Each user of washing equipment is interested in the quality of the laundry being washed. But, the quality does not always depend on the performance of the washing machine and detergents.
During operation of the washing machine, a situation may arise when water is drawn back into the tank. To avoid this, a check valve is installed for plum washing machine water.
What is a check valve and its types
A non-return valve for a washing machine, called an anti-siphon, prevents this and protects the drain system. This small piping element is suitable for any model of washing machine. Despite the damper, it does not interfere with the drainage of water. The quality of washing depends on the type of check valve and the manufacturer.
Check valve types
There are:
- washing valve;
- non-separable;
- segment;
- mortise;
- wall-mounted.
They differ from each other in minor points. But, for example, installing a washing machine model LG only need segment valve. This type is perfectly disassembled and cleaned of various blockages.
Non-separable type a good option for plumbing with soft water, but this does not mean that it will stand idle for a long time.Its service life is approximately 2-3 years.
If there is too much space between the wall and the back cover of the washing machine narrow space, then wall valve with a compact and pleasant look is a great option.
Its disadvantage is the price, which is quite high.
Mortise device often installed when required to install direct drain into the sewer pipe.
It got its name from a special insert into which it is inserted.
If the valve needs to be installed in the sink siphon, then we can safely consider washing typesuitable for any sink.
The principle of operation of the check valve
The operation of the valve is simple. It is a certain form of a pipe in which a valve of a spring or ball type is installed. This device is installed on a siphon, drain hose or sewer pipe anywhere.
During operation, water from the washing machine enters the anti-siphon with pressure and then drains into the sewer. If there is a back pressure, the water cannot flow because the check valve mechanism is no longer open. The damper is created thanks to a spring and a rubber membrane. They protect the drain system from the ingress of dirty water.
If we talk about a ball valve, then the protection function in it is performed by a rubber ball, which serves as a shutter. Under the pressure of water, it is pressed against the membrane, and then returns to its place. The ball does not need to be cleaned, since the mechanism itself will do this with the help of special ribs.
Expert advice
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- Back drain valve washing machine made in Italy Siroflex. Made of polypropylene, mortise type. Installation is made in the sewer pipe and attaches the drain hose. Represents the spring corrosion-proof device with a rubber membrane. Effectively protects the drain system.
- Wall valve company Alcaplast - The Czech Republic has also proven itself very well. Differs in quality, availability in the price range and functionality. Suitable for any drain hose. Reliably copes with waste water from the washing machine. It is installed as an end mount with a sewer pipe. It consists of a spring mechanism, a reflector and a mounting point.
- Another high-quality polypropylene non-return valve from the Italian manufacturer Merloni. Mounts and mounts under the sink for easy cleaning. This is a spring with a rubber membrane.
- Scottish valve McALPINE.
- Wall mounted minisiphon ANI Plast.
Installing a check valve on a washing machine
The check valve has two outlets of different diameters from opposite ends. One end is connected to a siphon or sewer pipe, and the other is connected to drain hose washing machine. The joints are sealed and the installation is considered complete.
Installing an anti-siphon is not always required. Especially if the washing machine is connected in accordance with the rules and the drain pipe is at the right height. But it happens that for the purposes of the aesthetic beauty of the room, the drain is placed very close to the floor. Such a decision later becomes fatal and arises siphon effect. This manifests itself in an increase in washing time, in poor quality and in an increase in energy consumption.
A non-return valve for a washing machine to drain often comes with appliances, but if it is not there, you will have to buy it in the following cases:
- if the washing machine is directly connected to a drain pipe that is very low, and there is no way to raise it;
- when the washing machine is connected to the siphon under the sink;
- the presence of an unpleasant smell in the washing machine and dirty things after washing.
