Swing Check Valves: Installation and Maintenance

Swing check valves are a necessary part of any pipeline where the flow can only go in one direction. In your home, plumbing is a perfect example--unless you want the water that you flush coming back through your faucet! This is a relatively easy process as long as you know a few important details, like how to install swing check valves vertically or horizontally and maintaining your valve.

We hear many people ask, “Can swing check valves be installed vertically?”

The simple answer to that question is yes, swing check valves can be installed in both directions. But to be very clear, installing a swing check valve on a horizontal pipeline can actually look like the valve is vertical. When you install a check valve on a vertical pipeline, the valve will be horizontal.

However, it’s most common to install a swing check valve on a horizontal pipeline. When people are asking if swing check valves can be installed vertically, they are usually referring to the pipeline.

Need to learn more about what a swing check valve is? Read our post here.

Installing a swing check valve on a vertical pipeline doesn’t change the installation process, but you need to make sure the flow arrow points up. This enables water flow through the pipeline to travel upwards, and prevents gravity from pulling it back and contaminating the water supply.

Although there are different sizes and styles of swing check valves, you can look at this diagram to see how it works from the inside.

To see more examples, check out PVC Fittings’ other swing check valves.

The work of attaching a swing check valve to a pipeline is extremely easy, but you’ll find that it’s worth your time to go slowly and check things carefully. It’s much easier to catch a problem during installation than it is to uninstall or replace your swing check valve.

Here are the steps to install a swing check valve:

Before you purchase your swing check valve, make sure that you know the size and style you need. Measure the pipes you will be attaching the valve to, and check the material. There are threaded valves, socket valves, and materials such as carbon steel, stainless steel, and PVC. You can see even more options here.

Quickly taking a look inside the valve will ensure that nothing got stuck inside during shipping. If something small made its way into the swing check valve, it could potentially cause the flap to get stuck and prevent all water from flowing. This is a quick and easy step that could save you hours of time and frustration.

Whether you need a swing check valve with flanges or not, you should check the edges closely. Look for uneven edges, scratches, or anything else that could prevent your valve from sealing correctly.

This is the only step that will change depending on the direction of your pipeline. Look on your valve for an arrow that indicates the direction of flow. If you are installing your swing check valve on a horizontal pipeline, place it in the appropriate direction.

If you are installing your swing check valve on a vertical pipeline, make sure the flow arrow is pointing up.

Finally, you can attach your swing check valve onto your pipeline. Depending on the type of valve you’re using, you will either need to screw it with your hands, or simply put the pieces together and make sure they’re secure.

You can test the functionality of your swing check valve by turning your water on and making sure it is flowing. If you use a clear PVC valve like this one, testing is easy because you can see how the valve is performing.

If, during testing, you find that your water flow is blocked, you should double-check the direction of your swing check valve. If you notice leaking or any other problem, you can troubleshoot using the tips below.

After your swing check valve is installed, it will immediately start working. Valves do not require a lot of maintenance, but you can keep them working more effectively by checking them consistently. Look for:

     •  Leaks

     •  Rust

     •  Debris

     •  Correct flow

You can also lubricate your swing check valve and rotate it slightly to keep it working optimally for longer.

If you find that your swing check valve is leaking or the valve gets stuck, there are a few simple ways to troubleshoot the problem. Before you do these, make sure your water is turned off.

If you find the cover of your swing check valve leaking, it is most likely caused by loose bolts or a damaged gasket. You can start by simply tightening the bolts and checking if that solves the problem. If not, you will need to replace the gasket on your valve.

If your valve leaks water when it’s closed, there is likely some sort of damage inside your valve. You should clean your flap and check for damage. You can replace your flap if you find damage, but if there is damage to the body of your valve, you will have to replace the whole thing.

If your valve doesn’t open, it’s probably due to some kind of obstruction. You should uninstall your valve and take it apart to find it. Cleaning your valve should allow water to pass through.

Installing and maintaining your swing check valve is simple, but small mistakes can lead to big problems. Even though swing check valves can be installed in any direction, you need to make sure they are placed on horizontal and vertical pipelines appropriately. Make sure that you purchase the correct size and material for your home, and inspect your swing check valve thoroughly before installation.