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The Check Valve Maintenance Guide

The Check Valve Maintenance Guide

Have you checked your check valves lately? They require careful maintenance in order to ensure the safe flow of fluid and prevent overflow. Damage or wear can lead to a host of problems.

What systems do you have in place to ensure a &#;healthy&#; check valve? We have your easy guide to maintaining them.

Why Check Valves Matter

What is the purpose of check valves? If you need fluids to flow through pipes in one direction, you can&#;t do without them. Check valve design incorporates a two-port system, with an opening that allows fluid to pass through.

Once the fluid has passed, the valve closes to prevent backflow. Check valves can also automatically shut off if the downstream pressure builds too much. 

Common uses of check valves:

• Water & waste pumping systems

• Water pipes

• Sewage systems

• Heating systems

• Fire hoses

• Marine & Naval industry

• Oil & gas pipelines

• Flush toilet mechanisms

There are many different types of check valves, including swing check valves, lift check valves, piston check valves, and ball check valves.

Maintaining a Check Valve

A check valve doesn&#;t require too much maintenance. They are built to last for years. However, they can develop leaks if debris or other foreign particles get stuck between the ball and the seat, causing check valve function to degrade.

Step 1: Keep it clean

Take steps to prevent damage to check valves by keeping the area clean. If you can reach the valve, all you should need is a towel to wipe off dust and dirt. If the debris is caked on, use a wire brush.

Step 2: Keep an eye out

Another easy tip is to do regular inspections of your equipment. It&#;s a good way to spot potential problems before you end up needing expensive repairs.

Check valve inspection:

• Check for leaks

• Look for signs of corrosion, rust or mineral build-up

• Replace the valve if there are extensive leaks or worn/broken pieces

• Open & close the valves to make sure they aren&#;t seizing

• Inspect pressure & temperature of fluid flowing through

• Ensure they aren&#;t close or over the rated limit for the valves

NOTE: Be sure to monitor high-stress and high-pressure valves more frequently.

Step 3: Clean everything up

You&#;ll need to take the valve out and disassemble it to look for debris and scratches. Wash all the parts with hydraulic fluid or whatever fluid is used in your pipe system.

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Check the housing for corrosion, damage or a rough surface. Buffing can help take care of rough surfaces.

Step 4: Keep the valve lubricated

This step is often overlooked, but lubrication can keep you from having to replace or repair valves. It can also ensure optimum check valve operation, helping them last longer.

Rotate the valve to make sure the lubricant gets into the valve cavity.

Be sure to use the correct lubricant for your system. Each system has specific requirements and if you use the wrong one it could damage the valves. For example, lubricants with clay or other solid-based thickeners can harden, leaving residue behind.

Step 5: Apply protective insulation

Extreme temperature changes can affect check valve functions. They can even cause expensive damage. If your pipes are outside, you may need to add and inspect protective insulation as part of your maintenance routine.

Maintain Check Valves Now. Prevent Headaches Later.

Maintaining a check valve is the easiest way to prevent damage and expensive repairs. These tips will help to ensure your valves work efficiently and safely.

If you need to buy check valves, we can help you find the right kind for your system. Contact CVP Manufacturing for more information about requirements, recommended and applications or to request a quote.

Apr. 26,

The replacement frequency of a check valve depends on several factors, including the type of valve, its application, operating conditions, and maintenance practices. While some check valves may last for many years without needing replacement, others may require more frequent maintenance or replacement due to wear and tear, corrosion, or failure. Here are some guidelines to help determine when a check valve should be replaced:

• Manufacturer's Recommendations: Check the manufacturer's recommendations or specifications for the check valve regarding maintenance intervals and expected service life. Manufacturers often provide guidelines for inspection, maintenance, and replacement based on the valve's design, materials, and intended use.

• Visual Inspection: Regularly inspect the check valve for signs of wear, corrosion, leakage, or damage. Look for visible signs of deterioration, such as cracks, deformation, rust, or buildup of debris, which may indicate that the valve is nearing the end of its service life.

• Operational Issues: Monitor the performance of the check valve during operation for any signs of malfunction, such as backflow, leakage, or loss of sealing efficiency. If the valve fails to operate as intended or exhibits irregular behavior, it may be necessary to replace it to maintain system integrity and performance.

  Swing Check Valve

• Operating Conditions: Consider the operating conditions and environment in which the check valve is installed. Factors such as temperature extremes, high pressures, abrasive media, corrosive fluids, or frequent cycling can accelerate wear and deterioration, necessitating more frequent replacement.

• Maintenance History: Keep records of maintenance activities, repairs, and replacements performed on the check valve over time. Regular maintenance, including cleaning, lubrication, and parts replacement, can extend the service life of the valve and help prevent premature failure.

• Industry Standards and Regulations: Refer to industry standards, codes, and regulations applicable to your specific application or industry sector. Some industries, such as water treatment, oil and gas, or manufacturing, may have specific requirements or guidelines for the inspection, testing, and replacement of check valves to ensure compliance with safety and performance standards.

• Risk Assessment: Conduct a risk assessment to evaluate the potential consequences of check valve failure on system operation, safety, and productivity. Consider the criticality of the application, potential environmental impact, and economic consequences of downtime or equipment damage when determining replacement intervals.

Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to how often a check valve should be replaced, as it depends on various factors specific to each application and system. Regular inspection, maintenance, and monitoring are essential to identify signs of wear or malfunction and determine when replacement is necessary to ensure reliable and efficient operation of the check valve and associated equipment.

For more information, please visit Corrosion-resistant tilting disk check valve Service.