What is the valve on my sump pump pipe?
That’s a check valve. It lets water go up and out when the pump runs, and closes when the pump stops so the water in the pipe can’t fall back into the pit. Without it, the pump moves the same water over and over.
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From one of our jobs
A new check valve on a sump pump discharge
Right now: Listen right after the pump shuts off. A bang or water rushing back into the pit points to the check valve.
Older check valves slam shut with a loud bang every time the pump shuts off. The one in this photo is a quiet style with a spring inside, so it closes softly. If you hear a thud in the basement right after the pump stops, that’s your check valve.
When one fails open, the pump runs in short bursts all day because the same water keeps coming back. That wears the motor out early. A new quiet valve goes in with every SwiftPro sump pump replacement.
Quick answers
What people ask about sump pump check valves
What does a sump pump check valve do?
It stops the water in the discharge pipe from falling back into the pit when the pump shuts off.
Why does my sump pump bang when it shuts off?
The check valve slamming shut. A quiet, spring loaded valve closes softly and ends the bang.
How do I know if my check valve is bad?
The pump turns on and off every few seconds, or you hear water rush back into the pit right after it stops.
Which way does a sump pump check valve go?
The arrow on the valve points up, the way water flows out of the pit.
Who fixes sump pumps in Northern Virginia?
Call SwiftPro at (703) 997-9757. We repair and replace sump pumps across Northern Virginia, a quiet check valve with every new pump.
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SwiftPro Heating, Cooling & Plumbing
4230 Lafayette Center Dr N, Chantilly, VA 20151
44679 Endicott Dr, Suite 211, Ashburn, VA 20147
SwiftPro Plumber & Water Heaters
4200 Lafayette Center Dr, Suite N, Chantilly, VA 20151
Virginia Class A contractor license #2705192276