What Are The Disadvantages of Wafer Check Valve

Wafer check valves are common in modern piping systems. They are light, compact, and easy to install. Many industries use them, such as water treatment, HVAC, chemical plants, and marine systems. These features make them attractive, but they are not perfect. Every valve design has weak points. Knowing the disadvantages of wafer check valves helps engineers and buyers choose the right solution.

Limited Pressure and Size Range

Wafer check valves work well in small and medium pipelines. They also fit moderate pressure systems. But they do not perform well in high-pressure lines. Larger swing check valves or lift check valves handle heavy-duty conditions more effectively. Oil, gas, and power industries often need valves built for extreme stress. In these cases, wafer designs are not the best choice.

Risk of Water Hammer

The disc or plates inside a wafer check valve move quickly. When flow reverses, they close fast. This can cause water hammer. Water hammer is a pressure surge that strikes pipes and equipment. It may damage pumps or weaken joints. In sensitive systems, engineers often choose slow-closing check valves. They also add devices that reduce pressure shock.

Problems With Dirty Media

Clean water or gas moves easily through wafer check valves. But slurry or liquid with sand and particles creates trouble. The slim design leaves little room for debris. Dirt prevents the valve from sealing. It may also wear down the disc. This leads to leaks or shorter service life. For these conditions, swing check valves or slurry valves are better options.

Maintenance Issues

Wafer check valves do not need frequent attention. But if a problem occurs, service is difficult. The valve must be removed from the pipeline to check or repair it. This means longer downtime. Large swing check valves often have covers for quick inspection. Wafer designs do not provide this access.

Flow Restriction

The disc or dual plate reduces the open space inside the valve. Flow does not pass through freely. This creates extra head loss. In pumping systems, more energy is required to maintain flow. Over time, this increases operating costs. Pipelines that demand maximum efficiency may not benefit from wafer valves.