Quick Plumbing question
- Thread starter fftfk
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stoney7713
10K Club member
No it won't work properly. Really needs to be vertical.Is there any reason a flapper style check valve cannot be used horizontally if the flapper is still aligned up and down (like the photis)?
Sean Clark
7500 Club Member
Having some weight on top will help seal it up. That style is probably one of the least desirable for that reason. You can get weighted check valves that can be mounted in any orientation without issue.
Here is an example
www.bulkreefsupply.com
Here is an example
Wye Check Valve
Why does BRS recommend this? Check valves are always a good idea to have, however when it comes to reliability you get what you pay for. There are other good check valves on the market but we feel that the Georg Fischer Wye check valve is by far the most superior. They have a removable plunger...
www.bulkreefsupply.com
N1tew0lf1212
...Cronies Secretary...
I decided on valves on my returns for cleaning and easy disassembly i have heard horror stories bout check valves failing. I know you have it might as well use it but maybe install unions around it so you can replace when needed if it fails best of luck and i agree with that style it would be best to place vertically
N1tew0lf1212
...Cronies Secretary...
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vetteguy53081
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has to be vertical to detect change in pressure. I Prefer ball and other shutoff although with power outage you have to be home to close the valves.Is there any reason a flapper style check valve cannot be used horizontally if the flapper is still aligned up and down (like the photis)?
It so happens I am plumbing right now as I type letting everything set. Im down to return pump then can finish tank fill
Matty Ice
Active Member
I was planning on a check valve after my return pump…still waiting for the new tank to come. Are check valves not a thing in this hobby? I’m a glorified plumber for work and deal with check valves. Do they fail closed?
Last edited:
N1tew0lf1212
...Cronies Secretary...
Some people have gone away from it due to failures. As @vetteguy53081 has stated the could use other valves to help stop syphon flow but same time if your not home during power outage or anything could overflow the sump if you dont have your returns positioned in a way to break the syphon.
Sean Clark
7500 Club Member
Do they fail closed?
The opposite actually. They fail to seal completely over time due to fouling. Bio-film and other things that build up over time and cover the seats, preventing a positive seal.
They are often used to prevent the water from the display from flowing back down into the sump when the pump is off for any reason. If your sump is not appropriately sized to handle that extra water problems tent to follow.
ColoredRock
Well-Known Member
I am doing my plumbing now (280 gallon) as well.. I decided not to do check valves (one less thing to maintain) and to make sure my sump has the capacity to handle anything that comes back from my display. If I turn off my returns for any reason I manually break the siphon on the returns and then put them back in the position they were in so I don't shoot water all over my lights.
Thanks for all of the responses. Probably should have put more info. I have a basement sump room so there would be a good amount of pressure to close it. I have bought two of them to make it easier to keep a clean one ready to go. I will have a ball valve and unions attached to aid in changing it out. The sump is being custom built and should be able to handle the water that will drain with the check valve more of a safety/convenience item. I say should just because I’m using lockline in the display tank and maybe it gets acciddntky pushed down and more water than expected drains. I agree verticals is ideal just not sure if there will be enough room given the height of the sump.
