Sewage check valve

An essential component of the plumbing system in any house or building is the effective management of wastewater. A crucial element that is frequently overlooked is the sewage check valve. This little but important device is essential for keeping wastewater flowing in the proper direction, preventing backflow, and protecting your property from potential harm.

Wastewater may reverse course if there is no sewage check valve, particularly in the event of severe rain or obstructions. This may result in unpleasant and unhygienic circumstances, such as sewage backups into your rooms. A simple and efficient technique to reduce these risks and preserve the integrity of your plumbing system is to install a check valve.

Having a thorough understanding of sewage check valve operation and its advantages will enable you to make well-informed plumbing decisions. A check valve is a useful addition that can provide peace of mind and shield your property from potential dangers, regardless of whether you’re planning a new installation or looking to upgrade your current system.

This article will examine sewage check valves’ uses, advantages, and installation procedure. We’ll also offer helpful advice on how to maintain the dependability and effectiveness of your plumbing system. You’ll know why a sewage check valve is a wise investment for any property by the time you finish reading this.

Why and who needs it?

For sewerage systems, a check valve’s function is to stop liquid flow in the other direction. The primary application area that comes to mind in this regard is lower floor apartments in high-rise buildings, particularly those that are older.

In multi-storey buildings, owners of apartments on the first floors very often have problems with toilets, from which the contents of the sewer flow out. The blockage usually occurs somewhere in the “beds” – horizontal pipes in the basement. Then all the contents rise through the pipe to the first branch and pour out through the first accessible point – the toilet, spills onto the floor, sometimes even bathtubs and washbasins are filled. To solve this problem, you need to install a check valve on the sewer. It will cut off the reverse flow going into your apartment. True, the problem will arise for those who live on the floor above – fecal water can even rise up there. Then they will also have to install a sewer return valve. The column of wastewater usually does not rise above this level – it pushes through the plug, everything goes away.

High-floor occupants, however, shouldn’t celebrate just yet because they too might suffer. Blockages can occasionally happen halfway between floors. The main cause of this is when someone flushes something that shouldn’t be there, getting stuck, and creating a traffic jam. These are violations of sewerage operating rules. In this scenario, depending on where the obstruction occurred, toilets on any floor may overflow. Therefore, it makes sense to install a check valve "just in case" on all floors other than the last.

Private home proprietors make up the third consumer category. In theory, a private home’s sewer system ought to be built to prevent wastewater from flowing in the other direction. Even in this scenario, many would rather be safe than take unpleasant-smelling "treasures" out of the house later. In addition to its primary purpose, a check valve for a private home’s sewer keeps rodents and other animals out of the sewer system.

Types of check valves and their operating principle

A check valve’s primary function is to stop flow in the other direction. These mechanical devices are equipped with a movable barrier in order to achieve this. The fundamental method of operation involves lowering the mechanical damper while it is silent, which blocks the sewer pipe’s lumen and stops reverse flow from happening. It rises (moves to the side) when drains appear, disappears, and then closes again. The type of barrier and the working principle of this equipment vary.

Rotary (petal)

A round membrane (plate) that is spring-loaded is installed in this kind of sewer valve. The flow turns when it travels in the "correct" direction; rising elevation does not obstruct drainage. The membrane (plate), if it starts moving in the opposite direction, presses up against the valve’s rim, firmly and hermetically closing off the pipe’s lumen. There are models with manual shutters. This button is located on the body and is used to control the second membrane.

These shut-off valves are also known as petal valves because of the shape of the membrane; in addition, they are sometimes referred to as "flaps" because of the way the membrane slams shut in the event that there is no drain.

The device is installed on a pipe that is larger than it is. Thus, the lumen of the pipeline expands and then narrows, providing possible locations for blockages to form. The upper portion of the check valve body has a detachable cover that allows blockages to be swiftly removed. Its removal will enable a speedy solution to the issue.

Lifting check valve for sewerage

The reason this kind of sewer pipe shut-off device gets its name is that the shut-off element rises when sewage flows in the "correct" direction. The plate that blocks the passage is compressed by the drains, which causes the spring to rise. The passage is locked, the spring unclenches, and there are no drains. There is no way to open the passage when wastewater enters from the "wrong" side. The body’s nonlinear shape makes this possible.

Although the lift check valve is more dependable, it needs to be cleaned on a regular basis due to its frequent clogging design. Why is it necessary to take off the cover (unscrew the four bolts), clean the mechanism, or replace it?

Ball check valve

A ball is an additional choice for a locking mechanism in a check valve. The internal case structure is a key component of these devices. Its upper portion is engineered so that the ball rolls into a unique body recess and opens the passage when the drains pass.

The lumen of the pipe gets blocked when flow is directed in the opposite direction; the cross-section of the pipe gets blocked when it is dry. The primary drawback of this design is that some drains still leak out when there is flooding because of the imperfect fit between the body’s side wall and ball. However, there won’t be a toilet geyser or widespread flooding.

Wafer

Because of their small size, this kind of check valve is preferred by many more. This cylinder is extremely tiny and has a rotary valve inside of it. It could be made up of two pieces that are fastened to the center rod, or it could just have one small plate that is spring-attached to the housing’s wall in one location.

Even though these check valves are small, it is best not to install them on the sewer because they are plumbing equipment and won’t function properly there. The inability to clean the valve quickly is the second drawback; the valve can only be accessed by disassembling the connection.

An integral part of plumbing systems, a sewage check valve keeps wastewater from flowing backward into a structure. By ensuring that sewage flows only in one direction, this straightforward but efficient device guards against possible flooding and contamination and protects homes and businesses. By keeping the sewage system clean and operational, installing a sewage check valve can protect property owners against expensive repairs and health risks. Maintaining a safe and dependable plumbing system requires knowledge of the advantages and installation procedure for sewage check valves, whether for new construction or renovation projects.

What they are made of and what sizes are they

The two most popular materials for sewerage check valves are cast iron and plastic (PVC). Installing the same valve and choosing it based on size makes sense if your sewer pipes are made of plastic. Cast iron is in exactly the same situation. The problem lies not in the materials themselves, but rather in the extra adapters required, adding to the design’s complexity.

Both horizontal and vertical shut-off valves for sewerage are possible, depending on the installation technique. The type is chosen based on where the installation will take place. Narrowing is not permitted; it must be installed with the same diameter as the pipe. There are valves for every size as a result. The table provides the parameters for a few.

Having two valves

Regarding internal sewage

Basic style

Featuring a valve made of stainless steel

German sewage check valve

Russian shut-off valve for sewers

Producer Politek

When and where to put

A non-return valve for a sewer system is a rather heavy-duty device, as was previously mentioned. Apartment bathrooms are typically tiny, making it challenging to locate a place, but you have to if you don’t want to use a geyser for a toilet.

The diameter of the pipe that a sewer valve is installed on determines its precise dimensions. For instance, a sewer pipe with a diameter of 100 cm must have a minimum length of 40 cm and a slightly smaller height and width. The installation of such a box is required in front of the riser’s entrance.

In this case, you often have to break the floor, already laid tiles – you need to align the holes in the body with the pipes, center everything, and monitor the required angle of inclination. This prospect is especially pleasing if renovations have recently been made. In this case, there is also an option – to embed a check valve into the riser above your entrance. But such work involves interference with the general building system (installation of plumbing fixtures on your branch does not fall into this category), and they require written permission, you will have to notify residents, shut off the water, representatives of the operating organization or water utility will work. In general, it’s still a hassle, because this method of solving the problem is used very rarely.

If there is no place for a common device, install sewer check valves on each plumbing fixture – separately on the toilet, bathtub, washbasin, sink, etc.P. This is if pipes from each of the devices go separately to the riser. If you have only two directions – to the toilet, and then to the bathtub-washbasin-sink, etc.d., then it will cost you to install two devices – one personal one on the toilet (the diameter coincides with the diameter of the outlet pipe) and the second – a common one, on a branch that goes to all other devices. Its size must match the diameter of the distribution pipe, and most often it is 50 mm.

One of the most important steps in protecting the plumbing system in your house is installing a sewage check valve. This little but important device is a major factor in keeping wastewater from backing up into your basement or other lower-level areas. Sewage is limited to flowing away from your house, which helps keep things sanitary and avoids expensive water damage.

Considerations for selecting a sewage check valve include material compatibility with your plumbing system, ease of maintenance, and valve type (usually swing or spring-loaded). Its effectiveness depends on proper installation, so make sure it’s positioned correctly and firmly connected to your sewage line.

Maintaining the effectiveness of your sewage check valve requires routine maintenance. Check it from time to time for any indications of wear, accumulation of debris, or mechanical problems. Potential backups can be avoided and the valve’s lifespan extended by removing obstructions and making sure it stays in operation.

In the end, purchasing a sewage check valve is a preventative step that enhances the general integrity and performance of the plumbing system in your house. By reducing the possibility of sewage backups and the resulting damages, you’re guaranteeing your home’s cleanliness and safety.

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THE CHEAPEST AND FASTEST VACUUM VALVE TO INSTALL!