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One of the equipment you must have in your house as long as you own a basement is a sump pump. It helps to keep the basement dry by absorbing the water found in the lowest points and pumping it into your septic or out into the yard. In a sump pump, water flows in just one direction, thus making water exit without a backflow.
It is as well suitable for draining out the water in your pools when you are carrying out general maintenance of the pool. The water in your pool is relatively large and so for you to let the water flow out without flowing back; you need a good sump pump valve. The aim of this valve is to prevent the water from flowing back and despite their small sizes, they are astonishingly powerful.
However, a sump pump valve with a low quality could reduce the pump’s performance, hence you will need a very durable one depending on the task you want to perform. There are various manufacturers that produce such quality pumps with good valves like Zoeller, Superior Pumps, etc.
However, we have done thorough research in the market and come up with the best sump pump check valve you can use in your home based on their compatibility, discharge size, construction material, and PSI.
You can't go wrong with any of our top picks, however, the Zoeller 30-0181 Check Valve has caught our attention in particular. It features flapper aids that help in removing sharp 90° edges which can result in water hammering and to top it all it's very cost-effective and made from durable materials to last for a very long time.
Best Sump Pump Check Valves: Our Top Picks
1. Zoeller 30-0181 PVC Check Valve
On our list, we have the Zoeller 30-0181 as the topmost and our best check valve. It functions with various sump pumps, has a long lifespan, and is very easy cheap to purchase. It is made with 1-1/2″ slip unions and has a bending flapper which protects the edge.
The flapper aids in removing sharp 90° edges, which may result in water hammering. With this function, the valve can last longer, thus making it the number one on our list and worldwide. You can either set the valve vertically or horizontally during installation and when using the slip × slip unions, they can hold up to 10 feet of head at a pressure of 4.3 PSI and at a temperature of 130°F.
Another advantage of these slip × slip unions designs is that they can fit 1-1/2 or 1-1/4-inch pipes, and possess stainless steel clamps, screws, and nuts to aid in tightening the joints after gluing in the pipes.
The valve has an opaque colored body that prevents people from seeing inside it and is made out of an ultrasonically welded PVC material that is strong enough to handle water at 25 PSI at a maximum head of 57 feet and at a maximum temperature of 130°F. It has a dimension of 9.8 x 6.8 x 17.5 inches and weighs about 12 ounces.
Pros:
- Pumps at 4.3 PSI
- Affordable on any home budget
- Easy to install the above discharge system
- More reliable than old mechanical check valves
- Features Bent flapper over a radius, eliminating sharp 90° edges
- Can be installed in a vertical or horizontal orientation
- Designed to reduce water hammering
- 1-1/2 or 1-1/4-inch slip × slip unions, with stainless steel clamps
- Strong ultrasonically welded PVC construction
Cons:
- PVC construction will last for many years – but not forever
- Very big in terms of size (9.8 x 6.8 x 17.5 inches)
- Opaque PVC body makes it impossible to monitor the inside mechanisms at a glance
You can't go wrong with any of our top picks, however, the Zoeller 30-0181 Check Valve has caught our attention in particular. It features flapper aids that help in removing sharp 90° edges which can result in water hammering and to top it all it's very cost-effective and made from durable materials to last for a very long time.
2. Superior Pump 99555 Universal Check Valve
The Pump 99555 valve is one that functions with high PSI systems and can fit on both male (1 1/4″) or female(1 1/2″) threads and seals with Nitrile-Bruna N seal.
It can as well fit on numerous sump pumps without sacrificing quality and would function better when you attach a piece of plumbing you to it. This could be a PVC or ABS and with the 6.5-ounce weight, it will fit properly.
It has an ABS plastic body and the Nitril-Bruna N Seal in the interior prevents water from flooding back into your pit.
It can handle the water pressure up to 11 PSI and in a situation when your drain is quite far from where you wish to remove the water, then you could hook multiple hoses and check valves together. It is easy to install and can fit in most residential sump systems as long as you don’t over-tighten it.
Pros:
- Easy to install on most drain lines
- Prevents water backflow after the pump turns off
- Manufactured out of solid ABS plastic
- Comes with two adapters
Cons:
- PVC construction will last for many years – but not forever
The Superior Pump 99555 Universal Check Valve will fit any 1-1/4 inch or 1-1/2 inch NPT male or female thread and is made from durable ABS plastic. Designed to fit all types of ABS, PVC or rubber pipe connectors, the 99555 will make installing your sump pump check valve simple and easy. The high quality Nitril-Bruna N Seal ensures water remaining in the pipe does not flow back into your sump basin.
3. Campbell 0823-15C – Best Campbell Sump Pump Check Valve
The Campbell’s 0823-15C is a 1.5-inch sump pump check valve which can be connected to any NPT pipe that is similar in size in a slip × slip connection. This is done by connecting it via the 1-1/2-inch union it has, thus making it available for various uses especially in sump pumps.
It has a heavy build and a body made out of a clear PVC material, thus making it easy for you to check the operations of the valve from the exterior and therefore, detect any error on the gate particularly.
Due to the strong material, it can water pressure at a maximum of 150 PSI and temperature at 72°F. However, it will crack when the pressure rises up to 300 PSI and the temperature increases to 120°F.
It has a spring-loaded gate on the interior to ensure water flows in just a direction and lets you mount the valve in any direction. It has a dimension of 3.3 x 3.3 x 9.5 inches and is quite affordable.
Pros:
- Universal fitting 1.5-inch union with a slip × slip connection
- Clear PVC construction for easy monitoring
- Heavy-duty PVC structure makes it very strong and durable
- Spring-loaded gate ensures water flows in one direction
- Can be installed in any orientation
Cons:
- Spring-loaded gate adds some pressure to the pump
This silent check valve is made from 1-1/2 in clear PVC and can hold up to 150psi water pressure at 72 degrees Fahrenheit, cracking pressure of 300psi, and max temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. AY McDonald 4424-100 2069C – Quiet Sump Pump Check Valve
With a size of 1-1/2 inches and a dimension of 3 x 3 x 11.4 inches, the AY McDonald’s 4424-100 eliminates water hammering and functions with a quiet technicality. Water hammering is a situation when the water hammers on the valve as it tries to flow back into the area you are draining it from.
This valve ensures no leakage of water and is very reliable and has undergone various tests to prove that. It has a plastic body and possesses a one-piece housing that does not require a gasket which might begin to fail or leak with time.
You can connect it to PVC, steel, or copper pipes with similar sizes via the easy installable 1.5-inch female sockets that have a stainless steel clamp for tightening the joint.
Pros:
- Quiet design that is made to eliminate water hammering
- Pressure tested valve closing seals
- Strong plastic, one-piece construction
- Stainless steel clamps for tight-fitting over 1.5-inch pipe connections
Cons:
- Expensive
Rubber Hose Coupling: Valves are designed to fit on standard sump pump line connections. Easy to install over 1 1/2" PVC pipe (schedule 40 or 80), steel pipe, or copper tubing. One piece housing construction, no gasket to fail or leak.
5. One Size Fits All: Wayne Pumps 66005
If you are looking for a valve for any kind of system, then you should check out the Wayne Pumps 66005 because the valve was made especially for all kinds of pumps.
It has threaded male end 1 1/2″ adapters, outflow shoulder end 1 1/4″ adapters, and includes 1 1/2″ shoulder end adapters for attaching it to your pump and drain lines.
It is made out of PVC material and has a weight of 4 ounces. It is very advantageous as there are numerous adapters you can pick out from to attach a matching size to your pipe.
Pros:
- Fits almost any sump system
- Prevents stagnate backflow water from entering the pit
- The rubber boot is easy to attach to any size piping
Cons:
- Not as strong as other valves
Wayne pumps check valve, PVC body, 2-3/4 in overall length, 2-3/4 in overall width, 7 in overall height, black, includes: 1-1/2 in shoulder end Adapter, for use with all types of sump pumps. Wayne 66005-wyn1 1.5 in. Check valve kit. 1-1/2 inch pump thread with 1-1/4 inch or 1/12 inch pipe connection. For use with all types of sump pumps.
6. Zoeller 30-0043: 2 Port Valve
Just like the noiseless Campbell’s 0823-15C, the 2 Port check valve makes less noise than other normal valves and has the capacity to contain a higher PSI.
It has a weight of 6 pounds and eliminates the problem of water hammering via the 1/2 lb innerspring while still letting water to flow “out”. The check valve also eradicates pipe shaking and other plumbing noises in powerful systems.
It has an anti-clog design and can be installed vertically or horizontally.
Pros:
- Eliminates water hammering
- Stops noisy pumps from making too much noise in the basement
- Does not add additional strain onto the sump pump
Cons:
- 1/2 lb spring may be too strong for weak pumps
Quiet Check Valve 2 Pvc/Clear, this can hold up to 50 psi water pressure.
7. Smith-Cooper International CV30L: Brass Check Valve
The Smith-Cooper International CV30L is a very durable check valve made out of brass and can resist corrosion which is a major problem for some valves. It can handle the pressure of about 200 PSI and is fitted with a stainless steel spring and poppet.
It can as well handle temperature ranging to about 350 Fahrenheit at the maximum and has a weight of I pound. During installation, you have the option to set it vertically or horizontally and with its NPT female connector, you can connect it easily to your pipes.
Pros:
- A tough design able to handle high flood areas
- Uses spring-loaded, ball cone design plus disc and hinge to prevent water from flow back into the pit
Cons:
- More likely to corrode than ABS models]
The Smith-Cooper International CV30L series check valve for potable water service is made of brass for corrosion resistance, ductility at high temperatures, and low magnetic permeability. Brass can be connected to copper, brass, plastic, aluminum, and welded steel. 
Why is a sump pump check valve essential?
Without a check valve, your basement pump might not work as you wish and would end up sending back the water into the sump pit. There should also be a valve in the discharge line so that the pump will not have to work harder to pump out water and end up failing.
Who should get a Sump Pump Check Valve?
When you go to the plumbing store, you would see several types of equipment that can confuse you especially when it comes to extra valves. Hence, you would have to ask the expert to provide you with what you need. However, everyone who has a sump pump or wishes to have one for various applications should ensure they get a check valve alongside it so that they could prevent a lot of issues.
Factors to consider when looking for the best sump pump check valve: Buyers Guide
You must have gone through our list of top valves for you and if you’re still unsure of the one to pick, lemme help you here. To choose a suitable check valve for your use, there are several factors you should look out for so you make the right decision.
These factors include;
1. Compatibility
The compatibility of a check valve talks mostly about fittings as there are some sump pump check valves that possess threaded fittings while others come with slip × slip connections. Hence, it would be advisable to go for slip × slip check valves like Zoeller’s 30-0181 since they work well with plastic pipes and PVC glue if you are using them for PVC piping systems.
On the other hand, you would have to use check valves that are threaded if your pipes are metals or of galvanized iron, steel, or copper pipes since they all have threaded ends. This is the reason why you should check the compatibility of your piping system so that you get a compatible valve too.
2. PSI and Head Height
The PSI and head height are two of the most vital things to look out for when buying a new check valve. Different homes and sump pumps, pump water at various rates so if your pump is too great for your check valve, then it might cause it to start leaking.
Hence, you should always ensure to know the head height of your valve and the distance from the pump to the end of your lines so you do not over or under-power your system.
3. Build Material
The strength of the valve’s material is the main thing that you should check before you purchase one. Mostly, manufacturers make it with metal, brass, stainless steel, or plastic and these are all good materials through metal will definitely last longer but is more difficult to install.
On the other hand, metal will corrode more easily than plastic so the best form of plastic-related you can use is the PVC as it can hold the pump and water head pressure.
Regardless, of the material you want to use in your valve, you should ensure it is durable so that you don’t incur extra charges on a regular replacement.
Additionally, PVC plastics mostly have units that are transparent so that you can monitor the interior mechanisms to check for faults or problems when working.
4. Discharge Size
It is not every sump pump and drainage lines that have similarities in sizes so when choosing a valve; ensure that you check your pipe size first before you choose one. Get a correct measurement of your drain lines and if you get confused, then resort to your owner’s manual to find the appropriate discharge pipe size for you.
When you hear of a 1-1/2 or 1-1/4-inch size, you should know that they are referring to the connecting socket size to your pipe as their lengths are measured in inches. If you make an error and buy a valve with the wrong size, then you can’t connect it to the pump and will have to purchase another one.
A 1-1/2-inch piping system goes with a matching 1-1/2-inch and a 1-1/4-inch piping system will as well go with a 1-1/4-inch valve. Nevertheless, you can buy universal valves like the Campbell’s 0823-15C you can use for connections to various kinds of pipes.
5. Noise
There are numerous people that have their drainage system close to their rooms or house buildings and do not like the noise the water hammering generates. Hence, if you are in this category and desire to have a noiseless water extraction, then you should go for the valves that feature this mechanism.
This is a very crucial factor and one you should take into consideration. At some point, the noise could be okay for you, but when it might not be the same always so it is more advisable to choose this whether you are a fan of water hammering noise or not.
There are newer check valves in the market that possess this feature and are suitable for you if this is one of your specs for a good sump pump valve. Some of them include Campbell’s 0823-15C and AY McDonald’s 4424-100 2069C as they integrate the use of spring-loaded flappers, which are far less noisy and thus make them more considerable.
FAQs
Every sump pump needs a check valve if not the water you are trying to extract with your sump pump will keep flowing back into the pit. If it is broken or missing, water will be flowing back toward the pit, instead of outside your home, and this will trigger the pump to run.
Sump pump valves come in various materials and kinds and when you have used them for a long time, they definitely get weak and might not function any longer as they are meant to function. Sometimes, the connection becomes loose or a valve may fail hence causing a leak.
The right place for you to set up your sump pump check valve is a position close to the floor just right next to the pump so that it can reduce the quantity of water trying to flow back to the pump after every cycle.
When the water cannot flow any longer for a while, the sump pump will burn itself out so if you use two pumps to feed through just a check valve, then you will experience this exact problem. Hence, if you are using two pumps, you should sue two check valves too, though you can merge the discharge lines afterward.
You can easily notice that a check valve is bad when you find the water running back to the pump despite its presence.
The need for a check valve in a line or pipe is to ensure the fluid or water it extracts is flowing in one direction. However, this will be the opposite when it fails. The water will simply begin flowing back to the pump and hence cause the pump to fail.
Conclusion
To use your sump pumps seamlessly, you need a suitable check valve. Using an inefficient check valve for your sump pump can lead to disaster. You don’t want to face such a situation.
Do you? There is really no reason for not having one given that they’re less pricey and easily affordable. You can also easily install it even if you’re not an expert. With the guide and the top recommendations we have made above, you easily get a suitable match based on your specs and handle your water draining without worries. Still, ensure your budget matches your choice so that you can save costs.
Don’t forget to check the following factors when shopping for a check valve:
- The diameter of the discharge line– There are different diameters of discharge lines and discharge lines on different sump pumps can vary in diameter. Before you buy a check valve ensure you check the owner’s manual that comes with your sump pump or measures the discharge pipe.
- The material the valve is made from– A few check valves are manufactured from stainless steel or brass. These are sturdy and durable but most people today decide to go for ABS or PVC plastic. These options are lightweight, comes with user-friendly installation. They are equally inexpensive.
- PSI– Sump pumps commonly discharge water at different pressures. If your check valve structure and build are not strong enough to withstand the pressure created by your pump you’ll end up in a big mess. Read the owner’s manual of the desired sump pump carefully to know the product’s PSI. Our Best Pick
Zoeller 30-0181 Check Valve | ZoroCheck Price Buy at Amazon.comYou can't go wrong with any of our top picks, however, the Zoeller 30-0181 Check Valve has caught our attention in particular. It features flapper aids that help in removing sharp 90° edges which can result in water hammering and to top it all it's very cost-effective and made from durable materials to last for a very long time.
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