Check valves are one-way control systems. They prevent the fluid from moving in any but the designated direction. As the fluid passes through the check valve, it opens up. Reversing the flow of fluid, however, closes the valve. A water check valve refers to a check valve dedicated to this function for water – both pure and waste.
Types and Materials of Water Check Valves
Check valves come in many types. Each application may require a different type of check valve. Among the many kinds of water check valves available are:
- Ball – uses a ball to prevent backflow of the water
- Inline
- Lift
- Spring – possesses a spring loaded disc
- Swing – the most common type of water check valve
The designs utilize a variety of materials in their construction. Bronze is among the most popular because of its properties. Bronze is corrosion resistant in fresh and salt-water environments. This makes it suitable for marine, residential and industrial applications. However, some industries prefer to use plastic and rubber combinations to produce water and other check valves. PVC is another option, particularly for ball-type check valves. PVC check valves are also best for use when the plumbing is less than 3” and connects to a PVC line with low pump heads.
The Water Check Valve: Applications
Water check valves find application in a number of water-related industrial uses. These range from motor boat sanitation systems to inline plumbing. Such valves function as part of:
- Air-conditioning
- Bilge Pump plumbing
- Sink drains
- Sanitation systems
When it comes to fresh water or that with fish and or plants, swing-type water valve checks can prove to be the most effective. If the application requires a valve to handle water systems that are “dead” or “poisoned” a low-tension spring water check valve may be the better option. Always understand the situation and type of application before choosing the type of water check valve for your system.
