Check Valve

Shut Down The System: Your safety comes first. Before you do anything else, you must shut down the entire pipeline system. Close the main valves before and after the spot where you’re working. Use a “lock-out/tag-out” (LOTO) safety lock.

Gather Your Tools And Parts: Getting your tools ready first will make the job much easier. Make sure you have everything you need before you start.

Inspect Your New Valve: Now, take a good look at your new valve. Take it out of the box. Check for any cracks or damage that might have happened during shipping. Make sure the model, size, and material are exactly what you need for your system.

Clean The Pipe Ends: You need a very clean surface to prevent leaks. Use your wire brush to clean the faces of the pipe ends (the flanges). Scrub off any rust, dirt, or old gasket material.

Check The Flow Direction: This is a very common mistake, so pay close attention. Your check valve has an arrow on the side of its body. This arrow must point in the same direction that the water (or other fluid) normally flows.

Position The Valve: Okay, it’s time to put the check valve in place. Gently spread the pipe ends just enough to fit the valve between them. Make sure the valve sits right in the middle, perfectly centered with the pipe. If it’s off-center, it can leak.

Put In The Gaskets: Gaskets are what create the leak-proof seal. You need to place one gasket on each side of the check valve. Make sure the gaskets are the right size and made of the right material for the fluid in your pipes.

Line Up The Pipe Ends: With the valve and gaskets in place, bring the pipe ends (the flanges) together. The bolt holes on both pipe ends and the valve should all line up perfectly.

Install The Bolts: Now you can secure the valve. Put all the bolts in and tighten the nuts with your fingers first. Then, use a wrench to tighten them in a star pattern. This means you tighten one bolt, then the one across from it, like you’re drawing a star.

Check For Free Movement: After tightening, do one last check. Make sure the moving part inside the valve (the disc or flap) can still move easily. If it’s stuck, it can’t do its job to stop backflow. This quick check makes sure everything is working right.

Test For Leaks: Now you’ll test for leaks. Turn the pressure back on very slowly. A sudden rush of pressure can cause a “water hammer” effect and damage the system.

Do A Final Operational Test: Once you’re sure there are no leaks, you can fully open the main valves. Watch the system to make sure the flow is normal. Then, test the backflow function by shutting the system down again.