Yes, a check valve is typically an essential component in most well jet pump systems. While the provided reference specifically highlights the recommendation for submersible pumps, the fundamental benefits described are crucial for the proper operation of a jet pump system as well.
Why Check Valves are Important for Well Systems
According to the reference, a check valve serves several critical functions in a water system:
- Maintains System Pressure: It helps your water system maintain pressure when the pump shuts off by preventing water from flowing back down the well.
- Prevents Backflow Issues: It prevents backspin, upthrust, and water hammer, which can potentially damage the pump or plumbing.
The reference states, "The check valve will help your water system maintain pressure when the pump shuts off and also prevent backspin, upthrust, and water hammer." This highlights the vital role of check valves in protecting the system and ensuring consistent pressure. The reference also notes, "It is recommended that at least one check be installed in all submersible well pump installations." While this sentence specifically mentions submersible pumps, the preceding explanation of the benefits (maintaining pressure, preventing backflow issues) applies broadly to well pump systems, including those using jet pumps.
Check Valves in Jet Pump Systems
For a well jet pump, preventing water from flowing back down the well is particularly important for two main reasons:
- Maintaining Prime: Jet pumps rely on having water in the suction line to operate correctly. Without a check valve (or foot valve with a built-in check), water in the suction pipe would flow back down the well when the pump stops, causing the pump to lose its prime. The pump would then struggle to restart and might require manual re-priming.
- Maintaining System Pressure: Similar to other well systems with pressure tanks, a jet pump system requires check valves to prevent water from flowing back into the well when the pump is off. This ensures the pressure tank holds pressure, providing water on demand without the pump cycling on immediately for small uses.
Common locations for check valves in a jet pump system include:
- Foot Valve: Often located at the bottom of the suction pipe in the well, a foot valve is essentially a check valve with a screen to keep out debris.
- Suction Line Check Valve: Installed in the horizontal or vertical suction pipe between the well and the pump.
- Discharge Line Check Valve: Sometimes installed on the pump's discharge side, especially in systems with long horizontal runs or specific configurations.
Installing appropriate check valves ensures the jet pump system operates efficiently, reliably, and maintains consistent water pressure for your home or property. While the reference specifically recommends them for submersible pumps, the underlying principles and benefits make them equally, if not more, crucial for jet pump installations to prevent loss of prime and maintain pressure.
