True Union Check Valve making noise...normal?

[gnashty]

After the plumbing install this weekend I shut down the return to feed and noticed my check valve was flapping and making a loud noise similar to a helicopter....."quick, get to the choppa".

I can see the flap bouncing back and forth for a short while, then the overflows make a similar noise then it stops. kind of like dribbling a basketball then stopping and watching it bounce faster before it stops bouncing.

Im not familair with check valves but im sure this isnt normal. All I can think of is the flow thru the sump is faster than the back pressure from the return line and makes that noise until it is equalized. Maybe I need to adjust my overflows? I have those dang megaflow overflow kits but havent adjusted the standpipes fully yet.

Grouper Therapy - I hear you run 3 CV on your setup I would love your input

 

[enderg60]

the only time ive ever seen that happen is when the check valve is right at or below the water level of the sump. It bounces as the water level in the sump evens out then its comes to a rest. This is a bad position to be in because it could cause the flap to float up should the water level rise enough to overcome the pressure of the water in the piping.

 

[gnashty]

It is right about sump level, maybe a lil above. It should not be an issue for me though as my sump can handle all of the drain and return water with a little room to spare

 

[enderg60]

its not a matter of what the sump can handle, its that as soon as the water level in the sump gets higher then the valve the chances of it working are maybe 50/50.

 

[rbredding]

the weight of the water will open it.. (assuming it's set in a "down only" configuration)

 

[grouper therapy]

Gary
I have one on each return line just under the tank and then one about two feet above in the basement sump. Ender is correct that if it is too close to the max water level in the sump this hammering will take place. For it to be effective you may consider moving it up.

 

[gnashty]

Thanks guys...I just looked at it and I have room to move it up. It is a few inches above the sump rim and about 10" above sump water level. Other than the valve not being effective will the hammering cause any damage? I ask because it may be next weekend before I can move it..

 

[grouper therapy]

I wouldn't think so. But the 10" above the sump should be enough.:confused2:

 

[gnashty]

If I shut off the return pump and the sumps return chamber fills then it gets much closer to sump water level. Then its more like 6" above water level.

 

[grouper therapy]

gnashty;616922 wrote: If I shut off the return pump and the sumps return chamber fills then it gets much closer to sump water level. Then its more like 6" above water level.

Still that should be ok. What size is the pipe?

 

[gnashty]

grouper therapy;616925 wrote: Still that should be ok. What size is the pipe?

3/4" with 1" drains

 

[grouper therapy]

It does finally quit and shuts correct?

 

[gnashty]

yes, about 30 seconds later give or take..

 

[grouper therapy]

Mine check valves make a pretty large thump sound but just once.

Edit: I don't know . I will ponder on this half the night now!!!!! Thanks a lot Gary j/k

 

[thbrewst]

Sorry to revive this but, I recently replaced my check valve and think I created this identical problem. I want to make sure I fully understand it before trying to solve so I do it correctly.

In my case the check valve is definitely above the water line of the return chamber, but appears to be slightly below the waterline of the fuge chamber, and is definitely below the water line of the skimmer (if that matters).

So, I have enough room to raise the check valve slightly above the level of the fuge, but definitely not above the level of the skimmer. I am not entirely sure what water level causes this 'chattering' when the valve is trying to close.

Any insight that folks can provide would be appreciated. FYI, all of this is running in the stand which is why I have limitations in what I am able to do.

BTW, the old check valve that I used was the spring kind (like you get at Lowes/Home Depot) and the new one is the swing kind. The old type did not do this, it started when I installed the swing kind.

 

[gnashty]

Im glad you brought this back up....mine stopped completely once I filled up the fuge in my sump. The water level wasnt any different than the sump so either it was that or I just broke it in. The chatter is gone for me

 

[thbrewst]

gnashty;631711 wrote: Im glad you brought this back up....mine stopped completely once I filled up the fuge in my sump. The water level wasnt any different than the sump so either it was that or I just broke it in. The chatter is gone for me

Hmmm, mine has be doing it for like 2 weeks now, so I doubt it will stop anytime soon.

I'll post some pics later to see if anyone has any ideas. I don't mind adjusting the plumbing, just hate to make a change based on a guess.

 

[gnashty]

thbrewst;632259 wrote: Hmmm, mine has be doing it for like 2 weeks now, so I doubt it will stop anytime soon.

I'll post some pics later to see if anyone has any ideas. I don't mind adjusting the plumbing, just hate to make a change based on a guess.

Mine did it for 3 weeks or so before it stopped - the fuge being filled could have been complete coincidence...