Sump pump check valve

[ron]

I have a Flotec Ironmate ? hp sump pump with 1.5? PVC discharge pipe and a Flotec FP-0026-10 inline check valve. My problem is with the check valve. Its 3 pieces, the plastic check valve in the center and two rubber couplers on the ends all held together with hose clamps. After some time the connection between the rubber coupler and the plastic check valve starts to leak, meaning water is spraying out when the pump is running. The first check valve lasted 6 months the last check valve lasted only 1 month. I?ve had no problems where the rubber coupler attaches to the PVC pipe. Flotec thinks it might be from the torque of the pump flexing the pipe when activated wears out the parts. They suggest I try locking down the discharge pipe with a 2 x 4 and pipe strap. I was thinking maybe a check valve made of something more rigid than plastic perhaps PVC or steel. I have a narrow sump pit 11?(length) x 11?(width) x 22?(deep). I also have a Basement Watchdog battery backup pump mounted to the discharge pipe above the main pump, so things are pretty tight in there. I was hoping to get your thoughts on this and maybe some suggestions on how to fix this. Thanks for any advice you can give.

[Mark]

Thanks for the question. I think there are a few things you may be able to do and maybe a couple of considerations as well. First you may be able to lower the check valve so it is inside the liner below the floor. There are also some check valves out there that you can screw directly into the pump and then put the pipe into the top of the check valve. This is the way we do it on all of our systems. One advantage is that if it ever leaks it is below the floor. Something else you may want to consider is installing a new liner with a bolt on lid to keep moisture, noise, bugs and odors out and items from falling in and jamming the switch. Basement Systems also offers a waterwatch alarm systems for pump or electrical failure and battery backups.