Troubleshooting Water Problems at the Check Valve

Question:

I installed this in our tiny home and would rather not open the back wall during the winter to fix. We have a shut off valve in line to it, so the check valve is really redundant. However, it appears that during a recent freeze, the check valve may have got compromised as we now get little to no water flow. My thoughts were to attempt to remove the check valve from the outside end with pliers. Since it is plastic, I was hoping it would give before the brass did. You think this is possible or do you have any other suggestions. Thanks

asked by: Robert B

Expert Reply:

Check valves can fail due to ice in the winter or debris in warmer months, or simple wear at any time. I think if it were me I would try to warm the check valve with a heat source like a heat gun, being careful not to melt the plastic around it. At the outdoor connection to the check valve I would remove the rubber o-ring with the screen in it. It just pulls out. Then, looking in there you will see a stem sticking up in the middle. you should be able to push this stem in about 1/4". It will be under spring tension since this is the check valve it self. I would push and release it many times hoping to dislodge anything in the valve area. Then hook your line back up and see if you were successful. If this fails to work you are right back to replacing the Valterra # P23415LFVP check valve altogether unless you determine that you have a frozen water line inside the wall.

The pliers method you mentioned sounds like a destructive method that may result in a bigger problem inside the wall.

expert reply by: Les D