Sump Pump Check Valve

[D45]

I have a Zoeller Clear Quiet Check Valve on my sump pump discharge line

I installed it about 5 years ago and recently it became pretty loud , with a loud "clunk" after the pump stops

Do these valves go bad after time?

If so, they are inexpensive enough that I will replace it

What's the latest and greatest, best quiet valve?

 

[Motown]

Maybe soak it in some white vinegar and water for a bit. Maybe mineral build up is causing the problem.

 

[engineer2]

The problem is water hammer. The pump shuts off, the water column hits the check valve, and BAM.
You need to build an air chamber above the check valve. Easy enough with PVC pipe.
Watch out, there is a lot of bad information on the internet.

 

[nadogail]

Water Hammer is powerful and destructive over time. I have had good results in eliminating it by the simple expedient of adding air chambers to absorb the hydro shock.

Engineer 2 has posted a very good solution.

 

[Ohio Auto]

I did not know this ... my valve has always clunked ... do you leave the air chamber uncapped and approx length please?

 

[C-Mac]

The air chamber needs to be sealed. I've used female pipe threaded cleanouts for this purpose. My setup is in a 4' deep sump, and goes from the check valve to the bottom of the lid (approx. 24")

 

[captain14]

Just another project to add to the list.

 

[D45]

My setup was very quiet for many years, with no air chamber

I think the valve is worn out?

Or maybe the spring is worn

 

[kbs2244]

I solved the problem by removing the check valve
it also lets the pump spool up to speed without a start up load
the six feet of 1.5 inch pipe does not hold enough water to worry about
(I found out that my on time plumbing contractor boss did this at his house)

 

[tdkkart]

When I lived in a house that had an "active" sump pump, I used the check valve to know when the pump ran. Couldn't hear the pump, but could hear the check valve.

 

[D45]

My pump line runs about 9 feet up and 16 feet long inside the house, then about 90 feet out (buried)........ so the check valve is likely needed

 

[dcg9381]

I don't have a sump pump, but I do use a pump that is mounted below the water level in the tank. I use the following anti-backflow valve - it's perfectly quiet and you can see it operate. Dunno if they make them in smaller version.

 

[D45]

Here's what I currently have installed

Maybe it's discontinued, for a reason

Wastewater Pumps at FergusonHome.com

From sump pumps, to sewage pumps, grinder pumps, and more. Find what you need to move that dirty water at FergusonHome.com. For both residential and commercial / industrial projects.

www.sumppumpsdirect.com

Camis CCOOSL15

 

[joes169]

I solved the problem by removing the check valve
it also lets the pump spool up to speed without a start up load

You can do the same by drilling a small hole in the very bottom of the discharge pipe, drilled on a downward angle, to allow the first bit of pipe to drain back every time.

 

[Jtrudel90]

The check valve above is actually manufactured by A.Y McDonald and is current. Shouldn’t be hard to locate. There are a few different configurations

 

[D45]

You can do the same by drilling a small hole in the very bottom of the discharge pipe, drilled on a downward angle, to allow the first bit of pipe to drain back every time.

Yes, when I installed a new pump a few years ago this was in the installation manual

 

[Bretny]

I solved the problem by removing the check valve
it also lets the pump spool up to speed without a start up load
the six feet of 1.5 inch pipe does not hold enough water to worry about
(I found out that my on time plumbing contractor boss did this at his house)

That's all true..bit you get to re pump that 6ft of water every time the pump starts too.

 

[D45]

I ordered a Zoeller 30-0242 valve

Should be in next week, I think the return spring on my Camis unit might be worn out

Welcome to The Builders Supply - Architectural Hardware and Washroom Accessories Superstore

 

[gba2331]

That's all true..bit you get to re pump that 6ft of water every time the pump starts too.

This would also make your pump turn on more often because your repumping the same water every time.

 

[DGersic]

The problem is water hammer. The pump shuts off, the water column hits the check valve, and BAM.
You need to build an air chamber above the check valve. Easy enough with PVC pipe.
Watch put, there is a lot of bad information on the internet.

That’s interesting. I don’t have an air chamber, but I only have about 8’ of lift to get from the basement to outside the house. No problems, but maybe next time I replace the pump I should add an air chamber to it.

 

[D45]

Time for a new check valve, its not opening up fully anymore

 

[gizardlizard]

I live in a very low area and in the spring, my
Sump pump runs about a 20 minute on cycle and a 4 minute off cycle. I have a battery backup pump as well, along with a high water alarm. I replace both Zoeller pumps and check valves every 5 years. I’ve never gotten more than 6 years of life out of one.

 

[larry4406]

My pump line runs about 9 feet up and 16 feet long inside the house, then about 90 feet out (buried)........ so the check valve is likely needed

At the day job, once the sump line gets up into the floor system, it is then run with a slight downhill pitch (1/4" per foot) to the band board where it exits the home. Piping is strapped/ anchored well.

Once outside, there is an elbow pointing downward where it is aimed concentric to a 3" pipe but they are not connected and there is a minimum of 1" separation. The 3" pipe goes into the earth and is run at 1/4" per foot to daylight somewhere (minimum 10' away from foundation) and flows via gravity.

We do the weep hole drilling of the pipe inside the sump crock. We do not do the air chamber technique nor do we use the "Quiet Check Valve" on the sump pump discharge.

We have found the above to be more than adequate and eliminating the hammer noise from sump pump operation.

On sanitary ejector pumps, we do use the Quite Check Valve along with the drilled weep hole.

 

[mike93lx]

At the day job, once the sump line gets up into the floor system, it is then run with a slight downhill pitch (1/4" per foot) to the band board where it exits the home. Piping is strapped/ anchored well.

Once outside, there is an elbow pointing downward where it is aimed concentric to a 3" pipe but they are not connected and there is a minimum of 1" separation. The 3" pipe goes into the earth and is run at 1/4" per foot to daylight somewhere (minimum 10' away from foundation) and flows via gravity.

We do the weep hole drilling of the pipe inside the sump crock. We do not do the air chamber technique nor do we use the "Quiet Check Valve" on the sump pump discharge.

We have found the above to be more than adequate and eliminating the hammer noise from sump pump operation.

On sanitary ejector pumps, we do use the Quite Check Valve along with the drilled weep hole.

Is this mostly crawl space sumps or do you do many basements?

 

[larry4406]

Is this mostly crawl space sumps or do you do many basements?

Full 9' poured basements. We don't do crawl spaces.

 

[mike93lx]

Full 9' poured basements. We don't do crawl spaces.

Fancy