The correct plumbing configuration for your project will require the propervalves. One of the most common and important valves is thecheck valve. They are also frequently referred to asnon-returnvalves,retention,foot, orone-wayvalves. With all that being said, let's get to the golden question.What is a check valve?
How Does a Check Valve Work?
A check valve is a valve thatensures fluid only flows in one directionin a plumbing system. The check valve typically has two openings, and the water (or whatever) passes in one port and out the other. It works off a concept called "pressure differential." This mechanism closes the valve when the pressure is higher on the outlet side. The mechanism can come in many different forms.

Types of Check Valves
- Diaphragm:as the name suggests, inlet pressure opens a diaphragm. Otherwise, it's closed and prevents backflow.
- Spring-loaded disc:这种技术的工作方式是一次公关essure on the input side increases enough to push the spring, the valve opens. When the input water pressure lowers to a certain point, the spring is strong enough to close the valve.
- Ball:works much like the disc above, but the stopper is ball-shaped.
- Stop:this is a check valve with a manual override.
- Lift:this mechanism relies on gravity to operate. The inlet water pressureliftsthe stopper to open the valve.
- Swing:also known as atilting disc valve, it operates with a disc on a hinge thatswingsopen with sufficient inlet pressure.
- Duckbill:a duckbill is a soft tube that looks kind of like a duck's bill when it's open, and when it's closed, it looks like a crayon tip.
- Butterfly:a check valve with a butterfly (or wafer) style disc on a hinge and spring configuration.
- Foot:this is a check valve with a strainer on the inlet side.
Save on Valves at PlumbersStock
Now that you know what acheck valveis and how it works, you can proceed with your project. Find anyplumbing partthat you can think of here with the professionals atPlumbersStock.com. If you have any trouble at all locating the right parts, don't give up. Pleasecontact us. We have the expertise, the products, and the pricing to keep you happy and on top of your projects.
Related resources:
What Is a Ball Valve?
What Is a Gate Valve?
What Is a Globe Valve?
What Is a Butterfly Valve?
What Is a Curb Stop?