How To Make a One-Way Check Valve - For Cheap!!

The most expensive parts of a water pump, or DIY Super Soaker, are usually the check valves. In this project, we're making some from scratch, for as little as $0.35 each.

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WARNING:

The pressure tests and claims made on these check-valves is based solely on my personal experiences with the ones demonstrated in the video. Individual results may vary, and caution and care should be taken when loading the valves with high pressure. The risk of higher pressures is that the balls may be forced from the adaptor, shooting out like projectiles. High pressures may also cause the ball to lock up, preventing normal operation of the valve, or possibly even structural failure of the valve altogether. These valves are not made, or claimed, to be used in any heavy duty operations. Use of this content is at your own risk.

Project Inspired By:

Project History & More Info:

I wanted to build a PVC water pump, but the check valves were around $10.00 each. That seemed a little steep for a PVC build, so while looking for alternative options, I settled on this design, which is about the cheapest, while still being practical and useful, that I could imagine.

In my testing, the valves work great with air and water. Air pressures up to 60PSI seemed to be fine for normal operation, while pressures above 60PSI occasionally caused the ball to lock into the O-Ring, and required substantial "back-pressure" to unlock it.

If you try using rubber bouncy balls as the valve mechanism, only use them in very low pressure applications like blowing up balloons, and possibly for improvised water guns. Relatively high pressures used with these balls seems to eventually force them out of the adaptor, and can shoot them out at surprising velocities.

Overall, I'm really happy with the valves because they can be fit into any part of a PVC system, and can be duplicated quickly, easily, and for very very low cost.
#tkor #thekingofrandom

[souffle]

9 years late to find this video. Bless this guy.

[HouseholdHacker]

This can be applied to so many projects. I am quivering with excitement.

[TheKingofRandom]

Thanks Dan. Around 60PSI the ball had a tendency to lock up in the O-ring. This could probably be remedied by using a thicker O-ring. I took it all the way up to 135 PSI, but the ball gets difficult to release. 50-60PSI should be way more than enough for any application involving PVC parts.

[dutchessofmilpitas]

Great video! I found that 7/8" acrylic ball at Tap Plastics works in my 3/4" PVC adapter. If you go with a 3/4" ball, it goes right through! A shooter marble was too big, and regular marbles were too small.

[jmholmes]

After six years NOW the algorithm recommends this?

[elmerdeloso]

Absolutely love your videos and style of instruction. 100% clarity, 0% fat. Thank you!

[MrGoatflakes]

You are awesome. When I get down at the state of humanity and think we are slipping into idiocrasy I watch one of your videos. Faith in humanity restored :3

[TheKingofRandom]

Some quick links to a few of the materials I used:

[frankmmiii]

I love Grant's YouTube stuff. All the stuff works as advertised. This check valve is basically the same as one purchased in a plumbing supply store, the Orange or Blue stores. The only difference is one piece vs. three pieces.

[havocdaemon]

Definitely one of the best videos ever.

[TheKingofRandom]

Thank you! I appreciate and value your support!

[TheKingofRandom]

You're welcome! I'm glad you found something useful!

[mismag]

You should give some of these valves away as prizes. I really LIKE this :)

[TheKingofRandom]

Awesome, thanks! I got the ball at the same plastics company I found the acrylic. (Just found them locally by google searching "Plastics company + zip code". I got the rubber bouncy ball from a $0.25 toy dispenser, or a pack of 12 for about $2.00 from a hobby shop. Easy! :)

[rickcheljohnb.rebueno]

May you rest in peace The King of Random, you're always be in my heart and mind😭😭

[jayibakumarra]

Not sure why the YT algorithm sent me this now. Miss you bud! Thanks for all your awesome and helpful videos!

[TaerELahooti]

I am at loss for words...he shouldn't have died...we need people like him to make science interesting and practical.

[highschoolhypnosis]

This video did in 5 minutes what i couldn't figure out how to do for one of my projects in a month. Thank you.

[mycbdrx]

You were my Bill Nye, the hardcore version ❤️

[TheKingofRandom]

Interesting idea Jay, and thanks for the LIKE!! What would you do if you had one?