|  | 
| 
			 
			#1  
			
			
			
			
			
		 | |||
| 
 | |||
|  check valve in bilge pump line 
			
			Hello, I read an article in boating magazine a few years ago, Stating not to install a check valve after the bilge pump. In a recent article this year they show a check valve install. Like any one opinion on that. I'm getting ready to install two new pumps with new lines on my boat. Jet | 
| 
			 
			#2  
			
			
			
			
			
		 | ||||
| 
 | ||||
|   
			
			I would not install a check valve myself.
		 
				__________________ Regards Barry 1987 V20 (sold) :( 1996 23' Wellcraft 1991 V20 ;) | 
| 
			 
			#3  
			
			
			
			
			
		 | ||||
| 
 | ||||
|   
			
			Me neither.
		 
				__________________ 1985 Wellcraft V-20, Evinrude ETEC 150: SOLD 1979 Marine Trader 44, twin Ford Lehman 120s 2006 Panga 14, Tohatsu 20 | 
| 
			 
			#4  
			
			
			
			
			
		 | ||||
| 
 | ||||
|   
			
			depends on the installation, if I can get by without one, I will. It really hurts the flow of a pump. But I've had installations where there was enough water in the hose, that when the auto switch shut off, the water would back flow and cause the auto switch to come on again, fill the hose, shut off, back flow, repeat over and over till the pump was burnt out. You can play around with loops in the line, raising the float switch height, and lowering the pump to prevent this from happening, but sometimes, theres no other solution than a check valve. BTW, make sure to use smooth hose for your pump installation, the corrugated hose really cuts down on the flow
		 | 
| 
			 
			#5  
			
			
			
			
			
		 | ||||
| 
 | ||||
|   
			
			A bilge pump discharge is usually thru the hull and high above the waterline.  This is done for two reasons. 1) So the Capt. can physically see the water stream and verify that his/her bilge pump is actually working. 2) To prevent sea water from entering into the bilge by keeping the discharge line well above the waterline. If you put a check valve in your bilge pump it will become a potential point for clogging if debris should get caught in it. Additionally, it will lessen the efficiency of your bilge pump by making a restriction in your line which will both lessen the water flow and shorten your pump motor's life by placing a strain on it. No way would I ever put a check valve in my bilge pump discharge line. In fact, to absolutely get the best performance out of my pumps I never use the white plastic corrugated hose you usually see with them. I go to Home Depot and buy the smooth nylon reinforced clear vinyl hose of the proper size. First, it's a lot stronger and second, it's smooth on the inside so there is almost no static pressure resistance to the flow of the water. (And it will last longer than your boat probably) 
				__________________ 1987 V20 w/1987 150HP Yamaha on a Shoreland'r Trailer 1978 16.5 Airslot w/1996 120HP Force on a Four Winns trailer 1996 V21 w/1993 200HP Mercury on a Shoreline Trailer All towed by a 5.7L Hemi Durango. If God didn't have a purpose for us we wouldn't be here, so Live simply, Love generously, Care deeply, Speak kindly. (Leave the rest to God)  Silence, in the face of evil, is itself evil. Not to speak is to speak, not to act is to act. God will not hold us guiltless. | 
| 
			 
			#6  
			
			
			
			
			
		 | |||
| 
 | |||
|   
			
			well, you got me sold . no check valves, i did purchase smooth inside diameter clear hose. the article (boating mag.mar.2017) did mention to place the check valve in a easy access area to check for clogged and the reason for check valve was to prevent cycling of the pump in the event during launching the boat,  the discharge port was placed under water, or if the boat was to list.  thanks again jet
		 | 
| 
			 
			#7  
			
			
			
			
			
		 | |||
| 
 | |||
|   
			
			I don't have one
		 
				__________________ love to fish | 
|  | 
| 
 | 
 |