Collection: Valves & check valves

Why a check valve and a shut-off valve

In a fixed installation these are the two parts that decide whether you end up with an installation that works or one that keeps you busy. Without a check valve the rising pipe drains back into the sump after every cycle, and the pump circulates that same water over and over. Without a shut-off valve you have to empty the whole line just to lift the pump out.

What to look for

• Size and connection. Choose the size of the rising pipe, not of the pump: a valve narrower than the pipe becomes the new bottleneck.
• Type of check valve. A ball check valve lets dirty water pass freely and is the logical choice behind a dirty-water pump. A light flap version is intended for clean water.
• Passage against the pump. On a pump with a large free passage, a valve with a small opening makes no sense: whatever the pump lets through, the valve has to let through too.
• Position in the line. The check valve belongs in the rising pipe after the pump, the shut-off valve after that again. That way you can close off, reach the valve and lift the pump out without draining the line.
• Material. PVC is light and adequate for most applications; for aggressive water or a fixed industrial installation, choose a heavier version.

For lifting a heavy pump out and back in, there are coupling systems and chains. The rest of the line is under pipe and connection material. Unsure about the size? Call 085 - 210 08 97.