Freeze Proof Check Valve?

[LOW1]

Is there such a thing? At our cabin we are required to pump our waste water up a hill using 1.5 inch “redline” water line to where the septic tank is. Otherwise the leach field is too close to the lake.

We use a 1.5 inch check valve to prevent back flow from draining back into the macerating pump tank because otherwise the pump would be constantly Re-pumping the waste that drains back down the hill.

The plastic check valve we use is prone to crack over the winter if the uphill line is not 100% drained and antifreeze added.

Anyone know of a freeze proof alternative?

 

[rlitman]

I don't think what you want exists. It sounds like you're using poly pipe to go up the hill, and that can safely freeze, but I'm not aware of any fittings for poly that can safely freeze. How do you protect the pump from freezing?

I would think about making the process of winterizing easier.

 

[LOW1]

I think you might be right. What we do for the pump is drain the pit to as low as possible and dump in a bunch of RV antifreeze and then quickly turn the pump on and off. That has always protected the pump. But it leaves the uphill running line full of water. It’s a mess to try and drain this line. And there is quite a bit of water in a 50 meter long 1.5 inch line.

 

[doctordirt]

On the systems I install we drill 1/8 inch hole in the pipe in pump vault or tank. When running it sprays out a little, when pump shuts off it drains the line. A little loss of pump efficiency, but beats frozen line. I am surprised you are getting temperatures that would freeze. Our access lid we install styrofoam to hold the heat in. We have to repair several systems per year where installer did not drill pipe and system freezes where it enters the header.

 

[LOW1]

So you don’t use a check valve?

Ours is just a seasonal cabin so its shut down during the winter.

 

[The Cobbler]

what about just installing a tee in the line after the check valve and install a by pass so in the winter you can drain the line easily .

 

[LOW1]

what about just installing a tee in the line after the check valve and install a by pass so in the winter you can drain the line easily .

That may well be the best option - thanks.

 

[14snow]

That may well be the best option - thanks.

I have done this and it works, the line remains empty. I used my cabin all winter and have a heat trace on the line but I still drain it when not there and on cold nights while there.