How do you inspect a check valve?

Author: Dr. Furman Terry PhD  |  Last update: Saturday, May 31, 2025

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.

What are three basic methods of testing a check valve?

Critical check valves are inspected/tested using three main methods: externally, internally and, in unique situations, in-line function testing.

How do you diagnose a bad check valve?

For example, check valves that are starting to fail will vibrate or make a noise indicating that the valve has broken. A strange noise can also be a sign of 'water hammer' which is a high-pressure surge that occurs when the fluid comes to a stop or changes direction, often causing the disc to slam into the valve.

How do you inspect a valve?

Assess the Valve in Different Positions: Valves need to be assessed to ensure that they function properly. This can be done by opening and closing the valve and conducting tests downstream within the system. Performing these tests can be indicative of proper equipment function or the need for attention.

How to test a well check valve?

To test whether or not the check valve is functioning correctly, first turn off the connection between the pressure tank and what it services (e.g., household plumbing). After waiting about one hour, if the tank is still losing pressure, it means something on the downwell side of the system is the cause.

How to open swing style check valve and inspect the parts

How do you perform a valve test?

Valve Shell Leakage Test is a test that helps identify the presence of water and other fluids in the valve casing. The test is conducted by pressuring the valve for a specified amount of time, usually one minute or more, and looking for leaks. They are performed on valves like a check, stop, and isolation types.

What is the standard for valve inspection?

API 598. This standard covers valve testing, inspection, and pressure test requirements for ball, butterfly, gate, glove, and check valves. It specifies the acceptable rates of leakage for various sizes and materials. The API 598 standard applies especially to the oil and gas industries.

How do you diagnose valve problems?

The echocardiogram is the most common test to diagnose a problem with the heart valves. Echocardiography, or echo, is a painless test that uses sound waves to create moving pictures of your heart. The pictures show the size and shape of your heart and how well your heart is pumping blood.

How often should check valves be inspected?

Per NFPA 25 13.4. 2.1. and 13.4. 2.2, 2009 edition: Valves shall be inspected internally every five years to verify that all components operate correctly, move freely, and are in good condition.

How to inspect a check valve?

Check valve inspection:
  1. Check for leaks.
  2. Look for signs of corrosion, rust or mineral build-up.
  3. Replace the valve if there are extensive leaks or worn/broken pieces.
  4. Open & close the valves to make sure they aren't seizing.
  5. Inspect pressure & temperature of fluid flowing through.

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.

Can I repair a check valve?

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 to diagnose a bad check valve?

Symptoms of a Failing Check Valve

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 are the rules for check valves?

To reliably prevent back flow and reduce water hammer, it's best to install check valves just after the pump discharge, keeping the five diameter rule in mind when doing so. Avoid installing immediately after elbows, as these can create severe turbulence and, in turn, valve chatter, instability, and eventual failure.

Can you pressure test a check valve?

Typically the check valve is designed for and can therefore be specified for a specific cracking pressure. One way to test cracking pressure is to do a simple air pressure test. It estimates the cracking pressure of a spring loaded check valve.

How do you check valve condition?

Current techniques for check valve condition monitoring are costly and can be unreliable. The most common techniques for check valve inspection include radiography, acoustics, and valve dismantling. Radiography is reliable for some check valves but depends heavily on the size of the valve and the type of source.

What is the most common valve defect?

Mitral valve prolapse: The most common heart valve abnormality and the No. 1 cause for mitral regurgitation, this is when the mitral valve doesn't open and close properly.

How do you test valves?

This test involves filling a valve body with a testing fluid, which is usually water with a corrosion inhibitor. Then, technicians apply pressure over a specific period of time. The time and level of pressure varies depending on factors including the valve material, valve size, and category of pressure test.

What is the procedure for valve inspection?

The test is conducted by valve manufacturer and based on the requirements of API STD 598 ( Valve Inspection and Testing). The valve shall be partially open and be able to hold pressure for certain time. The pressure shall not be less than 1.5 times of maximum working pressure. No leakage is allowed.

What is the ISO standard for check valves?

ISO 15761 specifies the requirements for a series of compact steel gate, globe and check valves for petroleum and natural gas industry applications.

What is the ASME standard for valve testing?

ASME B16.

This code denotes the standards for the manufacture and use of cast, forged, and fabricated flanged, threaded, and welding end (and wafer or flangeless valves made of steel, nickel-base alloys, and other alloys) in high-pressure and high-temperature applications, such as boilers and water heaters.

How do you test a well check valve?

First, close the inlet valve and open the outlet valve. Then, open the inlet valve and allow the system to fill with fluid. Once the system is full, close the inlet valve and open the outlet valve. The check valve should prevent any fluid from flowing back into the system.

How often should you inspect a well?

Test your well water at least once every year for total coliform bacteria, nitrates, total dissolved solids, and pH level. Contact your health department to find out what other germs or chemicals to test for based on where you live.

How do you inspect a drainage system?

Surface Drainage

Inspect your gutters for debris, leaves, and clogs by cleaning them regularly to ensure water can flow freely. Ensure downspouts are securely connected and direct water away from the foundation.

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