above or below the pump’s pit or you have a float switch that activates the pump when water levels in the pit reach a certain height.
Sump pump check valves typically measure either 1 1/4 or 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Measure the diameter of your discharge pipe to find a replacement valve that fits securely.
Next, remove the old valve. Be sure to trim away any extra length so that all parts fit together perfectly.
With either a hacksaw or pair of pliers, carefully slice away enough piping to accommodate the new check valve. Be careful not to cut too far down into it.
Sand the pipes as you go, using a sander to ensure that the connection is as solid and the seal between them as tight as possible.
Once the new valve is in place, apply some PVC cement to the openings where the couplings overlap. Allow to dry for several hours before replacing metal clamps and plugging in drainage pipe.
The check valve can be an intricate part of a sump pump installation, but it’s essential to get it correct. Installing it incorrectly could damage your pump or require you to replace all piping system components – leading to costly mistakes that could arise down the line. To avoid such costly mistakes, be sure to install your check valve correctly from start to finish.
