Remove check valve on sump pump in winter?

Question

I just had a new sump pump installed with a check valve. I was told to remove the check valve during the winter, replacing it with the piece cut out to install the check valve, or the pipes might freeze. I live in Wisconsin. Is this necessary? I don't know how to do it myself, and a plumber is expensive!

Answer 1

Was the source of the instruction reliable?  Where is the sump pump located?  That is, will the outlet pipe get below freezing in winter?  Is there a danger water will flow from the outlet back into the sump pit (if that's where it is located) when the pump does not run?  If not, see if the pump will work without the check valve.  This isn't rocket science.  Water flows down hill and you just need to be sure that no pipe filled with water will be subject to freezing temperatures AND no water will be siphoned from the pipe outlet back into the sump if there is no check valve in the line.  You can do this.

Answer 2

It would have been helpful if you had told us who or what kind of tradesman the installer was. Alo if the pipes are metal or plastic.

Anyway,,,if there is some heat by the pipes in the winter the chances are there is no problem.

If the pipes are plastic,,,even if they cracked  it would be simple to replace..

Now this all assumes that there is water in the pipe in the first place. If there is no water at all then you are completely out of the woods.

Too bad you dont have email. I had a long  written solution to the problem i wanted to tell you.