Understanding Swing Check Valves vs. Spring Check Valves


Check valves are essential components in piping systems, ensuring that fluid (water or gas) flows in only one direction, thus preventing backflow. These valves are typically marked with an arrow indicating the direction of flow, which must be adhered to during installation.

Two commonly used types of check valves are 'swing check valves' and 'spring check valves'.

Swing Check Valves

  • Mechanism: Swing check valves have a hinged disc or door inside the valve. When fluid enters from the inlet, it pushes the disc open, allowing flow to the outlet. If fluid attempts to flow in the opposite direction, the disc closes, preventing backflow.
  • Advantages:
  • Low Resistance: These valves offer minimal resistance to fluid flow.
  • Cost-Effective: Generally less expensive than spring check valves.
  • Versatility: Can be installed horizontally or vertically (with flow from bottom to top).
  • Considerations:
  • Gravity-Dependent: These valves rely on gravity to close the disc, so they cannot be used in vertical installations where flow enters from the top.
  • Noise: The disc may slam shut when flow stops, creating noise.

Spring Check Valves

  • Mechanism: Spring check valves use a spring to hold the disc closed. When pressure from the inlet overcomes the spring's tension, the disc opens, allowing flow. If pressure is applied from the opposite direction, the disc remains closed.
  • Advantages:
  • Enhanced Backflow Prevention: The spring mechanism provides a more reliable seal against backflow.
  • Flexible Installation: These valves can be installed in any orientation.
  • Quieter Operation: They tend to be quieter than swing check valves as they don't rely on gravity for closure.
  • Considerations:
  • Flow Resistance: May create slightly higher flow resistance due to the spring mechanism.
  • Cost: Typically more expensive than swing check valves.

Both types of valves are available in a variety of materials such as brass, bronze, stainless steel, or PVC, and with different connection types, including press, sweat, pipe threads, or solvent connections.

Regresar al blog