Sump pump check valve

oldbear914

Where is the best place to locate the valve? Down by the pump itself or can it be located 5-10 feet above the pump?

Ishmael

The best place is down by the pump. If you have it a long way away, then every time it pumps out, there'll be a lot of effluent flowing back from where the check valve is into the basin again afterthe pump shuts off. It's not going to hurt anything, but you'll get a more complete "evacuation" if the check valve is closer to the pump.

The other possibility is that the pipe will hold a vacuum along that whole length up to the check valve (like holding your thumb over the end of a straw). In that case, your pump is going to have to overcome some excess resistance to pump out each time - could shorten the life of the pump.

oldbear914

That's what I was afraid that the answer would be. Guess I'm going to have to get down and dirty in the sump pit.

Thanks

handy man88

Which is why they recommend drilling a small hole into the PVC pipe just after the pump connection.

rudolph58

just above the cover

coocoobe101

i usually install the check valve one to two feet above the lid---since you most likely are using a -Y-
connector to tie into the main pump discharge line--it would be a lot easier to work above the lid--
in the pit your always short on space--so make it easy on yourself--
always drill an 1/8 inch hole 3 to 4 inches above the bottom of the pvc pipe--
that is done to prevent air lock which eliminates pump failure--
putting a check valve under the lid is crazy--it makes no sense--good luck