PVC Check Valves
Last Updated: April 1, 2025
Description
PVC check valves are devices designed to allow fluid to flow in one direction while preventing backflow in the opposite direction. They are typically used in piping systems to ensure that the fluid moves efficiently and safely, maintaining the desired flow direction without manual intervention.
Working Principle
PVC check valves operate based on a simple mechanism where the flow of fluid opens the valve, and any reverse flow closes it. This is achieved through a self-sealing design that is not dependent on gravity, mounting position, or reverse flow. The valve begins to open at a minimal cracking pressure, typically around 1.0 to 1.5 PSI, allowing the desired flow to pass through. The rapid closure of the valve helps to eliminate sudden back-flow, known as water hammer, which can cause damage to the system. This makes them particularly useful in maintaining system integrity and preventing damage due to reverse flow.
Applications
PVC check valves are used in a variety of applications. They are commonly found in systems that handle steam, air, gas, water, and vapor lines with high flow velocities. Specific examples include their use in chemical, fuel, and beverage dispensing systems, as well as in manual air pumps and refillable dispensing syringes. They are also employed in applications such as landfill outgassing, fire retardant foaming, and carwash detergent dispensing.
Advantages over other Manufacturing - Vacuum Equipment
PVC check valves offer several advantages over other types of manufacturing equipment, particularly in vacuum applications. They are self-sealing and do not rely on gravity or reverse flow, which makes them versatile in various installation positions. Additionally, they provide leak-free sealing, which is crucial in preventing reverse flow hazards. The absence of metal parts internally or externally reduces the risk of corrosion, making them suitable for use in corrosive environments.
Limitations
One limitation of PVC check valves is their maximum working pressure, which is typically 150 PSI inlet and 100 PSI backpressure at 77° F. This may not be sufficient for high-pressure applications. Additionally, the material limitations of PVC may restrict their use in extremely high-temperature environments or with certain aggressive chemicals that could degrade the material over time.
Considerations
When considering PVC check valves, it is important to evaluate initial costs, operating expenses, and maintenance requirements. PVC check valves are generally cost-effective and offer low operating expenses due to their simple design and minimal maintenance needs. However, their durability and accuracy can be affected by the specific conditions of the application, such as temperature and chemical exposure. Replacement and maintenance costs are typically low, but it is essential to ensure that the valve material is compatible with the fluid and environmental conditions to maximize lifespan and performance.
from Plast-O-Matic Valves, Inc.
Series CKS An encapsulated spring and sliding poppet provides the same normally-closed, bubble-tight performance in larger sizes 1 1/2 ” through 4 ″. [See More]
- Material Of Construction: PVC; PP (optional feature); PVDF (optional feature)
- Connection Description: Threaded; Socket Weld (optional feature); 1 1/2" NPT - 3" NPT
- Valve Size: 1.50 to 3.00
- Maximum Pressure: 70.00 to 150.00
from Asahi/America, Inc.
A ball check valve with a foot screen can be installed vertically or horizontally on the suction side of a pumpp. The foot valve is an optional ball check valve arrangement where a screen is fitted into the inlet end of a ball check valve. This screen is used to filter large debris and solids from a... [See More]
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Material Of Construction:
PVC
; PVC
- Valve Size: 0.50 to 4.00
from RS Components, Ltd.
PVC-U ball check valve,1/2in pipe ID [See More]
- Material Of Construction: PVC-U; PVC
- Connection Description: Threaded
- Valve Size: 0.50
- Maximum Pressure: 232.06
from Plast-O-Matic Valves, Inc.
A specialty diaphragm check valve that opens with virtually no forward pressure. However, Series CKD requires a minimum back pressure of 1/2 PSI to close. When inlet pressure is sensed the sealing disc is pushed off the valve seat opening the valve. In this position the sealing disc is supported... [See More]
- Material Of Construction: PVC; PTFE (optional feature); PP (optional feature); PVDF (optional feature)
- Connection Description: Threaded; 1/4" NPT , 1/2" NPT
- Valve Size: 0.25 to 0.50
- Maximum Pressure: 100.00 to 140.00
from Asahi/America, Inc.
Swing check valves have the option to install an external spring assist assembly. This spring is made from 316SS and is mounted external to the valve. When fluid pressure starts to drop, the spring retracts the swing arm and brings the disc back into the seat position. This effectively reduces the... [See More]
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Material Of Construction:
PVC, PP, PVDF
; PVC; PP; PVDF
- Valve Size: 0.75 to 8.00
from RS Components, Ltd.
PVC-U ball check valve,3/4in pipe ID [See More]
- Material Of Construction: PVC-U; PVC
- Connection Description: Threaded
- Valve Size: 0.75
- Maximum Pressure: 232.06
from Plast-O-Matic Valves, Inc.
Series CKM A unique, patented diaphragm provides normally-closed operation with a bubble-tight seal, even with no reverse pressure. 1/2 ″ through 1 ″ pipe sizes. [See More]
- Material Of Construction: PVC; CPVC (optional feature); PP (optional feature); PVDF (optional feature)
- Connection Description: Threaded; Socket Weld (optional feature); 1/2" NPT or BSP - 1" NPT or BSP
- Valve Size: 0.50 to 1.00
- Maximum Pressure: 60.00 to 150.00
from Asahi/America, Inc.
The Asahi/America ball check valve employs a free moving ball, which unseats to permit flow in one direction, but seals against a seat to prevent backflow. It may be installed vertically or horizontally. Also available as foot valve for suction side of pump. [See More]
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Material Of Construction:
PVC, CPVC, PP and PVDF
; PVC; PP; PVDF
- Valve Size: 0.50 to 4.00
from RS Components, Ltd.
PVC-U ball check valve,1in pipe ID [See More]
- Material Of Construction: PVC-U; PVC
- Connection Description: Threaded
- Valve Size: 1.00
- Maximum Pressure: 232.06
from Asahi/America, Inc.
Wafer check valves have a solid thermoplastic body with a very thin "wafer" profile that makes them an ideal check valve for applications that require valves with short takeout lengths. Similar in operation to a swing check valve, the wafer check has a solid thermoplastic disc and seat arrangement... [See More]
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Material Of Construction:
PVC
; PVC - Media: Powder Solids
- Valve Size: 3.00 to 12.00
from RS Components, Ltd.
PVC-U ball check valve,1 1/4in pipe ID [See More]
- Material Of Construction: PVC-U; PVC
- Connection Description: Threaded
- Valve Size: 1.25
- Maximum Pressure: 232.06
from RS Components, Ltd.
PVC-U ball check valve,1 1/2in pipe ID [See More]
- Material Of Construction: PVC-U; PVC
- Connection Description: Threaded
- Valve Size: 1.50
- Maximum Pressure: 232.06
from RS Components, Ltd.
PVC-U ball check valve,2in pipe ID [See More]
- Material Of Construction: PVC-U; PVC
- Connection Description: Threaded
- Valve Size: 2.00
- Maximum Pressure: 232.06
from Flomatic Valves
208T/S - Corrosion resistant PVC body. Threaded female x female connection. NITRILE (Buna-N) self-cleaning ball. E-Z access port with NITRILE (Buna-N) seal. Also available with socket weld –change part number from “T ” to “S ” –same pricing. For reference use... [See More]
- Material Of Construction: PVC
- Valve Size: 1.25 to 2.00
- Valve Type: BallDisk
- Connection Description: Threaded
from Liberty Pumps
Ball/check combo provides compact design. Heavy-duty PVC. 125 PSI rated. Vertical or horizontal installation. BCV150 1-1/2" or BCV200 2" [See More]
- Material Of Construction: PVC
- Maximum Pressure: 125.00
- Valve Size: 1.50
from Hayward Flow Control
New Full Pattern Wafer Check Valves in PVC and CPVC, sizes 2" - 8' with FPM or EPDM Gasket and Disc Seals. Spring return option in 316 Stainless Steel or Hastelloy materials. No spacers or specialty flanges required. Features. Robust Full Pattern Body in PVC, CPVC and Coming Soon, GFPP. No Need for... [See More]
- Material Of Construction: PVC; CPVC
- Connection Description: Threaded
- Valve Size: 2.00 to 8.00
- Maximum Pressure: 150.00
from Dura Plastic Products, Inc.
Valves:Economy Swing Check Valve:Soc x Soc [See More]
- Material Of Construction: PVC
- Valve Size: 3.00
- Valve Type: Swing
from Check-All Valve Mfg. Co.
Flange Insert valves are the ultimate check valves in flanged systems. They provide the simplest most economical way to install check valves in a piping system, the valve body automatically positions the valve and holds it in place while bolts are being installed and tightened. All that is required... [See More]
- Material Of Construction: Aluminum (optional feature); Brass / Bronze; Stainless Steel; Steel; Exotic Metal; FEP Encapsulator; PVC; PTFE
- Valve Size: 0.50
- Valve Type: Lift Check; Poppet; Back Flow
- Connection Description: BoltFlange; Face Seal (optional feature); 1-3/8" O.D. Flange
from Princess Auto Limited
1/2 in. NPT PVC Check Valve [See More]
- Material Of Construction: PVC
- Valve Size: 0.50
from Cole-Parmer
Valves with socket and NPT(F) threaded connectors [See More]
- Material Of Construction: PVC
- Flow (Cv): 4.80
- Valve Type: BallDisk
from NIBCO INC.
PVC Schedule 80 Valves for use with hot corrosive liquids, chemical processing, industrial plating, chilled water service, deionized water lines, vacuum service, and waste treatment systems. Valve pressure rating 250 psi at 73 °F water non-shock, Full port, Maximum service temperature 140... [See More]
- Material Of Construction: PVC
- Valve Size: 0.50 to 10.00
- Valve Type: BallDisk
- Connection Description: Threaded; BoltFlange; Union; Socket Weld
from U.S. Plastic Corporation
This 2-1/2" swing check valve in the open position allows for unobstructed continuous flow with minimal head loss. Swing check valves are designed for horizontal installation. All check valves must be installed with the flow-arrow pointing in the direction of the flow of the system and with the flow... [See More]
- Material Of Construction: PVC
- Valve Size: 2.50
- Valve Type: Swing
- Connection Description: Socket Weld
from GF Piping Systems
GF Piping Systems plastic check valves provide minimum pressure loss and can be mounted horizontally or vertically. Our check valves offer good flow characteristics and compact design. Types: Types 561 and 562 ring in a new generation of valves, featuring more safety, simplicity,. Type 301 Y-Globe... [See More]
- Material Of Construction: ABS; PVC; CPVC; PP; PVDF
- Valve Size: 0.38 to 12.00
- Valve Type: BallDisk; Swing; Wafer
- Connection Description: BoltFlange (optional feature); Tube Fitting; Butt Weld (optional feature); Socket Weld; Fusion
from Flomatic Valves
77- Auto-Vac ® Vacuum Breaker - This 1" valve is available in stainless steel and PVC. All internal parts are engineered composite, with a stainless steel disc and resilient seat. Used to prevent water hammer in wastewater valves. For reference use only. Please check Flomatic's website for the... [See More]
- Material Of Construction: Stainless Steel; PVC
- Valve Size: 1.00
- Valve Type: BallDisk
- Maximum Pressure: 400.00
from Liberty Pumps
PVC. Vertical and horizontal installation. 125 PSI rated. Models available - CV125C 1-1/4", CV150C 1-1/2", CV200C 2", CV300C 3" [See More]
- Material Of Construction: PVC
- Maximum Pressure: 125.00
- Valve Size: 2.00
from Hayward Flow Control
The IV Series Injection Valves and IQ Series Injection Quills facilitate injection of chemicals away from pipe or tank inner walls, ensuring rapid mixing and preventing corrosion. Each design includes a built-in ball check valve with Hastelloy CTM spring to prevent back-flow of the process liquid... [See More]
- Material Of Construction: FPM or EPDM O-Ring Seals; PVC; CPVC; PVDF
- Connection Description: Threaded
- Valve Size: 0.50 to 1.00
- Maximum Pressure: 150.00
from Dura Plastic Products, Inc.
Valves:In Line Spring Check Foot Valve:Soc [See More]
- Material Of Construction: PVC
- Valve Size: 1.00
from Cole-Parmer
All valves have Viton <reg > diaphragms. [See More]
- Material Of Construction: PVC
- Flow (Cv): 8.00
- Maximum Pressure: 150.00
from U.S. Plastic Corporation
Cepex PVC Wafer Check Valve with EPDM. Sizes 4" to 8" rated at 150 psi @ 73F. Excellent flow characteristics. Lightweight. Can be operated in vertical or horizontal position. Complies with ANSI. 2 psi cracking pressure and 4 psi back pressure to close. Van Stone Flanges are the only flanges we... [See More]
- Material Of Construction: PVC
- Valve Size: 4.00
- Valve Type: Wafer
from Liberty Pumps
Heavy Duty PVC. Spring-loaded valve reduces "water hammer" effect. 125 PSI rated. Vertical or horizontal installation. Maximum fluid temp. 160 degrees F. QCV150 1-1/2" or QCV200 2" [See More]
- Material Of Construction: PVC
- Maximum Pressure: 125.00
- Valve Size: 1.50
from Hayward Flow Control
SLC Series Y-Check valves are available in PVC only. Seals are FPM or EPDMand are offered in threaded body version only. True union end connections are available in socket or threaded styles. All valves are assembled with silicone free lubricant. Features. PVC. Full Flow Design. Closes with No Back... [See More]
- Material Of Construction: PVC
- Connection Description: Threaded; Socket Weld
- Valve Size: 0.50 to 4.00
- Maximum Pressure: 150.00
from Dura Plastic Products, Inc.
Valves:In Line Spring Check Valve:Soc x Soc [See More]
- Material Of Construction: PVC
- Valve Size: 0.75
from U.S. Plastic Corporation
GF 561 & 562 valves feature a unique check cone element design that optimizes flow geometry and minimizes flow resistance and pressure loss. The valve closes when vertically mounted with (561) 2.9 psi or (562) 1.45 psi. The check valve Type 562 (horizontal) closes absolutely leak-tight with the... [See More]
- Material Of Construction: PVC
- Valve Size: 0.38
- Valve Type: BallDisk
- Connection Description: Union; Socket Weld
from Hayward Flow Control
SW Series swing check valves are offered in PVC, Corzan CPVC and PP. Seals and seats are FPM or EPDM. A counterweight is an option for added stability. Swing check valves are furnished with two o-ring flange seals so no additional gaskets are required for installation. All valves are assembled with... [See More]
- Material Of Construction: Corzan; PVC; CPVC; PP
- Valve Size: 3.00 to 8.00
- Valve Type: Swing
- Connection Description: BoltFlange
from U.S. Plastic Corporation
Hayward true check ball check valves with FPM seals, NSF listed material and 150 PSI at 70 F., prevent reversal of flow in piping systems. They are ideal where backflow could potentially cause damage to pumps, filters, or process equipment. Line pressure unseats the solid plastic ball to open the... [See More]
- Material Of Construction: PVC
- Valve Size: 0.25
- Valve Type: BallDisk
- Connection Description: Threaded; Union
from Hayward Flow Control
TC Series true union ball check valves are offered in PVC, Corzan CPVC, and PP. O-rings and seats are FPM or EPDM. 1/4 in. and 3/8 in. sizes are PVConly and are trim check design. They have socket or threaded end connections. Others up to 2 in. sizes have socket and threaded end connections. All... [See More]
- Material Of Construction: Corzan; PVC; CPVC; PP
- Connection Description: Threaded; Socket Weld
- Valve Size: 0.25 to 6.00
- Maximum Pressure: 150.00
from U.S. Plastic Corporation
Valves are very easy to maintain by allowing for easy removal from a piping system without breaking down the piping connections. Just unscrew the assembly nuts and lift the valve body out of the line. Valves prevent reversal of flow in piping systems. They are ideal where backflow could potentially... [See More]
- Material Of Construction: PVC
- Connection Description: Threaded; Union
- Valve Size: 0.50
from Hayward Flow Control
WC Series wafer check valves are offered in PVC, PP and PVDF. O-ring material is FPM, EPDM or PTFE encapsulated FPM. Sizes up to 8 in. are supplied with a spacer in PVC and PP materials only. Spacers are not required for DIN or PVDF pipe installations. Spacers allow full disk opening and are... [See More]
- Material Of Construction: PVC; PP; PVDF
- Valve Size: 2.00 to 20.00
- Valve Type: Wafer
- Connection Description: Threaded; Tube Fitting; Socket Weld
from U.S. Plastic Corporation
Not spring loaded but the design insures free movement of the ball. Ball supported by a system of guide ribs to give full flow with minimum turbulence and chatter. Union connections for easy access to valve components. Requires only inches of head pressure to seal and open. All plastic construction... [See More]
- Material Of Construction: PVC
- Valve Size: 0.50
- Valve Type: BallDisk
- Connection Description: Threaded; Union; Socket Weld
from Hayward Flow Control
YC Series y-check valves are offered in PVC and Corzan CPVC. O-rings are FPM standard but EPDM is available. All sizes are either socket, threaded or flanged body style. True union socket or threaded end connections are available. For spring-loaded y-check valves, see the SLC Series. All valves are... [See More]
- Material Of Construction: Corzan; PVC; CPVC; PP
- Connection Description: Threaded; Socket Weld
- Valve Size: 0.50 to 4.00
- Maximum Pressure: 150.00
from U.S. Plastic Corporation
Praher K6 thermoplastic wafer check valves are available in sizes 2" though 8" with maximum operating pressure of 150 psi at 72 F, non-shock. The valve does not require a spacer for full disc opening performance in SCH 80 pipes. Valves have a single disc design suitable for horizontal and vertical... [See More]
- Material Of Construction: PVC
- Valve Size: 2.00
- Valve Type: Wafer
from U.S. Plastic Corporation
Foot control valve for spray rinse tanks. Dispersement valve for filling containers. Quick acting valve for industrial air lines. Valves can be adapted for use on industrial rinse showers. All plastic valve operated by using the hand, foot, or knee in either horizontal or vertical position. Push... [See More]
- Material Of Construction: PVC
- Valve Size: 0.50
- Valve Type: Foot Valve
from U.S. Plastic Corporation
Foot control valve for spray rinse tanks. Dispersement valve for filling containers. Quick acting valve for industrial air lines. Valves can be adapted for use on industrial rinse showers. All plastic valve operated by using the hand, foot, or knee in either horizontal or vertical position. Push... [See More]
- Material Of Construction: PVC
- Valve Size: 0.75
- Valve Type: Foot Valve
from U.S. Plastic Corporation
Foot control valve for spray rinse tanks. Dispersement valve for filling containers. Quick acting valve for industrial air lines. Valves can be adapted for use on industrial rinse showers. All plastic valve operated by using the hand, foot, or knee in either horizontal or vertical position. Push... [See More]
- Material Of Construction: PVC
- Valve Size: 1.00
- Valve Type: Foot Valve
from U.S. Plastic Corporation
Prevent reversal of flow. Similar in function to a ball check valve. Minimum of 2 lb. of positive back pressure seats the disc o-ring onto a precision machined seat. Hex cap makes easy clean out. 150 PSI at 70F. Available in CPVC, contact us for a quote. [See More]
- Material Of Construction: PVC
- Connection Description: Threaded
- Valve Size: 0.50
from U.S. Plastic Corporation
Maximum Operating Pressure 140 psi. Maximum Operating Temperature 140F. Seat Area Open Diameter .250. The 426 Series Check Valve design promotes multiple configurations to fit the exact end use application. Gray PVC with 1 psi stainless spring and ball is the standard configuration. PVC is a NSF... [See More]
- Material Of Construction: PVC
- Valve Size: 0.25
from U.S. Plastic Corporation
Maximum Operating Pressure 140 psi. Maximum Operating Temperature 140F. Seat Area Open Diameter .250. The 426 Series Check Valve design promotes multiple configurations to fit the exact end use application. Gray PVC with 1 psi stainless spring and ball is the standard configuration. PVC is a NSF... [See More]
- Material Of Construction: PVC
- Valve Size: 0.25
from U.S. Plastic Corporation
Maximum Operating Pressure 140 psi. Maximum Operating Temperature 140F. Seat Area Open Diameter .250. The 426 Series Check Valve design promotes multiple configurations to fit the exact end use application. Gray PVC with 1 psi stainless spring and ball is the standard configuration. PVC is a NSF... [See More]
- Material Of Construction: PVC
- Valve Size: 0.12
from U.S. Plastic Corporation
Maximum Operating Pressure 140 psi. Maximum Operating Temperature 140F. Seat Area Open Diameter .250. The 426 Series Check Valve design promotes multiple configurations to fit the exact end use application. Gray PVC with 1 psi stainless spring and ball is the standard configuration. PVC is a NSF... [See More]
- Material Of Construction: PVC
- Valve Size: 0.25