I'm sure you've heard of a swing check valve before, but did know that they are available in a wide range of materials and could look very different? Depending on the style of swing check valve, you may see them look like either of the two photos below. Crazy that they are both swing check valves eh?
In this blog, we will go through the different materials that a swing check valve could come in and go into detail to help you figure out when you would need what style. Let's take a look!
Swing VS Standard
First, what is the difference between a swing check valve and a standard check valve? Standard check valves are a spring loaded check valve. This means that inside the check valve is a spring and poppet that when water is flowing through, will push on the poppet, opening the check valve and allowing the water to go through.
In a swing check valve, a flapper is used instead of the spring and poppet. The flapper opens when the water pushes on it and closes when the water is shut off.
There are swing check valves available in a quiet version that eliminate the noise the flapper makes when it closes once the water is shut off. Quiet swing check valves use a spring that dampens how hard the flap hits the valve when closing, this feature makes them less noisy compared to other swing check valves. This can be helpful if your swing check valve is installed near a bedroom or a gathering area of your home.
Swing Check Valves
As mentioned above, swing check valves are available in a variety of materials. So, how do you determine which one you need for your application? Each swing check valve has applications that it is designed to be used in. Below, we will go through each material and explain which application fits each swing check valve best.
Brass Swing Check Valves
Brass Swing Check Valves are primarily used in plumbing and heating systems and have either FPT x FPT (female) or C X C (copper) connections. They include a 1 piece brass flapper and brass flat seat. Brass Swing Check Valves can be used universally in many applications including sump pump applications.
ABS
ABS Sump Pump Swing Check Valves are typically used in basic sump pump applications
with lifts of 15 feet or less. They are available with connections of combinations of MPT, barbed, flexible coupling and spigot. ABS Sump Pump Swing Check Valves are the most economical sump pump check valve for small 1/4", 1/3" and 1/2" horse power pumps.
PVC Swing Check Valves or PVC Combination Ball Valve Swing Check Valves
Both the PVC and Combination Ball Valve Swing Check Valves can be used in applications such as lifting stations or effluent pumps, sump pumps, grinder pump or sewage pumps. They are available in connections such as compression, slip and true union slip. The compression type must be end blocked to prevent any lateral movement of the piping. This reduces the chance of it blowing off and spewing everywhere.
The high pressure ratings on these swing check valves make them suitable for applications where you need to pump significant vertical lift to raised weeping beds.
PVC Back Water Swing Check Valves
PVC Back Water Swing Check Valves are designed to protect low areas or basements from
back flow of waste from the street sewers. They have a slip connection and have gravity flow. Back Water Swing Check Valves are a simple addition that adds protection to your home.
Industrial Swing Check Valves
Industrial Swing Check Valves come in a wide range of models for Industrial and Municipal sewage and waste water applications. They can be opened for cleaning and servicing and are ideal for handling modern trash.
In Conclusion:
Now that you have a better understanding of which Swing Check Valve works best in each application, you can ensure you are selecting the right one for you.
For a closer look at Swing Check Valves, check out our Accelerator course at Accelerator- Swing Check Valves.
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