Where do you put a check valve on a water 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.

What is the purpose of a check valve?

‘ The main purpose of a check valve is to prevent backflow in the system. Figure 1 shows an example of a check valve. A check valve relies on a pressure differential to work. They require a higher pressure on the input side of the valve than the output side to open the valve.

What is the purpose of a check valve on a well pump?

Check valves are used to hold pressure in the system when the pump stops. They also prevent backspin, water hammer and upthrust inside the pump. Any of these three conditions, or a combination of them, can lead to pump or motor failure, plus shortened service life or operating problems in the system.

Is a check valve a non return valve?

Fundamentally, check valves (CVs) and non-return valves (NRVs) are different fittings and serve different purposes. The non-return valve, whilst useful for preventing reverse flow in pipes in many situations, is not a recognised backflow prevention device.

When should a check valve be installed?

On a submersible well pump installation, if your well water pump does not have a built-in check valve [many submersible pumps do have a check valve], a line check valve should be installed in the discharge pipe within 25 feet of the pump and below the drawdown level of the water inside the well.

Does a check valve restrict water flow?

Check valves are designed to prevent water flowing in one direction while moving somewhat freely in the other direction. In yet another style of check valve, water pressure compresses a spring-loaded disc in the fluid stream, pushing the disc back into the valve body and opening a path for the water to flow around it.