What Can Go Wrong When Check Valve Fails

Most of us don’t think twice about check valves—until something goes wrong. These small devices quietly keep your system flowing in the right direction. But when a check valve fails, the effects can ripple through your entire setup.So, what actually happens?

First Sign: Fluid Starts Moving the Wrong Way

The whole point of a check valve is to stop backward flow. If it fails, it’s like opening the floodgates in reverse. That can mean contaminated water in your clean lines, or pressure surging where it shouldn’t.

You Might Hear Banging or Vibration

That loud clunk or vibration after the pump shuts off? That’s often water hammer caused by a faulty check valve not closing fast enough. Over time, that stress can destroy pipelines or damage your pump.

Or... Nothing Moves At All

Sometimes the valve gets stuck shut. The result? No flow. Or a very weak one. That’s especially frustrating in systems that rely on constant circulation, like HVAC loops or irrigation setups.

https://iflowvalves.com/plist/Check%20Valve

Look Out for These Clues

• Pumps cycling on and off too often
• Strange noises or vibration in pipes
• Loss of system pressure
• Sudden leaks or failures downstream

What You Can Do

Maintenance is key. Clean the valve. Check for spring tension (in spring-loaded valves). If you're constantly replacing them, maybe you're using the wrong type for your system.

When check valves fail, they don’t just stop working—they can trigger system-wide issues. Catching the signs early could save you time, money, and a major headache.