Check valve stammering

[Miami Reef]

When I close my return pump the check valve stammers. What does this mean?

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No, this never used to happen. I have 2 return pumps, before only one did it, but stopped after 15 seconds. Now both started doing it, but the 2nd return pump stopped, while the initial one is still doing it.

 

[Miami Reef]

My return pumps are connected to my Apex.

 

[thedon986]

I had the same valve, but mounted horizontally on my last setup. Same issue, started doing this after a few months or so. Possibly could need cleaning? Debating not using one my next setup...

 

[Enderg60]

Plumbing engineering answer:

The most common reason a check valve chatters is turbulence. Very often the turbulence is caused because the check valve is installed too close to the discharge of a pump or is just downstream of an elbow or some other turbulence causing device.

Most people running a check on a reef have it mounted to the pump, or right after an elbow turning horizontal. This causes a water hammer effect, where the water essentially bounces until it comes to rest.

A better location for the valve would be near the outlet but thats usually not easy to do on reefs.