Do plumbing check valves go bad?

Author: Ivory Bosco  |  Last update: Tuesday, January 13, 2026

Regular maintenance is a sure-fire way to safeguard against failing valves. Look out for any signs of wear and check the pipeline for debris, which can get stuck in the valve and cause damage to the internal mechanisms. If you see any signs of deterioration, replace your valves as soon as possible.

How can you tell if a check valve is bad?

The signs of a failing swing check valve are often audible. When the disc opens and closes repeatedly (because of low-pressure flow) or violently (because of water hammer), it emits a tapping or hammering sound, respectively.

How long should a check valve last?

While typical component lifespans are application specific, manufacturers suggest metal and plastic check valves should be replace every 5-7 years whereas check valves manufactured from rubber may remain fully serviceable for up to 35-50 years.

How do you know if you need a new check valve?

Signs It Might Be Time For an Early Replacement
  1. Water hammer: You hear a tapping or hammering sound, or the pipes are vibrating.
  2. There is leaking coming from anywhere on the valve, even as small as a pinhole or as big as a full-flow spray.
  3. It doesn't pass annual testing.
  4. Your water pressure is lower than normal.

How much does it cost to replace a check valve by a plumber?

Costs to replace a check valve

The cost to replace a check valve varies widely depending on the type of check valve, location, and service type. On average, expect to pay between $100 and $400 for a professionally installed replacement check valve. On the other hand, the valve itself costs $35 to $600.

Common signs of a faulty foot valve or check valve💧💧💧

When should plumbing valves be replaced?

If you see any water leaking from your valves, it's a sign that they need to be replaced. If a valve begins to leak, it can lead to significant water waste. For example, the average household with one leak wastes more than 10,000 gallons of water annually.

Can a PVC check valve go bad?

Check valve failure can happen due to bad maintenance, neglect, or misuse, among other reasons, when the valves malfunction or pipes, pumps, and well equipment are in danger.

Do check valves need maintenance?

A properly functioning check valve allows liquid to flow in one direction and prevents reverse flow in the opposite direction. Proper installation and preventative valve maintenance are necessary to keep check valves in peak condition.

How do I know if my valves are worn out?

The indicators of valve issues include noise (ticking), loss of power, any ignition difficulties, high fuel consumption, and excessive smoke from the exhaust. Removing and replacing the engine valves is not a task for anyone. The main check is for valve seal integrity, without which clean combustion cannot occur.

How to tell if a well is dry or pump bad?

Is Your Water Well Going Dry? Here Are Some Common Warning Signs
  1. Change in Taste of Water. ...
  2. Well Water Appears Muddy. ...
  3. Water Pumps Running for Longer Periods. ...
  4. Faltering of Faucets Leading to Leakage. ...
  5. Change in Water Quality. ...
  6. Bubbles of the Dissolved Gases Appear in Well. ...
  7. Huge Increase in Power/Electricity Bill.

Do check valves get clogged?

If you notice that your shower isn't dispersing hot or cold water, it may mean that your shower check valves are clogged. This video will show you how to clean them and restore the performance of your shower. For more home advice, please visit our help center: https://support.signat...

How do you fix a bad check valve?

Step 1: Using a vice or an adjustable wrench, screw off and remove the check valve cap. Step 2: Once you get the cap removed, inspect the O-ring, cap and spring inside for any damage, wear or debris. Replace the spring as it is inexpensive and easy to do.

How often should a check valve be replaced?

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.

What is the life expectancy of a check valve?

A metal disc pivots on a hinge or trunnion to prevent reverse flow. Most larger-scale check valves use this design due to their simplicity. With a life span of five to seven years, these valves are often a component that needs to be replaced frequently.

Will a bad check valve cause low water pressure?

If your check valve isn't correctly triggering the pressure switch to turn the pump on or off, then you're immediately going to have low water pressure issues.

Why do check valves go bad?

Check valve internals are flow sensitive, unlike on/off control valves. If there is not enough flow and pressure to fully open the check valve, trim chatter occurs inside the valve. This results in premature wear, potential for failure and a higher pressure drop than calculated.

Do plumbing valves go bad?

Signs of damage or wear on shut off valves include rust or corrosion of the valve body. It can also be sticking or broken handles and gushing water when it is closed. Rusting can occur over time and cause corrosion of the valve body. It's also a sign of an old or defective valve that needs immediate replacement.

How to know when valves need replacing?

Pops, crackles or squeals are three good indicators of valve problems. In fact, this is the first thing as a valve amplifier technician I will look at. There are many other causes of this fault but the first thing I do is to swap out the valves to eliminate those from the equation.

How do you service a check valve?

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

How do you test a check valve?

To conduct a strength test, introduce the test medium from the inlet to the specified value, with the opposite end closed. If there is no leakage from the valve body and cover, then it's considered qualified. To conduct a sealing test, introduce the test medium from the outlet.

Are check valves repairable?

If there is damage to the valve's body, such as severe rust or corrosion, the valve needs to be replaced. However, if damage or wear is only found on internal parts, it's possible to replace the parts rather than the entire valve.

How do I know if I have a bad check valve?

Symptoms of a Failing Check Valve

For example, failing check valves will start to vibrate and even lose some internal parts when problems begin to arise. Other symptoms of check valve failure include reverse flow and excessive component wear and damage. Check valves will also emit noises as they start to break down.

What is the life expectancy of a PVC valve?

There isn't a specific lifespan for a PCV valve, but you can usually plan to replace it anywhere between 20,000 and 50,000 of driving. Like many other parts of your car, regular maintenance will extend the life of your PCV valve, while neglecting regular oil changes and signs of trouble will shorten it.

What is the difference between a backflow preventer and a check valve?

Jun 24 2024. The difference between a check valve vs. backflow preventer is that the former allows water or sewage to flow one way, while the latter prevents clean water from getting contaminated due to backflow.

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