How to Prevent Check Valve Leakage and Ensure a Proper Seal
2025-11-27
Check valves are often considered the most “quiet” yet essential components in a piping system. Their primary function is to prevent backflow and safeguard pumps, compressors, and the overall stability of the system. However, in real-world applications, poor sealing—commonly referred to as “leakage”—is one of the most frequent and frustrating issues encountered in check valve operation. When a check valve fails to seal properly, it can reduce system efficiency, trigger pressure fluctuations, cause water hammer, and even damage critical equipment. This article breaks down the technical causes behind check valve leakage and offers practical diagnostic and corrective measures to help you quickly identify and resolve sealing problems, even under challenging operating. 1. Why Does a Check Valve Fail to Close Properly? Common Causes Explained 1. Presence of Particles or Solid Impurities in the Medium Solid particles can become trapped between the disc and the seat, preventing full contact and causing slight or even noticeable leakage. Typical signs include: ● Significant leakage at small opening positions ● Leakage decreases after cleaning 2. Disc Wear or Seat Damage Frequent cycling, corrosive media, or high-velocity flow can wear the sealing surfaces, resulting in scratches, pits, or deformation. This issue is especially common in high-temperature steam systems. 3. Incorrect Installation Direction or Insufficient Tilt Angle Although it may sound like a basic mistake, incorrect installation still occurs on many job sites. Since check valves rely heavily on gravity and flow direction, improper installation prevents the disc from returning to its closed position smoothly. 4. Flow Velocity Too Low to Create Adequate Differential Pressure A check valve opens through fluid flow. When the flow rate is too low, the disc may flutter or fail to close completely, leading to leakage. Common scenarios include: ● Insufficient straight-pipe length ● Frequent pump start/stop ● Poorly designed low-flow systems 5. Disc Sticking or Hinge Mechanism Not Operating Smoothly In swing check valves, rust, corrosion, or lack of lubrication at the hinge pin or disc connection may cause sticking, preventing full closure. 6. Thermal Deformation of Sealing Surfaces Due to Temperature Fluctuations In high-temperature conditions such as steam service, thermal expansion and contraction can slightly deform sealing surfaces, resulting in an imperfect seal. 2. How to Quickly Determine If a Check Valve Is Not Closing Properly? 1. Abnormal Pressure Gauge Readings If the inlet pressure remains stable while the outlet pressure gradually rises, backflow caused by check-valve leakage is the most likely reason. 2. Pipe Vibration or Light Knocking Sounds This indicates that the disc is oscillating at high frequency, often due to insufficient flow velocity or a loose dis...