Verified by Mel Sykes, Industrial Supply Chain Specialist - April 2026
Photo by Едуард Ковтонюк on Pexels
| Specification | Details |
|---|
| Types | Swing check, spring check, wafer check, ball check, non-return |
| Materials | Brass, stainless steel, cast iron, PVC |
| Standards | BS EN 12334, API 594 |
What are Check Valves?
Check valves, also known as non-return valves, allow fluid to flow in only one direction within a pipe or system by automatically closing when the fluid tries to reverse its path.
Types and variants
Swing Check Valve
Swing check valves feature a hinged disc that swings on a
hinge when the fluid flows in the correct direction. This type is commonly used for low-pressure applications, such as fire sprinkler systems. Typical dimensions range from 10mm to 300mm in diameter.
Spring Check Valve
Spring-loaded check valves use a spring mechanism to hold the valve closed until sufficient pressure opens it. These are ideal for high-speed flows and can handle pressures up to 6 bar, making them suitable for compressed air systems or
hydraulic circuits.
Wafer Check Valve
Wafer-style check valves have flanges on both sides that clamp onto existing pipe flanges without requiring additional space. They work well in tight spaces and come in diameters from 10mm to 50mm.
Ball Check Valve
Ball check valves use a ball-shaped disc that
seals against an orifice when pressure drops, preventing backflow. Suitable for low-pressure applications like pneumatic controls, these valves range from 6mm to 25mm in diameter.
Materials and specifications
Check valves are available in various materials to suit different environments:
- Brass: Commonly used in plumbing due to its corrosion resistance and ease of machining.
- Stainless Steel (A2-70): Ideal for high-pressure applications, with excellent strength and durability. Meets BS EN 12334 standards.
- Cast Iron: Economical option for lower pressure systems but less resistant to corrosion compared to stainless steel or brass.
- PVC: Lightweight and cost-effective, suitable for low-pressure water lines.
The BS EN 12334 standard outlines dimensions and performance criteria for check valves, ensuring compatibility across different manufacturers. Additionally, API 594 covers valve testing procedures used in the oil and gas industry.
Selection criteria
Choosing the right check valve depends on several factors:
- Pressure: Ensure the selected valve can handle your system's maximum pressure.
- Flow Rate: Select a valve that won't impede fluid flow at peak usage times.
- Material: Consider the environment's corrosive properties and choose materials accordingly. Stainless steel is better for marine applications, while brass works well in freshwater systems.
UK suppliers
MLC lists verified suppliers from Companies House who offer high-quality check valves across various industries. Suppliers include:
- Cambridge Bearings Ltd (CBM)
- British Industrial Automation & Fluid Dynamics (BIAFD)
- BTMA (British Tooling Manufacturers Association)
These suppliers adhere to stringent quality standards, ensuring reliability and durability.
Common applications
Check valves are widely used in various industries due to their simplicity and effectiveness:
- Fire Sprinkler Systems: Swing check valves prevent water from flowing back into the main supply.
- Hydraulic Systems: Spring-loaded check valves ensure fluid flow remains unidirectional even under rapid changes.
- Water Supply Lines: Ball check valves are popular for residential plumbing, preventing siphoning and backflow.
Understanding these applications helps in selecting the right type of check valve for your specific needs.
Verified UK Suppliers
| Company | Company No. | Location |
|---|
| Hayward Tyler Limited | 03450138 | 1 Kimpton Road, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU1 3LD |
| Fohen Limited | 11858967 | Fourth Floor Abbots House, Abbey Street, Reading, |
| Tmh Trading Limited | 11493534 | 2 Michaels Court Hanney Road, Southmoor, Abingdon, |
| Rotaflow Fv Limited | 01851533 | Rotec House, Bingswood Ind. Est., Whaley Bridge, H |
| Rotaflow Group Limited | 08368595 | Rotec House Bingswood Trading Estate, Whaley Bridg |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Check Valves?
Check Valves are engineering components used in industrial applications. Browse verified UK suppliers on MLC.
Where can I buy Check Valves in the UK?
MLC lists verified UK check valves suppliers with Companies House data. Browse by product category or search by location.
What are check valves used for in industrial applications?
Check valves, also known as non-return valves, prevent backflow by allowing fluid to move in one direction only. They're commonly used in fire sprinkler systems and compressed air systems.
What types of materials are typically used for manufacturing check valves?
Common materials include brass, stainless steel, cast iron, and PVC, each chosen based on the specific requirements of pressure, temperature, and fluid compatibility.
How do you choose between a swing check valve and a spring check valve?
Swing check valves feature a hinged disc that swings to allow flow in one direction. They're ideal for low-pressure applications like fire sprinkler systems with typical diameters ranging from 10mm to 300mm. Spring check valves, on the other hand, use a spring mechanism and can handle higher pressures up to 6 bar, making them suitable for high-speed flows.
What standards should UK engineers adhere to when selecting check valves?
Engineers in the UK should refer to BS EN 12334 and API 594 standards when choosing check valves to ensure compliance with safety and quality requirements.
Where can UK-based engineers find reliable suppliers for check valves?
Reliable suppliers of check valves in the UK include MLCSales, which offers a range of types such as swing, spring, wafer, ball, and non-return varieties.
How does cost affect the availability of different types of check valves?
The cost of check valves can vary based on material type and size. For example, brass valves may be less expensive than stainless steel ones but could have limitations in terms of pressure handling and durability.
What are the dimensions typically available for swing check valves?
Swing check valves come in a variety of sizes ranging from 10mm to 300mm in diameter, suitable for different applications depending on flow requirements and system constraints.
In what kind of applications would you recommend using a ball check valve instead of other types?
Ball check valves are ideal for high-pressure applications due to their compact design and ability to handle higher pressures. They're commonly used in pneumatic systems where space is limited but reliable sealing against backflow is necessary.