The difference between a check valve vs. backflow preventer is that the former allows water or sewage to flow one way, while the latter prevents clean water from getting contaminated due to backflow.
Many may think a check valve and backflow preventer are the same thing, warranting them not to get both — this is a myth! These devices serve specific functions and cannot be interchanged. We’re here to dive deep into their differences to help you understand why your home needs them both.
Keep on reading to learn more about how to lessen sewer line and wastewater issues in your home!
| Check Valve | Backflow Preventer | |
| Function | Prevents water from flowing in the opposite direction | Keeps contaminated water away from a clean water supply |
| Application | Sump pumps, sewage management, plumbing, and more | Irrigation systems, fire sprinkler systems, lethal hazard protection, and domestic water supplies |
| Costs | Less expensive | Twice or thrice the cost of a check valve |
| Parts and Protection | Has fewer parts | Has more parts and protective layers |
Also known as a one-way valve, a check valve lets fluids flow only in one direction and prevents backflow — a problem caused by back pressure and back siphoning. It has two openings: one for the liquid to enter and another for allowing exit.
Check valves come in different types, and the most popular ones are ball check valve, diaphragm check valve, and swing check valve. All check valve types have varying applications, but they’re usually used for pumps, sewage management, domestic use, and industrial processes.
Check valves have various parts: body, seat, disc, and cover. In order to work, a minimum upstream or cracking pressure is required to open the valve and let liquid pass through. When the upstream pressure falls or back pressure happens, the valve closes. The disc shuts the front opening of the valve and prevents water backflow.
All types of check valves have varying parts and therefore operate differently. Ball check valves need a ball to ensure the disc remains closed when back pressure happens, while spring valves rely on their springs to detect pressure changes.
Read more: What Is Sewer Backup? Learn What You Need About It Here!
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A backwater valve is another form of check valve usually used for sewage applications. It’s installed on the main line carrying sewage from your house and transporting it to the public sewer system.
Like a check valve, the backwater valve ensures a singular flow of water. It’s useful during heavy rains and when the city sewage is overflowing; this device prevents wastewater from flowing back into your home’s plumbing system.
Backflow preventers ensure your water supply stays clean by guaranteeing a one-way flow of water to prevent backflow contamination. Contractors and plumbers usually install these devices at cross-connection points of potable and general-use water (cleaning, showering, drinking water, etc.).
Backflow preventers have different sizes and types such as air bags and atmospheric vacuum breakers (AVBs) for residential use and complex backflow prevention assemblies such as double check valves and pressure vacuum breakers for heavy-duty industrial applications. You’ll find any of these present in irrigation systems, fire sprinkler systems, and gardening.
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A backflow preventer operates the same way as a check valve; it also requires water pressure to engage its springs and open the valve, letting the inflow enter. When the pressure dies, the spring releases its tension and closes the latch to prevent backflow and cross-contamination.
Backflow preventers have more parts than check valves. For instance, the double check valve assembly (DCVA) has two check valves, an atmospheric vent, and a relief valve. Altogether, they serve as failsafe features in case of a product failure emergency.
Homes and buildings in Ontario need a check valve to ensure water flows in one direction and prevent backflow. This plumbing device stops wastewater from coming back through sinks, toilets, and drains, protecting your home from dangerous indoor flooding.
On the other hand, a backflow preventer protects your fresh or potable water supply from contamination due to backflow by keeping the water flowing in one direction. This device is common with houses that have irrigation systems used for gardening.
The lines carrying water for gardening are prone to contamination due to bugs, bacteria, or weathering exposure. The backflow preventer’s job is to ensure the irrigation water never mixes with your main water supply — a function that a check valve can’t do. That’s why check valves are never considered a safe substitute for backflow preventers.
You need both devices to keep toxic water out of your home and maintain clean water within your supply lines.
Read more: Do You Need a Backwater Valve or a Sump Pump? Here’s How You Know
If we’re talking about costs between a check valve vs. backflow preventer, the latter is more expensive. A backflow preventer can cost you at least $200 CAD, while a check valve can only cost you at least $15 CAD.
As for installation, you can install a check valve and backflow preventer yourself. However, first-time installation of a backflow preventer requires permits and annual inspection. If you want to avoid errors and let the professionals handle the job — call 1st Rooter for help!
Read more: Why DIY Plumbing Is A Bad Idea
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The check valve vs. backflow preventer debate is never meant to pit these devices against each other. It only highlights their unique functions and why your home needs them for protection against sewage backflow.
Let 1st Rooter help you choose the right check valve and backflow preventer and install them for you! We ensure your plumbing needs are met at any time with our on-call, emergency plumber services in Hamilton, Oakville, and Burlington.
Guarantee your peace of mind with the plumbing provider Ontario homeowners trust — call us at (289) 768-9099 and put an end to your sewage backflow worries!
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