Check Valves

[jimmyringo]

As the title says.I've just put on a check valve(non-return valve) but i'm wondering if i've put it on the right way round.It seems to work fine although the water doesn't actually come back that far(i'm using it as a precaution)The instructions say to put the coloured end furthest from the air pump outlet.Is this the actual outlet on the pump or the outlet in the tank?I have the black bit nearest the pump.The air still goes through fine.Confused?Me too?

 

[fifefish]

Have the check valve closer to tank end than the air pump

 

[Schmill]

If it's a clear valve you can usually figure it out from where the plunger and the spring are in the valve.
If it's not then I generally ignore the packaging, (as often it seems to bear no resemblance to the valve enclosed), and then put one end of the valve between my lips and blow hard. If you go purple and your head feels like it's going to explode, turn the valve round
When you can blow through the valve, then the end you have in your lips is the end that needs to go nearest to the pump. It is ALWAYS worth connecting it up though, making sure you can pump air through it, then switching off and (ideally if you are using clear piping), watch the piping for a few minutes to see if you can see any water rising in the tube. If not then leave it perhaps 5 minutes, then come back and check again.
With my latest tank I ended up having to use 2 check valves, 1 near the pump, and one closer to the tank, as either one on it's own was not enough to hold back the syphon pressure. Now though all seems well, (fingers crossed!)

 

[killudead]

and then put one end of the valve between my lips and blow hard. If you go purple and your head feels like it's going to explode, turn the valve round
When you can blow through the valve, then the end you have in your lips is the end that needs to go nearest to the pump.

you would think it would just that simple right.

 

[onebto]

Easy way to check the direction off flow of a check valve is to blow through it one way will pass air the other wont or will greatly restrict it start gentle as you do not want to rupture the seal ( some are stronger than others !).

I guess its obvious but but even the slightest amount of debris in the valve can let water back through so keep it clean

 

[raptorrex]

Easy way to check the direction off flow of a check valve is to blow through it one way will pass air the other wont or will greatly restrict it start gentle as you do not want to rupture the seal ( some are stronger than others !).

I guess its obvious but but even the slightest amount of debris in the valve can let water back through so keep it clean

yep just blow! simple effective and so easy