Check valve failure - alternates?

3 of my 3/4'' check valves from wakemakers have failed on my boat. They are no more than 2 years old. I have to stick my finger in the side of my boat to fill my ballast...quite embarrassing! I took one apart and there is just a cheap little rubber flap which appears to have worn out and won't seal when trying to push air through it. You can just blow through it both ways without restriction.

Since the wakemakers ones are $14 bucks a pop and don't seem to last, is anyone running an alternate?

Thanks much.

How do you have it plumbed, why do you need check valves?

Got to Lowes and get some. That's what I did.

Which ones at lowes? I couldn't find one that would work.

The plunger and flapper type sprinkler c/v's found at hardware stores are no good. I have also found that the flapper type like you have, end up in a "learned" open position over time. This means the flapper stays open, unless there is significant flow/force to push it closed. This allows a little are to pass one way, or a little bit of passive draining to pass the other.

A short term fix is to take them apart and flip the flapper over and reassemble. This puts the flappers "learned" position pushing against the body, closing it until water or air force it open as intended.

Yea. The problem is exactly as you described. I flipped the flapper but that only helped for a day.

Originally Posted by JohnAr

How do you have it plumbed, why do you need check valves?

Aerator pumps. The will allow water to flow through them when they aren't running.

Actually running reversible pumps. You need 3 check valves per pump to function and also direct the flow of the water out the side of the boat when draining.

I got mine at Ace Hardware, there spring loaded check valves. I had them on my 05 x2 for 7 years and still have not failed. I bought more when I did my 06 Star....2 yrs and still working like champs.

http://m.acehardware.com//family/ind...goryId=1260849

3/4 or 1" work perfect