Non-return valve
Culvert, screen and outfall manual, (CIRIA C786) published by CIRIA in 2019, defines a non-return valve (check valve or flap valve) is: ‘A one-way valve that normally allows fluid to flow through it in only one direction. In watercourses it is usually a top-hinged gate designed to close when downstream water level exceeds the upstream water level. Frequently used for drainage outfalls into tidal waters and rivers to prevent backflow.’
The Illustrated Guide to Hot and Cold Water Services (BG 33/2014), written by Reginald Brown and published by BSRIA in 2014, it suggests that a check valve (non-return valve): ‘Allows flow of water in one direction only. Located downstream of cold and/or hot water risers in apartments.’
It suggests that a double check valve (double non-return valve): 'Allows flow of water in one direction only. Located prior to outside taps or other hose connection points.'
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
Costs and insolvencies mount for SMEs, despite growth
Construction sector under insolvency and wage bill pressure in part linked to National Insurance, says report.
The place for vitrified clay pipes in modern infrastructure
Why vitrified clay pipes are reclaiming their role in built projects.
Research by construction PR consultancy LMC published.
Roles and responsibilities of domestic clients
ACA Safety in Construction guide for domestic clients.
Fire door compliance in UK commercial buildings
Architect and manufacturer gives their low down.
Plumbing and heating for sustainability in new properties
Technical Engineer runs through changes in regulations, innovations in materials, and product systems.
Awareness of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism
What CBAM is and what to do about it.
The new towns and strategic environmental assessments
12 locations of the New Towns Taskforce reduced to 7 within the new towns draft programme and open consultation.
Buildings that changed the future of architecture. Book review.
The Sustainability Pathfinder© Handbook
Built environment agency launches free Pathfinder© tool to help businesses progress sustainability strategies.
Government outcome to the late payment consultation, ECA reacts.
IHBC 2025 Gus Astley Student Award winners
Work on the role of hewing in UK historic conservation a win for Jack Parker of Oxford Brookes University.
Future Homes Building Standards and plug-in solar
Parts F and L amendments, the availability of solar panels and industry responses.
How later living housing can help solve the housing crisis
Unlocking homes, unlocking lives.
Preparing safety case reports for HRBs under the BSA
A new practical guide to preparing structural inputs for safety cases and safety case reports published by IStructE.
Male construction workers and prostate cancer
CIOB and Prostate Cancer UK encourage awareness of prostate cancer risks, and what to do about it.





















