A stormwater check valve is a mechanical device that prevents the backflow of wastewater into drinking water pipes. It can also be used to protect homes from floods or to stop sewer backup. It is often required by plumbing codes in cities and towns across the United States.
Choosing the Right Stormwater Check Valve
In order to keep your home and family safe from sewer backups and flooding, a stormwater check valve should be installed near your main drain pipe or a basement floor drain. The best way to know if a check valve is in the correct position is to have it checked by a qualified plumber.
It is important to choose a high quality valve that can handle the rigors of the job, but doesn’t require any maintenance. This means the right materials, proper construction, and durable design that can stand up to the test of time.
Depending on the application, you may need a check valve that can withstand heavy rain, severe winter weather, or typhoons. A good option is PROCO’s 711/731 ProFlex(tm) check valves with a sloping bottom that allows complete drainage to prevent standing water.
This valve is made of elastomers that are specially engineered to stand up to the rigors of the job, without any maintenance needed. Its sloping bottom is easy to install, and it can be installed on any flange style pipe in a variety of configurations.
The 711/731 ProFlex(tm) also offers the convenience of a slip on installation, allowing you to place it over the outer diameter of your pipe, secured by a 316 stainless steel clamp. This sloping bottom also allows you to easily and quickly remove and replace the valve in case of emergency.
These no-maintenance valves are available in a wide range of sizes and can be constructed from a number of different elastomers, including ANSI/NSF-61 material suitable for drinking water. They will not warp, are resistant to a wide range of temperature conditions, from -65 degrees to 250 degrees Fahrenheit, and can last for 35 to 50 years.
Agricultural Irrigation
In addition to protecting homes from sewer backups, a stormwater check valve can also be used on farms to ensure the proper flow of water to the crops. This is especially important during periods of drought or when a high rain fall occurs.
When installing a stormwater check valve, you should make sure it’s not blocked by debris or sand. This can cause it to fail and create an unwanted backflow.
Floating flaps are also an important feature of many check valves, as they help prevent sewage and water from backing up into your home. They have a small flap that is normally open, and there are floaters on each side that lift the flap up when water or sewage begins to back up into your home.
Having these valves properly installed is essential to keep your home and family safe from sewer backflow, and they are a must have in any building that uses a potable water system. They also need to be inspected regularly by a trusted and licensed plumber, to ensure that they’re not clogged with debris or blockages that can cause them to fail.