Q&A for How to Install a Sump Pump Check Valve

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Question

Should the check valve be horizontal or vertical to the sump pump?

Community Answer

Check your local municipality's requirements. But typically you want it vertical about 2 feet up from the pump. Main reason being that the check valve should be replaced whenever the pump is replaced, keeping them fairly close makes for an easy module removal process. To keep that process neater, cleaner, and easier, install a ball valve just above the check valve to isolate the pump to check valve module.

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Question

What direction should the arrow go?

Community Answer

Wherever you want the water to go and not drop back from. If the water is to flow up, the arrow goes up.

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Question

Do I need a separate check valve if I am installing a battery back-up sump pump?

Community Answer

Yes; one check valve for each pump, unless you can locate the check valve after the Y.

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Question

Does a valve have to be mounted vertically for a sump pump?

Community Answer

It depends on what type of check valve you have purchased. Some are made for both options and others are vertically only. Remember you want it as close to the pump as reasonably possible to prohibit large amounts of water flowing back in to the pit.

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Question

Do I need to drill a weep hole in the pipe below the check valve or above it?

Community Answer

Check both the instructions for the installation of your pump, as well as any instructions that came with the check valve. Sometimes the hole is taken care of by the pump and sometimes by the valve.

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Question

Is there any reason why the check valve shouldn't be installed as high as possible in the vertical pipe (as a way of reducing the volume of falling water onto the check valve when the pump shuts off)?

Community Answer

The further away from the pump, the more water drains back into the basin. Simply put, your pump will run more frequently and burn out sooner.

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Question

What would cause a pump to make a lot of noise and rattle the floor loudly?

Community Answer

Usually a water hammer from the water coming back down the discharge pipe and hitting the check valve. You can quiet the sound by using some pipe insulation or a pipe strap between the pipe and wall or around where the pipe makes a bend.

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Question

Do I need to seal both sides of a check valve? I have one PVC and the other is copper pipe.

Community Answer

Yes, you do, and you only want to use a hose clamp ended check valve. Those hose clamps accommodate slightly different diameter pipes and make for easy replacement during future pump replacement, a must.

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Question

Why doesn't my sump pump motor last as long?

Community Answer

There are several possible reasons. You may have dirty electricity (an electrician can confirm). You may be using the wrong pump that's too weak or only meant for clean or potable water. Maybe your pump's in constant use and saving you more headache than you ever realized. Maybe you're using some cheap brand that simply makes warranty period products.

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Question

What causes my sump pump to make a banging noise at the end of a cycle?

Brett Gilbert

Top Answerer

This is from the check valve closing. You can't completely get rid of it, but you can try to lessen it. If your local law permits it, you can put a rubber hose in the pipe. One more universal fix is to wrap foam insulation around the valve.

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Question

Should I be able to hear my sump pump when it’s running?

Brett Gilbert

Top Answerer

Yes, you will hear the valve open if you listen closely. When the pump finishes working, you may also be able to hear the valve slam closed.

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