If you have a house with a basement you are probably already aware of the dangers of flooding. Any water in your basement or cellar can be hazardous to the structural foundation, your furniture or storage, and the health of you and your family if mold or mildew start to develop. In order to combat flooding, residents install various types of sump pumps and businesses install commercial sump pumps. Any device in your home or business requires maintenance, just as sump pumps do. A check value is a critical component in a sump pump that you will need to keep your eye on.

Installing Sump Pumps

Sump pumps are priceless machines that keep your home from flooding. Installing a sump pump can be a tricky task for the uniformed. It takes several hours of man/woman power and can turn into a messy home project if not done right. If you are not confident in your ability to handle the task, consider hiring a licence plumbing expert to help. It will be money well spent as your basement will be dry and you'll have peace of mind.

What is a Check Valve

The check valve is a part of the sump pump that stops water from flowing back into the sump pit after the pump is switched off.

Repairing a Check Valve

If you notice that your sump pump is not performing up to speed or is broken, learn how to repair a sump pump.

The first step will be to diagnose the problem so you will know what parts you need to get for the repair. First unplug the sump pump from the electrical outlet. Water and electricity are a bad combination and the last thing you want is to electrocute yourself in a pool of water trying to repair a sump pump. Put on a pair of rubber boots if you have them.

The next step is to determine the measurements of the drain pipe so that you can purchase a check valve that will fit the pipe size. If you don't know the exact size of your drain pipe, bring a section of the pipe when you go to your local hardware store. To make sure that there is a good fit for the drain and your pump, you may be required to purchase a coupling or adapter. After you have purchased all necessary parts, you can install your new check valve. Be sure that the direction of flow arrow faces the proper way on the pump otherwise you're pump won't function properly.

A check valve is a very important part of your sump pumps drainage system, since it is primarily responsible for preventing water form seeping back inside the sump pump basin after the pump is turned off. Dirt occasionally builds up over time in your basin so you'll want to clean the check valve and basin periodically (at least once a year).

Also be sure to check your entire drainage system to ensure water is flowing out your basement without any obstructions. Make certain that your drainage is doing its part in the process, as the majority of problems in flooding arise because of someone overlooking their outdoor components.

By taking good care of your sump pump check valve and all sump pump components, you're basement is sure to stay dry.

Zoeller 30-0101 2in. PVC Tri-Check Check Valve/Ball Valve/Union Combination

Zoeller 30-0101 2in. PVC Tri-Check Check Valve/Ball Valve/Union Combination When you have residential or commercial wastewater issues, you can count on Zoeller Pumps to deliver the very best solutions-our commitment to top quality offers you years of service and durability Zoeller 30-0101 2in. PVC Tri-Check Check Valve/Ball Valve/Union Combination Features: • Check valve full flow design. • Threaded union allows pump to be removed without disrupting discharge piping. • Saves time and money - Easy to install. • Neoprene gasket and flapper, weighted with stainless steel backing plates and stainless steel rivet. • Can be installed on vertical or horizontal pipe. • Meets plumbing codes requiring a ball valve installed in conjunction with a check valve. • All stainless steel screws. • Replaceable flapper in the check valve. • Extra wide hinge to reduce stress. • Rated for 25 psi (58 ft. of head).

Zoeller 30-0100 1 1/2in. PVC Tri-Check Check Valve/Ball Valve/ Union Combination

Zoeller 30-0100 1 1/2in. PVC Tri-Check Check Valve/Ball Valve/ Union Combination When you have residential or commercial wastewater issues, you can count on Zoeller Pumps to deliver the very best solutions-our commitment to top quality offers you years of service and durability Zoeller 30-0100 1 1/2in. PVC Tri-Check Check Valve/Ball Valve/ Union Combination Features: • Check valve full flow design. • Threaded union allows pump to be removed without disrupting discharge piping. • Saves time and money - Easy to install. • Neoprene gasket and flapper, weighted with stainless steel backing plates and stainless steel rivet. • Can be installed on vertical or horizontal pipe. • Meets plumbing codes requiring a ball valve installed in conjunction with a check valve. • All stainless steel screws. • Replaceable flapper in the check valve. • Extra wide hinge to reduce stress. • Rated for 25 psi (58 ft. of head