An integral part of most plumbing, water and sewer systems including ones that incorporate sump pumps and especially sewage pump installations is a check valve installed in the discharge pipe of the pump (in the case of sewer or black water discharge from the home) as well as on the intake system for water supplies including town or city rovided water service. In fact most Georgia Locals plumbing codes include a requirement for a full flow check valve to be installed in any application where a drainage pipe, sump or sewage pump is installed as well as all potable water intake locations including municipally supplied water and well water. This prevents a situation where water entering your home does not flow back into external system actually providing water service to your home or business. In addition when you rely on sewer and septic systems the check valve stops the potential back flow from the sanitary system or other drainage component from siphoning back into your home or office, drainage basin or sump pit after the pump shuts off.
The check valve is a fitting that has a flapper that acts as a one way trap door by allowing the water flowing In/out to open the flapper while the pump is running or water demand is requiring a forward flow of potable water. When the fixture shuts off or the pump stops the water in the discharge line forces the flapper or trap door closed thus blocking backwards movement within the system.
There is a secondary benefit to having a check valve, it helps prevent the constant recycling and re-pumping of the same water left in the discharge pipe when the pump shuts off.
There are multiple types of check valves depending on the application. Some systems require single check valves while others require double check valves or even what is called an Air Gap and not just a valve. That is why it is imperative to work with a licensed plumbing company that has a full understanding of local code and requirements. In addition by not using an experienced plumbing contractor you run the risk of cross contamination, sewer backups and potential risks to your health as well as property damage from improper installation of this important component to your home or office plumbing system. The licensed plumbers at Local Plumbing and Sewer are well versed in local regulations and work not only on residential properties buy a full array of commercial, multi-tenant and industrial property types.
