Check valve can be installed in horizontal or vertical piping runs, with the flow running upward. Mounting for vertical installations is critical.

Valves also allow you to shut off the water flow when cleaning the spa filter or repairing spa equipment. Spa check valves are used to keep water from flowing backwards through certain pipes. Check valves are also called one-way flow valves, because that’s what they do, allow water to travel in only one direction.

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.

We hear many people ask, “Can swing check valves be installed vertically?” The simple answer to that question is yes, swing check valves can be installed in both directions.

Depending on the size of the system and how much it costs, most homeowners pay between $135 and $1,000. The device costs between $35 and $600, while labor costs between $100 and $400. You can expect to pay between $70 and $250 for a back water or check valve.

Check valves MUST be installed with the valve’s FLOW arrow pointing in the direction of the flow. In horizontal installations, the designated side must be positioned “up”. Do Not install Check Valve upside down.

Not all styles of check valves function properly or are suitable for vertical flow directions. When installing a check valve, a horizontal line is always preferred, because it takes gravity out of the equation.

If installed in a horizontal position the valve must be installed with the cover oriented to the top.

A swing check valve is mounted with a disc that swings on a hinge or shaft. The disc swings off the seat to allow forward flow and when the flow is stopped, the disc swings back onto the seat to block reverse flow. The weight of the disc and the return flow has an impact on the shut-off characteristics of the valve.

One of the most common uses of a swing check valve is the flapper valve in a flush-toilet mechanism. This allows water to enter from the bottom of the tank, but prevents it from draining out the same way. Swing check valves are the most common type of valve in water and wastewater pumping systems.

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.

A backflow prevention device is used to protect potable water supplies from contamination or pollution due to backflow. In water distribution systems, water is normally maintained at a significant pressure to enable water to flow from the tap, shower, or other fixture.

Signs That You Need A Backflow Repair

1. Be discolored, brown, yellow or even pink in color.
2. Have a bad Sulphur smell.
3. Water flow could be slow and / or interrupted.
4. You may visibly see rust particles or sediment in the water.
5. The water could have a bad taste.

The backflow device is an economical way to eliminate the risk of water contamination from dirt or fertilizer back-flowing into the water supply through an outdoor faucet. A backflow preventer is highly recommended when installing a drip system.

A drip system that operates at high pressure (above 40 psi) may appear to be operating adequately, however it is more likely to develop problems over time.

This tubing is an essential component in a drip system, but too much of it becomes a maintenance headache. Limit the use of ¼ tubing to no more than 12 inches in length per run. LENGTH OF RUN LIMITS: ½ inch tubing can run up to 200 linear ft. ¼ inch tubing should not exceed 19 ft in length.