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A pump non-return valve ensures that the pumped water no longer runs back into the well. Not every pump is equipped with the valve, but it can be retrofitted.
In a nutshell
- Check valve can be easily retrofitted
- select correct valve size
- replace the old valve with a new one
- use sealant
Utils
Before you can start installing the pump check valve for your well, you will of course need the right pump check valve. This can be easily selected based on the diameter. The size is usually given in inches, so you can quickly find the right valve for your pump. Typical sizes are:
- 1/2 inch
- 3/4 inch
- 1 inch
- 1 1/4 inches
- and 1 1/2 inches
- 2 inches
Larger or smaller valves are rare. The form of check valves does not differ, which allows you to easily equip the pump for your well with them. In addition to the valve, you also need the following tools to safely install the valve:
- Wrench (compatible with valve size) or pipe wrench
- Sealant: Teflon tape or hemp
Tip: In addition to the Teflon tape or hemp, you can also use a sealing paste such as Fermit. It optimizes the effectiveness of the seal.
preparation
Preparing to install the pump check valve for your well is important to the success of the retrofit. The most important point is to turn off the power to the pump. Since you have to remove the hoses for installation, the risk of getting an electric shock is too high when the device is still connected. Then dismantle the suction hose or pipe that was mounted on the suction hole of the pump. Then you can install the pump check valve.
Notice: The best time to install the check valve is over the spring or summer. In winter it is only worth it if you want to prepare the device for the next season.
Install pump check valve: instructions
Once the preparation is complete, there is nothing stopping you from installing the pump check valve for the well. The following instructions will help you to install the valve:
- Distribute sealant around the intake thread
- seal from top to bottom
- Apply sealing paste to sealant as needed
- Do not use paste too thick
- Screw on the pump non-return valve by hand
- tighten well with a pipe wrench
- Check valve must be as tight as possible
- seal the next piece of connecting pipe
- screw on check valve
- readjust
- Connect the pump and turn on the water
- Check valve for leaking water
- If in doubt, seal again
frequently asked Questions
What does an intake filter do?A suction filter protects the pump from contamination. The water is pumped out of the upper part via the filter, which means that no sediments or other coarse substances are transported. For this reason, many check valves today are already equipped with an intake filter. They reduce pump wear and are effective against possible blockages.
What material should the check valve be made of?Check valves made of brass, stainless steel, copper and plastic are offered. Due to the properties of the respective materials, you don't have to worry about rusting. The inexpensive plastic valves are perfectly adequate for the garden. If you use the pump to pump drinking water, metal valves are recommended because they are more robust in the long run.
When is a pump check valve not necessary for the well?You don't need to equip your well pump with a check valve if one is already present. Therefore, check in advance whether the device has the valve. In this case, you can save yourself all the hassle of upgrading the pump. If you only use the device for gardening, no non-return valve is required either.
What are the disadvantages of a check valve?The use of a non-return valve is problematic if the pump is not dismantled and stored frost-free over the winter. The function of the valve can cause the water to freeze in the pipes that are too far above the ground. This in turn carries a high risk of damage. If the pump is to be used over the winter, valves with an automatic drain are required.