Valterra Swing Check Valve – 1.5" Slip x Slip | Pond & Water Feature Backflow Prevention
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Description
The Valterra 1.5" Swing Check Valve – Slip×Slip (SKU 70385, MPN 200-C15) is a clear Schedule 40 PVC swing/spring combination check valve for pond pump discharge lines, waterfall plumbing, pressurized filter lines, and backflow prevention in 1-1/2" plumbing systems. The 1/2 lb return spring enables installation in horizontal or vertical (upward flow) orientations. Rated to 150 PSI maximum working pressure. EPDM-sealed for outdoor chemical and UV resistance.
The transparent PVC body is a practical advantage — visually confirm the disc is fully open during pump operation and fully seated when the pump shuts off, without removing the valve. Solvent-weld slip connections provide a permanent bond to Schedule 40 or 80 PVC pipe.
Key Features & Benefits
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| SKU (PPD) | 70385 |
| Valterra MPN | 200-C15 |
| Connection Type | 1-1/2” Slip × Slip (solvent-weld) |
| Body Material | Clear Schedule 40 PVC |
| 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 |
| Compatible Pipe | 1-1/2” 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 (follow arrow) | ✅ Preferred | Most common pond installation. Spring ensures reliable closure. Orient hinge pin at top (12 o'clock). |
| Vertical | Upward only ↑ | ✅ Suitable | Flow pushes disc open; gravity + spring close on shutdown. Follow flow arrow. |
| Vertical | Downward ↓ | ❌ Not suitable | Gravity holds disc permanently open. No backflow prevention. Will not function as intended. |
Valterra Swing/Spring Check Valve Family
| Size | MPN | SKU (PPD) | Connection |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-1/2” ← This | 200-C15 | 70385 | Slip × Slip |
| 2” | 200-C20 | 70387 | Slip × Slip |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is a swing check valve necessary for pond pumps?
A check valve on the pump discharge prevents three specific failure modes:
- Reverse flow damage: When the pump stops, the water column in the discharge line reverses direction. Without a check valve, this reverse flow spins the pump impeller backward, potentially loosening it or damaging the shaft seal.
- Siphoning: In systems where the discharge line runs above the water level (most waterfall returns), the line siphons continuously when the pump is off, draining the waterfall reservoir and sometimes the pond itself. The check valve stops siphoning immediately on pump shutdown.
- Water hammer: The abrupt reversal of a water column creates a pressure surge. The check valve's spring-assisted rapid closure stops the reverse column before it builds pressure, protecting fittings and equipment.
Can the Valterra 1.5" Check Valve be installed vertically?
Yes — but only with upward flow. The 200-C15's swing/spring 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. Follow the flow arrow on the valve body — it must point upward.
- ❌ Vertical with downward flow — NOT suitable: Gravity holds the disc permanently open, defeating all backflow prevention. Never install with the flow arrow pointing downward in a vertical run.
- ✅ Horizontal: The most common and preferred pond pump installation. Hinge pin at the 12 o'clock position for optimal disc swing.
Does this check valve significantly reduce water flow (GPH)?
The Valterra 200-C15 is designed for low flow restriction. The swing disc opens fully with forward flow, presenting minimal obstruction to the 1.5" bore. The 1/2 lb spring tension is light enough to open with typical pond pump discharge pressure — the "cracking pressure" (minimum pressure required to open the disc) is very low, ensuring the pump maintains near-full GPH through the valve. In practical pond plumbing, the head loss across this valve is negligible compared to the head loss from friction in the discharge line itself.
Is the Valterra valve compatible with Schedule 40 PVC?
Yes — the 1.5" slip sockets accept standard Schedule 40 or Schedule 80 PVC pipe (both use the same outer diameter). Installation requires PVC primer and medium-body PVC cement:
- Cut pipe square and deburr the end
- Dry-fit the valve to confirm orientation and flow direction (arrow pointing downstream)
- Apply PVC primer to pipe end and valve socket; allow to tack (approximately 15 seconds)
- Apply PVC cement to pipe end and socket; push pipe fully into socket with a 1/4 turn
- Hold firmly for 30 seconds; do not pressurize for at least 30 minutes
How do I maintain or clean the internal flapper?
The clear PVC body is your primary maintenance tool — inspect the disc visually through the transparent body without any disassembly:
- During pump operation: disc should be fully open and stable (not fluttering)
- On pump shutdown: disc should snap fully closed within a second or two
- Disc stuck open: likely debris (algae, sediment) on the seat. Consider installing a pump pre-filter to prevent organic material from entering the discharge line
- Disc chattering: flow velocity may be insufficient; the pump may be undersized for the 1.5" bore or operating at low head
For long-term outdoor installations, ensure the valve is not in direct UV sunlight if possible (install inside a pump vault or shaded area) to maximize EPDM seal life.
Why Buy from Pond Pro Direct?
- Authentic Valterra products — genuine pond plumbing 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.
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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
