What does a check valve do for a sump pump?

A check valve on the discharge line keeps water in the pipe from flowing back into the sump pit when the pump switches off. A check valve is sometimes referred to as a “one-way” valve because it allows water (or any liquid) to move in one direction only.

How far above 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.

Where do you put the check valve on a submersible pump?

In submersible pump applications, the first check valve should be installed directly on the discharge head of the pump or maximum one pipe length (20 feet) above pump.

Will a sump pump work 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.

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.

Can I have 2 check valves on 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.

Where is the best place to put a check valve on a sump pump?

Location. The most suitable location for a sump pump check valve is close to the floor level to minimize the volume of water that drains back at the end of each pumping cycle and it is a convenient location for easy servicing or replacement of the valve.

What happens when sump pump check valve fails?

When a check valve is not installed on your sump pump’s discharge line, a back flow of water can cause the pump impeller to rotate backwards and unscrew off the motor shaft. If this occurs, the motor in your sump pump will sound like it is running but it will not be pumping any water out the discharge line.