How much does it cost to replace a check valve on a well?

Author: Mr. Skylar Pouros I  |  Last update: Thursday, November 13, 2025

Professional work costs between $100 and $400, while the gadget itself costs $35 to $600. A backwater or check valve should cost between $70 and $250, including installation. After that, one would wonder how often a check valve should be changed.

How much does a plumber charge to replace a check valve?

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.

How much does a plumber charge to replace a valve?

The average cost to replace a main water shut-off valve is $500, but most homeowners pay between $375 and $600 for the service.

How long do well check valves 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.

Can you replace a check valve on a well pump?

After lifting the pump out of the well, the check valve can be removed and replaced. The check valve chosen to replace the broken check valve must be the same model. Replacing the check valve in the pump is an excellent opportunity to replace the o-ring around the check valve's seal.

Check Valves for Well Pumps: How Does it Work and Why they are Important

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.

What happens when a check valve fails on a well?

When the check valve stops working, it is no longer able to prevent the well's pressure tank from sending water back down into the well as the pressure builds up. As a result, the pressure switch detects that water pressure inside the tank is dropping, so it turns the pump on again to pump in more water.

Will a well pump work without a check valve?

In a submersible pump application, check valves are critical to stop water from flowing downward in the pipe and returning into the well when the pump is turned off.

How much does it cost to replace a check valve on a well pump?

How Much Does a Check Valve Replacement Cost? Depending on the size and kind of system, most homeowners spend between $135 and $1,000. Professional work costs between $100 and $400, while the gadget itself costs $35 to $600.

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 long does it take a plumber to change a valve?

Most shut-off valves are installed quickly. Newer ball valves can be installed in under an hour. However, the length of time the job takes depends on the condition of the old valve and the design of your plumbing system.

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 much does it cost to replace a backflow valve?

Backflow preventer installation costs between $135 and $1,100 (or more if extensive labor is required). On average, you'll pay $350 to install a backflow preventer. The complexity of your home's layout and the exact device your plumbing system needs could drive up the costs. U.S.

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.

How much does it cost to install a check valve?

According to homeadvisor, on average, homeowners pay between $135 and $1,000. The backflow prevention device can range from $35 to $600, labor fee could cost between $100 and $400. While backwater or check valve including installation, costs range between $70 and $250.

What causes a check valve to go bad?

Common check valve problems include noise (water hammer), vibration/chattering, reverse flow, sticking, leakage, missing internals, component wear or damage. However, it is worth mentioning that normally the real cause is the wrong size, spring, and/or style for the check valve application.

Is it expensive to fix a well?

The average cost to repair a well pump is $373 to $1,620, depending on the extent of the damage. The average price to get your well pump back up and running is $972. However, well pump repair costs can go as low as $373 and as high as $1,620.

What are the symptoms of a bad check valve on a well pump?

Symptoms of a Bad Check Valve:
  • Reduced flow.
  • Water hammer.
  • System vibration.

How many check valves for a well?

Above the installation of these two valves there should be an additional check valves installed every 200 feet on the drop pipe. This system requires 5 check valves, positioned at 500 feet, 425 feet, 225 feet and 25 feet deep. The fifth and last check valve, is positioned at the surface.

Does a check valve reduce water pressure?

When water passes through a check valve, it encounters this resistance, which can cause a pressure drop, reducing the overall flow rate. The amount of reduction depends on several factors, including the design and size of the valve.

How do I know if my check valve is broken?

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 much is a new well pump?

The average cost to replace a well pump is $1,889, but most spend between $974 to $2,813 depending on the pump size you need.

Where should a check valve be installed on a well pump?

The ideal suggested installation area for the primary check valve is one line length over the well pump.

Previous article
Should I shower with the fan on?
Next article
What does blue light do for skin?