Last Updated on May 16, 2023
Every sump pump contains a check valve to prevent water from flowing back into the pit. The check valve can malfunction at any time and become stuck open. If this occurs, water will flow back into the sump pit and eventually flood the basement.
For this reason, one question may arise in your mind, “can I have 2 check valves on the sump pump?” You can install an additional valve on the sump pump’s discharge line to provide an extra layer of protection against flooding.
But there are some things you need to know before installing a second check valve. We will discuss all of them in detail.
In What Benefits Does a Second Check Valve Bring?
Installing a second check valve has several benefits. Below are a few benefits of having an additional check valve installed on your sump pump:
1. Ensure That Water Never Flows Back Into Your Sump Pit
A second check valve is highly beneficial as it protects against water flowing back into your sump pit. If your primary pump fails, the second check valve will ensure that water does not flow back into the pit and cause additional damage.
This is especially important if you live in an area susceptible to flooding, as it can help to minimize the amount of water damage in your home. A second check valve can also provide peace of mind in knowing that your home is better protected against flooding.
2. Reduce the Pressure On the Primary Check Valve
Upon installation of a second check valve, it is common for the two check valves to share the workload.
This can be beneficial as it can help to lessen the pressure placed on the primary check valve so that both check valves can work together more efficiently. In this way, the sump pump check valves will be able to last longer and perform at their best.
What Potential Drawbacks Does a Second Check Valve Pose On a Sump Pump?
Though a second check valve has many benefits, there are also a few potential drawbacks that you should keep in mind. These potential drawbacks are listed below:
1. Reducing Water Removal Per Cycle
Installing a second check valve may reduce the overall efficiency of the sump pump. This is because the second check valve will decrease the amount of water that can be removed per cycle.
In some cases, this may not make much of a difference. But if your sump pump is already struggling to keep up with the demand, a second check valve may worsen the problem. You will need to consider this when deciding whether or not to add a second check valve.
2. Increasing the Frequency Of Cycles
A second check valve may also cause the sump pump to cycle more frequently. As we have already mentioned, the addition of a second check valve will result in a reduction in water removal per cycle.
The sump pump will have to cycle more frequently in order to remove the same amount of water. This can put additional strain on the sump pump. Your sump pump may fail if it cannot handle this extra load.
3. Create Negative Pressure Between the Check Valves
There is a possibility that installing a second check valve could produce a negative pressure between them. When one check valve leaks or does not close as quickly as the one above it, then negative pressure can form.
Due to this negative pressure, water may start to siphon from the upper check valve back into the lower one. This is not a common problem, but it could occur if the multiple check valves are not properly installed or maintained.
Where should you install a second check valve to prevent the potential drawbacks?
The second check valve should be installed in another bypass pipe to achieve the best results and avoid potential drawbacks. In this way, the two check valves will not be in the same pipe and will not be subject to the same potential problems.
It is important to install the second check valve as close as possible to the pump. It will reduce the volume of water that can return to the sump pit and also help keep the pressure on the main check valve to a minimum. A second check valve can significantly benefit your sump pump system when installed correctly.
Select a valve of the highest quality that is durable and will provide long-term service. You can search for the best sump pump check valve with stainless steel clamps that will offer a tight seal and will not corrode over time.
How do you find the highest quality sump pump check valves?
You’ll need to consider a few significant factors to find the most reliable-quality sump pump check valves. Firstly, go for valves made from durable materials like PVC or ABS plastic, which can withstand extreme conditions showing greater longevity.
It’s essential to consider the valve’s PSI rate, which determines how quickly water can be pumped out of the sump pit. Opt for higher PSI-rate valves to have a fast and efficient pumping process. Also, examine the discharge size, which is crucial in determining the volume of water discharged at once.
Larger discharge sizes can shorten the pumping time significantly when there’s a high volume of water to discharge.
To make your search more effortless, start with our review of the top-rated check valves for sump pumps in the market, researched to provide you with a comprehensive guide on the most reliable and efficient options.
The review presents detailed features and benefits of each valve, accompanied by potential drawbacks, to help you make informed decisions.
By reading about the various products, you can ensure you get a sump pump check valve that will last for years and offer fast, effective pumping experiences.
How far should the second check valve be from the sump pump?
It is recommended that the second check valve be installed between 8-inch above the pump’s discharge and 12-inch above the floor level to be effective. This will help reduce the pump’s back pressure and extend its life.
Obtaining the desired results requires the proper installation of the check valve. You can follow the manufacturer’s instructions to install it correctly. You will be able to avoid any issues and ensure the longevity of your sump pump as well.
What size check valves do I need for my sump pump?
To determine the size of check valves needed for your sump pump, you must consider your sump pump’s discharge pipe’s size and capacity.
In most cases, the discharge pipes are either 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 inches in size. Thus, these sizes should be the target for your check valve dimensions.
Also, you will need PVC couplings and nuts that can adapt the check valve if it does not fit your drainage pipe.
Can I use different types of check valves for my sump pump?
It is generally recommendable to use the same kind of check valve for both installations in order to ensure proper compatibility and functioning. But, it is possible to use different types as long as they are suitable for the specifications of your pump.
Carefully examine the technical specifications of your sump pump and make sure to choose a check valve that is compatible with it. A check valve unsuitable for your pump’s specifications can lead to malfunctioning and even damage your equipment.
How often should you inspect the check valve on the sump pump?
You should inspect the check valve regularly to ensure that it is working properly. The range of time for inspection depends on the frequency of use of the sump pump.
But as a general rule, checking at least three to four months is recommended. If you notice any leaks or damage, then you need to repair or replace the valve as soon as possible.
When should you replace your sump pump check valve?
Good quality check valves generally last for five to seven years. But the lifespan will depend on how often the pump runs and the quality of the valve. When you notice any leaks or deterioration, it is time to replace the valve to maintain the optimal performance of your sump pump.
If the valve is over seven years old, you should consider replacing it even if there are no immediate signs of malfunction. When one check valve fails, you need to replace it with a new one. This will help to ensure that both valves are working properly and will not cause any problems in the future.
Ensure Flood-Free Basement with a Backup Sump Pump Check Valve
It is now clear that you can install a second check valve on your sump pump. This will ensure that water flows in the correct direction and does not backflow into the pit. Make sure you select the best sump pump valve that will provide a long-term solution.
Simply install the second check valve at the correct location and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. This eliminates the potential drawbacks that might arise with installing a second valve.
Don’t forget to inspect and maintain the check valve to ensure it remains in good working order. Whenever you notice any signs of deterioration, you should replace them with a new one. After that, your sump pump will perform at its best, and you will have peace of mind.
