I've had significant issues with my sewer alarm going off every few months. The plumber recently replaced the check valve. A second plumber (passing through) told me that my brass, "spring" check valve on a vertical pipe should have been in a horizontal position and should be a "swing" valve not a "spring" valve and that it didn't need to be a brass valve (which is much more expensive?). Anyway, now I wonder if my regular plumber is doing this wrong or not. Does horizontal vs. vertical matter? Does "Swing" vs. "spring" valves in a sewer pump matter? My plumber is very nice, but I can't seem to go six months without having a problem. Any Advice? Thanks.

Hi Ktl:

I agree that a spring loaded brass check valve is not the check valve used for any sewage ejector applications I've ever seen, but is yours a spring check (1st image) or a swing check (last image)..

I use the cast iron SWING CHECK VALVE (2nd image) and it can be installed in either the vertical or the horizontal position (must be oriented correctly).

Does your brass check valve look like my 3rd picture? If it does then this is indeed a SWING CHECK and is OK for this application. I would not use it as it is expensive and I see places for crud to get tied up in the swing mechanism.

Amazing how 3 different plumbers (including me here) have 3 different takes on this... huh?

Tell you what... check out the installation instructions for a typical sewage ejector installation below:

https://app.qleapahead.com/rtp/libra...asset=80734,63

Let us know what you think...

MARK

I completely agree with Mark. All he said is what I would have written...

It is relatively easy, and inexpensive, to buy the correct (swing) check valve and to install it. Of course, that doesn't mean this will solve your problem. You may have other problems that will trigger alarm.

Thank you so much for your help. The valve looks exactly like the third picture and is located on a vertical pipe. So its my understanding that that is a relatively expensive 'swing' valve which is OK but could more easily get stuck than the iron one. I live an hour away from the nearest plumber (officially known as "the boondocks"). My plumber made an emergency side trip out to fix my system and put in the checkvalve he had on the truck. What I am understanding from you is that he did OK, (maybe cast iron would have been better) and is not an idiot (which was the implication from plumber number 2.)

I very much appreciate your advice. I do indeed have "other problems" with the system. Its been a never ending frustration for me - a woman who recognizes this kind of stuff as doohickies and thingamajobbers. Thanks again
Kathleen

I realize this is 3 plus years later, but the swing valve you have (like the third picture) could be a problem if it was installed with the sewage running downwards. Because the swing gate in it is pulled down by gravity, the valve could be open all or most of the time. Swing gate check valves like this really only work well when installed horizontally, and generally should not be installed vertically.