A sump pump is a “must-have” equipment for keeping your basement or crawl space dry. They collect water from the lowest points and pump it into your sewer connection or yard. But how do they prevent the water from flowing back into the basin once it turns off – that is where the best sump pump check valve comes in!
Top-of-the-line sump pumps are surprisingly powerful for their size – but all that power can’t prevent water in the drainage lines from flowing backward once the pump has been turned off or the power goes out. A check valve is attached to your drain lines and the pump and can extend the life of your pump and prevent water damage.
There are a few styles of check valves from name-brand manufacturers like Zoeller and Superior Pumps – let’s take a look and review some of the most popular valves. We reviewed dozens of valves to find which were the best. We checked compatibility, discharge size, building material, and PSI to find your home’s best sump pump check valve.
Top Pick Sump Pump Check Valve
For a check valve that works with almost any 1-1/2 Inch pump we recommend the Zoeller 30-0181
The Zoeller 30-0181 was our favorite check valve. It works with most sump pumps, has a long working life, and is affordable on any budget, making it one of the best check valves on the market in 2023.
In This Article
- Top 8 Sump Pump Check Valves
- Top Pick: Zoeller 30-0181 PVC Check Valve
- Runner Up: Superior Pump 99555 Universal Check Valve
- Budget Pick: Jackel Sump Check Valve
- Horizontal Check Valve: Little Giant 599059
- Quietest Check Valve: Campbell B00JFF205Y
- One Size Fits All: Wayne Pump 66005
- 2 Port Valve: Zoeller 30-0043
- Brass Check Valve: Smith-Cooper International CV30L
- Who Needs a Sump Pump
- Buyers Guide
Top 8 Sump Pump Check Valves
| Top Picks | Valve | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Top Pick | Zoeller 30-0181 | 4.5 |
| Runner Up | Superior Pump 99555 | 4 |
| Budget Pick | Jackel Sump Check Valve | 4.4 |
| Horizontal Check Valve | Little Giant 599059 | 4.7 |
| Quietest Check Valve | Campbell B00JFF205Y | 4.8 |
| One Size Fits All | Wayne Pumps 66005 | 4.3 |
| 2 Port Valve | Zoeller 30-0043 | 5 |
| Brass Check Valve | Smith-Cooper International CV30L | 4.3 |
Top Pick: Zoeller 30-0181 PVC Sump Pump Check Valve
For a check valve that works with almost any 1-1/2 Inch pump we recommend the Zoeller 30-0181
After researching and comparing all the top-rated check valves, we decided the Zoeller 30-0181 is the best for most homeowners. It is made of PVC and plastic – but don’t let the build material scare you away.
It is built with 1-1/2″ slip unions, and the flapper bends over to take care of the edge. The PVC and plastic body can withstand 4.3 PSI while pushing water up to 10′ head height while withstanding temperatures up to 130°F.
Valve Features
- Works with horizontal and vertical lines
- Stop water hammering
- 1 1/2″ Slip x slip unions
- Weighs 12 ounces
Pros
- Pumps at 4.3 PSI
- Affordable on any home budget
- Easy to install above discharge system
- More reliable that old mechanical check valves
Cons
- PVC construction will last for many years – but not forever
Runner Up: Superior Pump 99555 Universal Sump Pump Check Valve
Works with high PSI systems and fits both male or female threads and seals with nitril-bruna N seal
A valve that also fits with most sump pumps without sacrificing quality is the Superior Pump 99555. It is our top pick for sump pumps that need to pump water out of deep basements with a high head height. This check valve works with almost any piece of plumbing you might want to attach it to and has both NPT male and female thread 1 1/4″ or 1 1/2″ connections.
The body is made of ABS plastic, and the interior has a Nitril-Bruna N Seal to keep water from flooding back into your pit. Way can handle water pressure up to 11 PSI; if you have a long way to your drain, you might need to hook multiple hoses and check valves together. Installation is easy, and the valve is engineered to fit most residential sump systems; just make sure not to tighten over.
Valve Features
- Fits 1 1/4″ or 1 1/2″ NPT lines
- Attaches to ABS or PVC
- Max 11 psi
- Made of ABS plastic
- Weighs 6.5 ounces
Pros
- Easy to install on most drain lines
- Prevents water backflow after pump turns off
- Manufactured out of solid ABS plastic
- Comes with two adapters
Cons
- PVC construction will last for many years – but not forever
Budget Pick: Jackel Sump Pump Check Valve
Fits 1-1/4″, 1-1/2″ or Schedule 40 pipes and is a great choice for homeowners looking to save some money
If you are a homeowner on a budget and must make every penny count when buying a check valve, we recommend the Jackel Sump Check Valve. This valve works with most vertical sump pumps and has one of the most durable flappers on the market. The body is made of ABS plastic, and it attaches to the pump and drains lines with steel clamps and fastener screws.
This check valve may seem small, but it can significantly affect water back flow. The heavy-duty rubber interior allows easy installation and leak-free connections to NPT outlets, city sewer lines, and most other drainage lines.
Valve Features
- Drains to 1 1/4″ and 1 1/2″ NPT lines
- Made of stainless steel and ABS plastic
- Model has been in service for almost 50 years
- Weighs 9.6 ounces
Pros
- Made of super strong ABS plastic
- Long lasting flapper
- High quality, stainless steel connectors offer a tight grip.
Cons
- Don’t over tighten or use a pump with too high PSI
Horizontal Check Valve: Little Giant 599059 Sump Pump Check Valve
A easy to install check valve that works with horizontal sump pumps
The Little Giant 599059 is made of ABS plastic and features a one-way flapper valve to prevent water backflow in horizontal lines. The valve weighs about 10 ounces and measures 8.7 x 6.3 x 4.2 inches. Installation is easy; you only need to slide the valves over the pump and drain lines.
Little Giant is known for high-quality plumbing equipment, and this check valve is an excellent choice for any homeowner with horizontal lines. It will protect your system from backflow that can destroy a pump once it turns off.
Valve Features
- Attaches to 1 1/4″ and 1 1/2″ ABS, PVC, or copper piping
- Works with horizontal and vertical lines
- Easy to install with slip fit design
- Stops water and gas back flow
- Weighs about 10 ounces
Pros
- Slides over existing ABS, PVC, or copper pipe
- One way valve extends pump life
- Flapper works in any drain system
Cons
- Make sure you install the right direction or it won’t work
Quietest Check Valve: Campbell B00JFF205Y Sump Pump Check Valve
Never hear your system clicking on or off with a check valve that is almost 100% silent
The Campbell B00JFF205Y is the ideal check valve for homeowners looking for a silent valve. Costing about $20, it is also affordable on any budget. This valve is made of transparent PVC and features Slip x Slip connections. It can work with high-pressure sump pumps – up to 150 PSI – about 100 gallons per minute – and a max water temperature of 120 degrees.
Finding a silent check valve is hard, but if your pump is located near a bedroom, it is something you can’t live without. This Campbell valve is almost 100% silent, meaning you won’t hear a constant clicking on and off if you live in an area prone to flooding.
Valve Features
- Almost totally silent
- Prevents water hammer
- Works on lines up to 150 PSI
- Can be installed horizontally or vertically
- Weighs 1 pound
Pros
- Almost impossible to hear
- ABS plastic body gives valve a long working life
- Designed to fit most pumps and drainage lines
- Can be installed horizontally or vertically
Cons
- Interior spring can be too strong for weaker pumps
One Size Fits All: Wayne Pumps 66005 Sump Pump Check Valve
For a valve that will fit any system try the Wayne Pumps 66005
If you are unsure exactly what size check valve you need and can’t measure, we recommend the Wayne Pumps 66005. This valve was designed to be used with all types of pumps and has a threaded male end 1 1/2″ adapters, outflow shoulder end 1 1/4″ adapters, and includes 1 1/2″ shoulder end adapters to attach to your pump and drain lines.
The valve may not look like much, but it can prevent water from returning to your pump pit once it turns off. Backflow can permanently damage a pump and leave water remaining in the basin. With so many adapters, it is easy to pick the right size for your pipes and attach the connector and clamps.
Valve Features
- Made of PVC
- Attaches to 1 1/4″ and 1 1/2″ lines
- Only allows water to flow one direction
- Weighs 4 ounces
Pros
- Fits almost any sump system
- Prevents stagnate back flow water from entering the pit
- Rubber boot is easy to attach to any size piping
Cons
- Not as strong as other valves
2 Port Valve: Zoeller 30-0043 Sump Pump Check Valve
2 Port check valves like the Zoeller 30 makes less noise than traditional valves and can handle more PSI
If you are looking for a 2-port check valve that can handle sump pumps that turn on more than 100 times per hour without making any noise or letting in any backflow, the Zoeller 30-0043 is a great option. It weighs about 6 pounds and can handle up to 50 PSI, making it a good choice for robust pump systems that tend to make a lot of noise.
One of the primary problems check valve owners report is noisy water hammering. The 1/2 lb inner spring eliminates this problem while still allowing water only to flow “out.” The check valve prevents pipe shaking and other plumbing noises in robust systems.
Valve Features
- Powered by 1/2 pound spring
- Reduces noise from water hammering
- Anti clog design
- Stops pipes from shaking
- Can be installed horizontally and vertically
Pros
- Eliminates water hammering
- Stops noisy pumps from making too much noise in the basement
- Does not add additional strain onto the sump pump
Cons
- 1/2 lb spring may be too strong for weak pumps
Brass Check Valve: Smith-Cooper International CV30L Sump Pump Check Valve
A brass check valve that is corrosion resistant and can handle up to 200 PSI
Some systems need a valve of something more substantial than ABS plastic to handle more than 100 PSI. If this sounds like your home, we recommend the Smith-Cooper International CV30L. Thanks to the high-quality corrosion-resistant brass construction, this valve can handle high PSI using a stainless steel spring and poppet.
Valve Features
- Made of brass for extra strength
- Max pressure of 200 PSI
- Max temperature of 350 fahrenheit
- NPT female connector
- Can be installed horizontally or vertically
- Weighs 1 pound
Pros
- Tough design able to handle high flood areas
- Uses spring loaded, ball cone design plus disc and hinge to prevent water from flow back into the pit
Cons
- More likely to corrode than ABS models
Who Needs a Sump Pump Check Valve
Plumbing equipment can be confusing, especially additional valves. We recommend everyone install a check valve on their system to prevent water from flowing back into their sump pit once the pump turns off.
It might seems silly to invest in an extra valve but a few extra bucks can save the life if your pump.
Buyers Guide
Still not sure if any of these check valves are right for your home – check out our in depth buyers guide to find the best replacement for your old check valve. We reviewed all of the most important factors to consider before making your final decision. Remember to do your research or you might find yourself shopping for a new valve and trying dry your basement!
Discharge Size
Not all sump pumps and drainage lines are the same size. Make sure to measure your drain lines and check your pumps owners manual to find the right size discharge pipe. Buying the wrong size valve means you won’t be able to attach it to the pump or the lines and will have to buy another so make sure to do your research ahead of time.
Some people will try to attach the wrong size using stainless steel clamps but this “quick fix” puts your basement at risk of flooding.
Build Material
The two most common build materials are ABS plastic and metal, usually brass or stainless steel. Both are good options, metal tends to last longer but is harder to install than a plastic valve. Another factor to keep in mind is that brass and other metals are more prone to corrosion that plastic models.
PSI and Head Height
PSI and head height are two of the most important things to consider when shopping for a new check valve. Different homes and sump pumps pump water at different rates. If your pump is too powerful for your check valve it may cause a leak.
Always make sure to know your head height as well as the distance from the pump to the end of your lines so you do not over or under power your system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a sump pump need a check valve?
Yes. A check valve prevents water from flowing back into your pit once the pump turns off.
Can a sump pump check valve be installed horizontally?
Check valves can be installed horizontally and vertically. If they are going to drain solids they must be installed horizontally or less than a 45° angle.
How do I know if my sump pump valve is bad?
The most common signs your valve has gone bad are a water hamming noise and water leaking from the seals in the pipe.
What is the best check valve for sump pump?
There is not one ‘best check valve’ – it depends on your pump system. Most homeowners have good results with the Cambell Silent Check Valve or the Zoeller 30.