Microbe-Lift Autumn / Winter Prep – Quart | Cold Weather Pond Bacteria
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Description
The Valterra 2" Swing Check Valve – Slip x Slip (SKU 70387, MPN 200-C20) is a professional-grade PVC backflow prevention valve for pond pump discharge lines, waterfall plumbing, pressurized filters, and UV systems. The swing/spring combination design — featuring a hinged EPDM-sealed disc with 1/2 lb return spring — allows installation in horizontal or vertical (upward flow) orientations, making it one of the most versatile check valve options for pond plumbing. Maximum working pressure: 150 PSI.
The clear Schedule 40 PVC body is a practical advantage over opaque valves: you can visually verify that the flapper is opening fully during pump operation and seating correctly on shutdown — without removing the valve from service. Solvent-weld slip connections provide a permanent, high-strength bond to standard 2" Schedule 40 or 80 PVC pipe.
Key Features & Benefits
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| SKU (PPD) | 70387 |
| Valterra MPN | 200-C20 |
| Connection Type | 2” Slip × Slip (solvent-weld) |
| Body Material | Schedule 40 PVC (clear) |
| Valve Type | Swing/Spring Combination Check Valve |
| Seal Material | EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) |
| Spring Tension | 1/2 lb |
| Max Working Pressure | 150 PSI at 73°F |
| Dimensions | ~6” H × 4.5” W |
| Compatible Pipe | 2” Schedule 40 or Schedule 80 PVC |
| Installation Positions | Horizontal • Vertical (upward flow only) |
| Vertical Downward Flow | NOT suitable — disc will remain open |
Installation Orientation Guide
| Orientation | Flow Direction | Suitability | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Horizontal | Either direction (follow arrow) | ✅ Preferred | Most common pond installation. Hinge pin at top for best disc swing. Spring ensures reliable closure. |
| Vertical | Upward only ↑ | ✅ Suitable | Flow pushes disc open upward; gravity + spring close disc on shutdown. Follow flow arrow. |
| Vertical | Downward ↓ | ❌ Not suitable | Gravity holds disc open permanently. No backflow prevention. Will not function as intended. |
Installation Tips
- Check flow arrow: The arrow cast or printed on the valve body indicates required flow direction — match it to your pump discharge direction
- PVC cement & primer: Use standard medium-body PVC cement with PVC primer for a reliable bond; apply primer first, then cement, and push/twist pipe fully into socket
- Cure before pressurizing: Allow cemented joints to set at least 15–30 minutes before turning on the pump; 24 hours for full cure strength
- Position in horizontal runs: In horizontal pipelines, orient the valve so the hinge is at the top (12 o'clock position) for the smoothest disc swing and best seal
- Install accessible location: Place the valve where it can be visually inspected through the clear body — in a pump vault or accessible plumbing run rather than buried or hidden
- Locate downstream of pump: Install on the pump discharge (pressure) side — not on the suction/intake side where it can create cavitation risk
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is a check valve necessary for pond pumps?
A check valve on the pump discharge line serves three critical functions:
- Prevents backflow on shutdown: When the pump stops, water in the discharge pipe wants to flow backward. The check valve snaps closed, stopping the water column and protecting the pump impeller from reverse rotation.
- Prevents siphoning: In systems where the discharge line runs above the water level (waterfall return), siphoning can drain the pond or waterfall reservoir when the pump is off. The check valve stops this immediately on shutdown.
- Reduces water hammer: Abrupt backflow reversal creates pressure surges (water hammer) that can crack fittings and damage equipment. The check valve's rapid closure — aided by the 1/2 lb spring — stops the reverse flow before it builds momentum.
Can the Valterra 2" Check Valve be installed vertically?
Yes — but only with upward flow direction. The 200-C20's swing/spring combination design enables multi-position installation.
✅ Vertical with upward flow: Water flowing upward pushes the disc open; when flow stops, gravity and the 1/2 lb spring pull the disc back to its seat, sealing against backflow. Follow the flow arrow on the valve body — it must point upward in this installation.
❌ Vertical with downward flow — NOT suitable: Gravity would hold the disc open permanently, providing no backflow protection. Never install with the flow arrow pointing downward in a vertical line.
Horizontal: The preferred position for most pond installations. Orient the hinge pin at the top (12 o'clock) in horizontal runs for optimal disc swing.
Does this check valve significantly reduce water flow (GPH)?
The Valterra 200-C20 is designed for low flow restriction. The swing disc opens to allow nearly unobstructed flow through the 2" bore when the pump is running, and the 1/2 lb spring tension is light enough that very low pump pressure opens it fully.
All check valves create some flow restriction — a valve that claims zero resistance is not physically accurate for any swinging disc design. The practical impact for pond pump applications is negligible: a 2" pipe carrying typical pond flow rates (1,000–4,000 GPH) will see minimal measurable GPH reduction across this valve. If your system is extremely flow-sensitive, consider sizing up to a 3" valve with a reducer.
Is this check valve compatible with Schedule 40 PVC?
Yes — the 2" slip sockets accept standard 2" Schedule 40 or Schedule 80 PVC pipe (both use the same outer diameter). Use standard medium-body PVC cement and PVC primer — any reputable brand works equally well (Weld-On, Oatey, IPS, or equivalent).
Installation steps:
- Cut pipe square and deburr the end
- Dry-fit the valve to check orientation and flow arrow alignment
- Apply PVC primer to both the pipe end and valve socket; allow to tack-dry (~15 seconds)
- Apply PVC cement to pipe end and socket; immediately push pipe fully into socket with a 1/4 turn
- Hold for 30 seconds; do not pressurize for at least 30 minutes
How do I maintain or inspect the internal flapper?
The clear PVC body is your best maintenance tool — visually inspect the disc while the pump is running and again when it shuts off:
- Disc fully open during pump operation: ✅ Normal. The disc should swing fully open and remain stable at operating flow.
- Disc chattering or fluttering: Flow velocity may be too low for the valve size; consider a smaller check valve or increasing pump speed.
- Disc not fully seating on shutdown: Debris may be holding it open. Turn off the pump, inspect through the clear body, and flush the line if needed.
Prevent debris from entering the valve by installing a pump pre-filter (such as a Matala EZ Bio pre-filter) upstream of the pump intake. String algae in particular can foul check valve discs if it enters the plumbing system.
Why Buy from Pond Pro Direct?
- Authentic Valterra products — genuine PVC valve components
- Expert pond plumbing guidance — call or text (765) 508-4352, Mon–Fri 9am–5pm EST
- Free shipping on all orders
- Price match guarantee on identical products
- 30-day return period on eligible items
Price Match
At Pond Pro Direct, we want you to shop with confidence, knowing you’re always getting a good deal.
We will match or beat the lowest online price on its products.
If you find a lower price for any products on our store, we will beat it by $50 for products listed over $2000. In order to be eligible, you must provide proof, whether a screenshot, invoice, email, etc. of the lower offer.
Please note that this does not apply to every product in the store, so reach out via email or chat for confirmation before purchasing.
For the policy to apply, simply send us a screenshot, link, or any other proof of the lower price.
For more information, please check out Price Match Policy Page
Shipping & Delivery
Order Processing
Orders are processed within 1–5 business days, depending on product type, brand, and fulfillment method. Products sold on Pond Pro Direct ship directly from manufacturers or authorized distribution partners and do not ship from a single centralized warehouse.
Processing times may vary by brand, item type, fulfillment method, and whether an item is made to order or ships via freight.
Order Confirmation
After placing your order, you will receive an order confirmation email confirming that we have received your order and pre-authorized your payment method.
Once your order is received, we contact the manufacturer or distribution partner to confirm availability and fulfillment timelines.
- If an item is unavailable or on backorder, we will notify you by email and void the pre-authorization.
- If the item is available, the payment will be processed and the order submitted for shipment.
Order Shipment
If your order is in stock and payment is processed, it will typically ship within 6–13 business days. Once your order ships, tracking information (when available) will be sent to the email address provided at checkout.
If you do not receive shipping confirmation within 6 business days, please contact us at support@pondprodirect.com.
Shipping Destinations
At this time, we primarily ship within the United States. Some products may be available for shipment to Canada. If the website allows checkout and accepts your shipping address, the product is eligible for delivery to that location.
Changing Your Shipping Address
Address changes after an order has been processed or shipped may result in delays or additional carrier fees. Any carrier charges associated with address changes are the responsibility of the customer.
Shipping Times
All shipping times are estimates only and not guarantees.
- Typical handling time: 1–5 business days
- Typical transit time after shipment: 5–8 business days
- Estimated delivery window: 6–13 business days
Delivery timelines may vary based on brand, item type, production status, freight requirements, and carrier availability.
If an order is cancelled after it has been processed or shipped, the customer may be responsible for applicable shipping charges, freight fees, carrier return fees, and warehouse handling costs, where applicable.
Shipping Options
Available shipping options vary by product and location.
Our standard Curbside Delivery option is provided at no additional cost where applicable and delivers the item to the curbside or driveway of the delivery address.
Additional options, such as Threshold Delivery or White Glove Delivery, may be available for select products and locations.
For full details regarding freight delivery, inspection requirements, liftgate service, returns, and customer responsibilities, please review our full Shipping Policy page.
Returns & Refunds
Cancellations & Refunds
Orders may be canceled free of charge before shipment, unless the item is classified as Custom or Made-to-Order (see below).
If you have questions about your order, please contact us at support@pondprodirect.com or call (765) 508-4352 during business hours.
Cancellations (Before Order Ships)
If you need to cancel an order before it ships, please contact us as soon as possible. Orders canceled prior to shipment are eligible for a full refund.
You can reach our team by phone at (765) 508-4352, via live chat on our website, or by email at support@pondprodirect.com.
Cancellations (After Order Ships)
Once an order has shipped or entered fulfillment, it may no longer be eligible for cancellation. If you no longer wish to keep the item, you must wait until delivery and then request a return.
A Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) is required before returning any item.
Custom or Made-to-Order Items
Custom or made-to-order products are produced specifically for your order and cannot be canceled or refunded once production has begun, except in cases of defect or error.
Product pages will clearly indicate when an item is custom or made-to-order. If you are unsure whether an item falls into this category, please contact us before placing your order.
Returns & Refunds
Returns are subject to the following conditions:
- Customers have 30 days from delivery to request a return, unless otherwise stated on the product page or by manufacturer policy
- Items must be unused, uninstalled, and in original packaging
- An RMA is required prior to returning any item
Because we ship products directly from manufacturers, return eligibility may vary by brand. If a manufacturer does not permit returns on a specific product, we may be unable to accept the return. Please contact us if you would like confirmation of return eligibility for a specific item.
Fees & Shipping Costs
- Return shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer unless the item is defective or shipped in error
- Freight / LTL shipments may incur higher return shipping costs due to carrier fees
- Approved returns of non-defective items may be subject to a restocking fee of up to 25%
- Original outbound shipping charges are non-refundable
If you are exchanging an item rather than returning it outright, we may be able to assist with some costs depending on the product and manufacturer.
For full details, including freight deliveries, damage reporting requirements, and manufacturer-specific terms, please review our complete Return and Refund Policy
