What Are The Disadvantages of Wafer Check Valves

Introduction

Wafer check valves are small and practical. They save space and are easy to install. Many engineers choose them for HVAC, water supply, or industrial plants. They offer value, but they also have limits. Understanding the weak points helps with smarter system design.

Pressure and Size Limits

Wafer check valves are made for standard pipelines. They can handle common flow rates and pressures. But they are not strong enough for extreme duty. High-pressure steam, oil, or gas systems need more robust check valves. In those environments, the wafer type may fail faster.

Water Hammer Risk

The design of wafer check valves makes them shut quickly. This fast action can create water hammer. Pipes shake, pumps suffer stress, and joints may loosen. In big systems, this is not just noise. It is a real risk of damage. Slow-closing or damped valves are better in those cases.

Trouble With Dirty Fluids

Wafer check valves work best with clean water, air, or gas. They do not like dirt. Sand, scale, or slurry can get stuck in the slim valve body. The seal becomes weak. The disc can wear down. Leakage and early replacement become likely. For waste streams or slurry pipelines, other valve designs are safer.

Difficult Service

Once a wafer check valve is in place, access is limited. If it fails, it must be removed from the line. That takes time. It may stop the system. Other check valves, like swing types, often allow quick checks through a cover. Wafer valves do not have this benefit.

Flow Loss

The body of a wafer check valve is narrow. The disc or plates always sit in the flow path. This creates resistance. Pumps must work harder to push fluid. Over time, energy use increases. For systems where efficiency is critical, this design can be a disadvantage.