Have you ever wondered how a check valve works and whether or not you need one for your dishwasher? If so, you should look into it because the last thing you want is excess water from your pipes.
The dishwasher check valve is located in the drain of your dishwasher. It prevents water from backing up into the unit during normal operation.
If this happens, it can cause a lot of unnecessary damage. This is why you need to get a check valve for your dishwasher.
- When turned off, your dishwasher uses a check valve to keep water from flowing backward into the machine.
- It limits water flow in a hose by blocking the air behind it.
- A check valve prevents wastewater from being released into your home.
- The check valve is there to protect the dishwasher, as well as any other appliance, from dangerous over-pressurization.
Check valves are important; they keep your dishwasher working properly even if there is a leak in your pipes or broken pipe fittings.
Do you still use your dishwasher without a check valve?
Read this article to learn why you should install one and how they work.
What Does a Check Valve Do in a Dishwasher?
A check valve is a device that prevents water from flowing in the opposite direction. For example, in a dishwasher, the water comes out of the drain hose and goes into the dishwasher.
The check valve prevents this water from going back into the drain hose. This prevents the likelihood of flooding if there is a leak or other issue with the system.
When you remove your dishes from the dishwasher, they should be dry. If they aren’t, something is wrong with your check valve.
Without them, there would be no way for any water to leave or enter the machine properly. Check valves also prevent air from entering the line during pumping.
Check valves also prevent water from spraying out of the bottom of the machine during normal operation, making cleaning more difficult.
This is important because dirt can build up at the bottom of your machine if you don’t clean it regularly, especially if you’re using a lot of heavy soil-based detergents.
These valves are relatively cheap to replace and typically do not affect your dishwasher’s performance or ability to clean dishes properly.
Check valves are used in many applications but are most commonly found in dishwashers. However, check valves are also in sewage systems and industrial applications for this exact reason, to control the flow of water.
Reasons Why You Need a Check Valve in Your Dishwasher
A check valve is an essential accessory if you own a dishwasher. But you should know this; most people don’t have one in their dishwashers.
They are fairly new inventions, and many people don’t know they exist.
Here are eight reasons why you need a check valve in your dishwasher:
1. Check Valves Protect the Piping System
Check valves are used to protect the piping system. If a check valve fails, water will flow into the dishwasher, wasting water and causing damage to your plumbing system.
The result is a clogged dishwasher, which can be costly to repair or replace.
Check valves allow water to flow back into the pipes after it has been discharged from the dishwasher. Check valves are installed at each end of the piping system and can be used with pressure-reducing valves (PRVs) or adapters (PRAs).
2. Dishwashers Without Check Valves Will Eventually Stop Draining
The problem with dishwashers without check valves is that they won’t drain properly, causing a flood. The water in the dishwasher continues to run even after the dishwasher has stopped draining.
As a result, you’ll have to wait for the water to drain out of your sink, which can be quite annoying. This is why you should install a check valve on your dishwasher so that it won’t stop draining.
A check valve can prevent this by preventing the water from flowing back into the dishwasher when turned off. This means you won’t have to worry about wet or soapy dishes.
3. Check Valves to Prevent a Clog in the Drain Line
One of the most common problems with dishwashers is a clogged drain line. This results from food particles not being cleaned from dishes before being put into the dishwasher.
The particles will eventually accumulate and cause a clog in the drain line.
A check valve prevents water from flowing back into the dishwasher when it drains. The check valve has a ball that closes when the water level rises above the opening in the check valve, preventing water from flowing back into the dishwasher.
4. It Can Prevent Leaks and Damage to Your Dishwasher
You may notice it leaking if you don’t have a check valve in your dishwasher. This can signify the check valve needs to be replaced or repaired.
You should always check for leaks as soon as possible and fix them before they cause any damage to your dishwasher.
Check valves to keep water from moving backward through your plumbing system. For example, not enough water pressure from your faucet or shower head can cause the valve to leak or break.
5. They Prevent Water From Being Blasted Out
Check valves are small but mighty in a dishwasher. They prevent water from being blasted out of the dishwasher when it’s draining and allow the water to stay inside the machine until it reaches a certain level. This keeps your kitchen floor dry and helps prevent flooding.
Check valves can also help you save money on your water bill. For example, the longer it takes for the water to drain out of the dishwasher, the less energy it will use to heat that water back up again.
6. Check Valve Prevents Air From Being Sucked Into the Filter
Check valves used in plumbing systems to prevent water from flowing through the pipes and into the sewer.
Check valves are particularly important in a dishwasher because they help prevent air from being sucked into the filter. When this happens, it causes bubbles in your dishes, making them dirty faster than usual and turning them gray.
The most common check valve type is made from plastic or rubber and has two flaps that open when water flows through but close when air flows through.
7. The Check Valve Is Easy To Install Yourself
If you’re handy with tools and have basic plumbing skills, installing a new check valve isn’t difficult.
You must turn off the power to your dishwasher before working on it and then remove the top panel or kick plate under the front of your machine.
Once you’ve done this, look for where the old check valve was installed and disconnect it before installing the new one.
Ensure you don’t lose parts when removing or replacing them because they may be needed later during installation or repair.
8. Check Valves to Help Reduce Noise
Another reason why check valves are important is that they help reduce noise levels in your kitchen. For example, some people may not notice a bit of noise when their dishwasher is running.
Others may hear it throughout their entire home, especially if they live near another person who is also running a dishwasher at the same time.
Check valves help reduce noise levels by diverting any excess water back into its source, usually into an overflow pipe or other outlet, instead of letting it run down.
By installing a check valve, you can reduce noise and odors that could otherwise permeate your home.
Conclusion
Most people have heard of the dishwasher check valve, but not many have heard it described in detail. Many may not know their importance, but the check valve on your dishwasher has a greater role than it seems.
The water supply line from the faucet to the dishwasher relies on a check valve to allow water to pass through while keeping unwanted debris out.
Having a check valve on your dishwasher is a safety measure that can help save you money if you do the dishes with hot water.
Your dishwasher will be able to break down inedible food particles more effectively, protect your piping system and prevent water from being blasted out, ultimately saving you both time and money.
Understanding how and why this type of valve works can help prevent issues in your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Purpose of a Dishwasher Check Valve?
A dishwasher check valve is a small part found inside your dishwasher. It’s located below the drain pump, preventing water from flowing back into the dishwasher after the unit has drained.
The purpose of this check valve is to help prevent damage to your machine caused by water pressure.
Without this valve, you would have to manually drain your machine after each use or risk water gushing when you next try to run it.
This could damage other components, such as your heating element or pump motor.
How Do I Test a Dishwasher Check Valve?
To test your dishwasher, check the valve, turn off the power, and remove the hoses from hot and cold water connections.
Then turn on the faucet and let it run for a few minutes until there’s enough water in the hose to fill it halfway.
Once enough water is in the hose, turn off the tap and see if the water flows freely; everything works properly.
