In order to maintain efficient and safely functioning water systems, there are many different components – all extremely important – that must work together.
What is a Water Well Check Valve?
This type of check valve is a very important component regarding pressure maintenance and preventing issues with pressure from damaging the pump. These valves aid in monitoring flow and pressure conditions in order to prevent damage from occurring to the piping system.
A check valve is essential and is required for a water well. These well valves are a key factor in ensuring that water is clean, as well as maintaining proper levels of pressure in a piping system after a pump shuts off.
Types and Uses of Water Well Check Valves
Various types of check valves are implemented, and often required, for a range of pump and piping systems. A check valve keeps water flowing in a single, specific direction. These valves are required for any type of submersible pump installations, for example.
A swing type check valve, for instance, is placed with a swinging disc that operates through the use of a link or hinge. The valve swings in order to allow water to flow and swings back once the flow is complete. A spring-loaded check valve, however, operates through the use of a spring-loaded stem or cage poppet and closes before fluid or water flow reversal.
It is important to note that spring-loaded check valves are often preferred over swing check valves. This is most prominently due to the difference with which each valve type handles or prevents the occurrence of pressure surges, also referred to as water hammer. The spring-loaded valve type is typically better suited for preventing or minimizing the effects of water hammer, whereas the swing valve type poses a greater amount of damage risks.
Purpose of Check Valves on Well Pumps
Check valves perform a variety of essential functions in a pump or piping system, which further adds to the importance of these valves regarding overall safety and functionality. These valves assist in preventing damage risks, such as upthrust, backspin, and pressure surges, such as water hammer from occurring within a pump system.
The prevention of water or fluid from draining back into the water well once the pump shuts off is key. This aids in maintaining the optimal levels of pressure needed for a pump or piping system to function efficiently. The range of issues that check valves aid in preventing within pump and piping systems may lead to pump failure among an immense amount of other damage risks as well.
