Check valve question

[funkyrxman]

Hey aquatic homies. Do I have this right : check valves will stop reverse flow from the tank to the sump in the event of a power outage, but the water in the plumbing behind the check valves will return to the sump. I have a big 150 watt uv with a check valve on the outlet, and I just want to make sure when I cut flow to it, that the water behind the valve returns to the sump to ease maintenance.

 

[vertigo01]

You are correct, however check valves aren't a set and forget type of fail safe.
They will require routine maint to function properly.
That being said, they will sometimes still fail.
It would be best if you could put a union with ball valve before the UV . IMHO.

 

[funkyrxman]

Got the union and ball valve in there. Just got those cool check valves with access to the guts to ease cleaning. Failed checks in the past caused a loud hammering sound whenever the power died. No fun

 

[AZDesertRat]

Check valves have no place in a reef system. Plumb your UV in such a way you have a loop so it will always be full of water even in a power outage.

 

[Engloid]

I use a check valve in my system, but it's because I have 1.5" plumbing running from my basement up to the living room. When power goes out, I don't want it all draining down into my sumps, even though I have an overflow setup so it won't flood my basement.

I would not recommend ever using the flapper style check valve though. They can sometimes "burp" during a power outage and the flapper will bounce up and down until all the water has bypassed it anyway. I use a spring style

 

[Flippers4pups]

Check valves have no place in a reef system. Plumb your UV in such a way you have a loop so it will always be full of water even in a power outage.

Not to sound negitive, but I totally agree! They are a ticking time bomb and will fail at some point...... like during the dreaded "vacation curse" or "out of town on business trip catastrophe" and "Power outage while away for hours nightmare"!

Many will say otherwise, but is it worth the risk? Please design your systems and sumps to accept your drain water when the power goes out. A little planing and time during your build faze will pay off in the long run and prevent the potential "tank crash"!

Happy reefing

 

[Engloid]

Not to sound negitive, but I totally agree! They are a ticking time bomb and will fail at some point...... like during the dreaded "vacation curse" or "out of town on business trip catastrophe" and "Power outage while away for hours nightmare"!

Many will say otherwise, but is it worth the risk? Please design your systems and sumps to accept your drain water when the power goes out. A little planing and time during your build faze will pay off in the long run and prevent the potential "tank crash"!

Happy reefing

The same can be said for float valves also, and the most recommended advice is to incorporate redundancy, not to stop using them.

 

[stunreefer Verified Sponsor]

I agree with wholly avoiding them whenever possible, but if not, then I replace the center portion on a yearly basis no matter the condition.

 

[Engloid]

As a rule, I would never use them if their faiure would result in a flood. Always test and make sure you are covered by some other method of containment, if the check valve leaks. For my setup, it was good so I didnt have to wait forever for piping to drain for any mantainence, but I made sure I had volumetric capacity in my sump for an event that return pump failed or I had a lengthy power outage and the check valve had a slow leak. I only count on a check valve to slow drainage, not to stop it.

 

[Salty1962]

Check valves are a very prone point of plumbing failure. Unless kept completely clean, they do not operate properly and fail more than not. Been there done it. See what other options you may have to avoid issues