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.
Music By: Music by Jason Shaw (TU-GetAMoveOn) www.audionautix...
Project Inspired By:
WaterWolf www.sscentral.o...
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

[@TheKingofRandom]

Some quick links to a few of the materials I used: [✓] 3/4" male pvc slip adapter: amzn.to/2cu2lBg [✓] 3/4" acrylic ball: amzn.to/2cjFVVR [✓] O ring: amzn.to/2cDNhme

[@diyanything4939]

I have some similar size marbles around, could I use them to replace the acrylic ball? Would it still work?

[@Nairod2]

I miss this kind of videos.

[@JimBimBum]

I'm curious if I can adapt this into a Hazmat suit/gasmask

[@VoidCraftedGamingHD]

Possibly :-) You would just have to put some kind of filter on the inlet valve, then make a seal around your face. The outlet valve wouldn't need a filter :)

[@jaydenstone1318]

Grant Thompson - "The King of Random" thanks i really needed this

[@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.

[@HouseholdHacker]

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

[@AJ_130]

first to reply

[@itsohaya4096]

Only 12 likes wtf

[@Reza-nu9gn]

Well 2 of my favorite KZbinrs Unfortunately they're no more

[@nozie677]

Rest In Peace both of you.

[@souffle420]

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

[@frankmmiii]

I love Grant's KZbin 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.

[@elmerdeloso594]

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

[@TheKingofRandom]

Thank you! I appreciate and value your support!

[@jmholmes83]

After six years NOW the algorithm recommends this?

[@kkinujuice3184]

Well to honour him Rip

[@Cii.f1]

Same

[@TheFanUniverse]

Yeah...

[@jemileedabear9630]

@@kkinujuice3184 is he dead?!?

[@brunovondra1819]

@@jemileedabear9630 yup

[@fiveoneecho]

This is so unbelievably useful! I have been working out an idea for some pneumatics on a DIY robot. This is definitely going to at least make the prototype.

[@catthecommentbothunter6890]

I hope you succeed

[@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

[@braydeng.n8624]

MrGoatflakes if this is all it take to restore your fIth in humanity you live a Pretty sad life.....

[@robertvernon2186]

I found some rubber balls, but they were pretty large. 25mm leaving very little room in the fitting, and no room for the pipe. I cut the ball in half and cut some notches in the end of the pipe. Then I glued the pipe in making sure not to push it in so far as to press the half ball. I left about 1/4 inch of room for it to move. Works great.

[@mismag822]

I love the balloon blowing idea.

[@Kid_Kootenay]

this is awesome, I built mine out of 3/4 inch copper so finding the correct ball size has been tricky and I may need to tinker with it if the one I used disintegrates making from PVC is much cheaper as the copper bits are expensive but my application has heat involved

[@neb6229]

Rest in peace sweet king.

[@thedislikebutton1907]

Is he fine?

[@cretesxman]

I have a noise problem with commercial check valves , they all seem to be made in Italy, and the don't use a spherical ball , only a flat disc , which in hard water areas like mine , starts to fail , and then squawk which is annoying . I have two squawkers now , one on the cold input to the solar water heater , and one on the emergency water pump system . Bravo , I will try my hand at making some of these !

[@rickcheljohnb.rebueno5599]

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

[@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! :)

[@mismag822]

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

[@clipgamer8229]

You can just make them yourself for a dollar

[@lazarusramaube8291]

Think about the cost of shipping

[@pk-lv4fy]

Phooey, I canceled my order for these acrylic balls and just bought two, 3/4" check valves from Home Depot for something like $3.50 each. The pump works great. And the spring loaded valves work in any position unlike the ball type. I'm guessing it flows better too.

[@chencathy5513]

CW617N forge Brass valve, you can find out if you are interested,whatsapp:[phone]

[@RimstarOrg]

Another great one, Grant! Looking forward to the pump.

[@johnruckman2320]

Great project for when I need a low cost version for a spring check valve which would be overkill for homestead projects. Now what I would like to see is how to make a cheap and simple swing check valve (where the 'valve' moves up out of the way of the flow) for use in applications where there is say sand or small gravel in the water that you are moving with your hand pump.

[@radagast6322]

+John Ruckman perhaps a larger diameter pipe coupled down to a smaller opening with a steel ball?

[@TheKingofRandom]

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

[@AC-km9ww]

I found that a simple garden hose gasket works great in place of the O-ring. A lot cheaper as well. I had a hard time finding the O-rings and just used the gasket and it's perfect for water pressure...not sure about high air pressure though.

[@havocdaemon]

Definitely one of the best videos ever.

[@dusterdude238]

I thank you for this! I needed a check valve for my misters on the edge of my patio cover, so that I can flush all the water out of the line after use so they dont clog up so much from standing water.

[@mycbdrx]

You were my Bill Nye, the hardcore version ❤️

[@wtfvids3472]

@@zerotoinfinity5 Bill Nye is a scam artist and servant of everything EVIIIIIIIIIIIL.

[@energyquicksand]

Stumbled on your site and subscribed immediately. Super stuff ! Great educator ! Thanks for the pump I need such a gizmo and will make it soon.

[@TheKingofRandom]

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

[@hmax1591]

Good video. These one-way valve look like they can perform better than the ones I recently purchased at H.D. The only problem is finding o-ring and ball for the 1 1/2 " pipe I have.

[@jayibakumarra]

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

[@khaledh9410]

Great job👍 But.. for water, i believe you might need a copper or stainless steel nail instead of iron so it won't go rusty.

[@TheKingofRandom]

You're welcome Tomislav. Thanks for the feedback :)

[@johnthefisherman5323]

All of your videos are so helpful you blew my mind when you made instant ice from pouring cold water on to an ice cube.

[@TheKingofRandom]

I saw that in your behind the scenes! Proud of your build skills buddy!

[@Hue5366]

We miss you king

[@muhammadkausar6147]

your inventions are the best ones and very simple to understand. A humbly request for, please upload the building video for free fly wheel energy, that is going around on the KZbin.

[@amalond3823]

This nostalgic intro

[@redstorm9757]

I miss that intro

[@marsdenbalaska784]

Great showing of how to build one of these and I am building a grey water system where I live where my creek water is about to deliver water some 250-300’ distance all for free (no gas or electric to refill my Cistern!)Great idea I’ve seen before but your iteration is the best of all I have seen!Keep up the great Quality work,Your Highness!!Lol

[@GREENPOWERSCIENCE]

:-) Good video Mr. Grant! Thank you for the great information.

[@TaerELahooti]

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

[@okiebob48]

As far as pressure goes, look at what your PVC is rated at.

[@jnualaska9620]

this is for sump pump that uses garden house, no need to worry about pressure. i have 2 zip ties and duct tape holding it very securely

[@TheKingofRandom]

That sounds very plausible. Great idea and thanks for sharing!

[@algerienoranais6908]

Finally a useful video on youtube , Thanks :)

[@BlackPython222]

If you are unable to access electricity (typical scenario in any 'apocolypse') or non-homemade versions these valves, a pump made using these to fill a large reservoir with water would be much more efficient than say, using a pail or bucket to fill one with water. It also allows you to set-up an accessible pump to water source without having to actually go to said water source (which may endanger you if it not in a safe area).

[@jimspencer2758]

Where did you get the acrylic balls from? I only seem to be finding locations that sell for a rather high cost.

[@Jesus-bc1hw]

As a suggestion, can you put the links of the other videos in the description? so smartphone/tablet users can go easily to them. This is a great video! Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us!

[@Sebastian-lr8jc]

R.I.P ❤❤❤

[@TheKingofRandom]

Sounds like fun. Have you ever built one?

[@TheKingofRandom]

Exactly. I can't remember a time when I wasn't doing anything ...

[@highschoolhypnosis1]

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.

[@michaelcarpenter3846]

Finally something to use my box of o-rings on before they rot away from disuse.

[@1endell]

Amazing job! You aplied the concept of a one way valve into cheap material. Thank You. Cheers, from Brazil!

[@michealbarkley9080]

We miss you 😢

[@1mdlmusic]

I'm thinking this would work great as the blowpipe valve in bagpipes. Traditionally they use a little leather flap which is notorious for leaking. Your idea seems pretty fool-proof and easy to make. I'll give it a try!

[@brianscott3021]

From the time when the king of random was useful

[@G56AG]

You must have a secret supplier for those acrylic balls, they are several bucks each in small quantities, although in large quantities of 100 or more they can be cheap.

[@TheaDragonSpirit]

R.I.P Headphone users. 4:03

[@bestdayeverify]

TheaDragonSpirit lol

[@redbullandminecraft]

Oh yeah, I forgot to say I am a big fan and I love your very creative videos, keep up the good work and I don't think I will be unsubscribeing!

[@harrymu148]

dam everytime I re-watch his videos, I get punched in the gut with nostalgia. RIP

[@TheKingofRandom]

He changed his website around so I would try an open search to see all his videos, then look for the title that way. Good luck!

[@bluegleam8168]

Rest in peace 😞❤️

[@TheKingofRandom]

Awesome! Thanks for sticking around so long :)

[@iustall]

Can this valve release half life 3?

[@xanderstone7413]

Claudiu Cristea Are you kidding me I see what you did there

[@sadladcinn]

Claudiu Cristea or more importantly portal 3

[@ChallengeTheNarrative]

I wish

[@HappyLittleNightmares]

You sir, are genius.

[@AdaManfaat]

Please consider the flow area that seems smaller than firm check valve.

[@spik330]

is it just me but I was really disappointed when we didn't test the max pressure it could handle.

[@xaytana]

Look in the description, it says up to 60psi works but anything over occasionally caused the ball to lock into the O-ring. This could be fixed by using a thicker, same o.d. but smaller i.d., O-ring as tolerances would be tighter and therefore more pressure can be applied. As for the Rubber ball, it says it can be used in low pressure, but it could probably be used for high pressure also. Basically any pressure up to the ball wearing down enough to slip into the pipe, could be tested on a non-cemented version so it can easily be taken apart and inspected for wearing of the ball.

[@spik330]

Xander Zoolander Your kind of missing the point; Which, is when it fails at max pressure. Whether it explodes or makes a really nice gun. I don't care at all about how much PSI the thing can handle. But thanks for the information anyway.

[@xaytana]

Psi is pressure.

[@spik330]

Xander Zoolander I am aware of that. Though I don't recall asking what it was.

[@xaytana]

You wanted to know when it fails, description says, I restated that, >60psi. You wanted to know the max pressure but don't care about how much psi it can handle? That just makes you sound like you don't know what psi was. Anything over 60 causes occasional failure, like the description says.

[@mainelyelectric]

Grant I love this project but I would problaly make it so the ball could be removed if needed and also a Glass marble would be great for the ball. Thanks again Ben

[@Roset595]

The ball can be removed if you pull the O-ring out with pliers.

[@albertmoran3376]

Where do you find a 3/4" plastic or rubber ball?

[@GUCR44]

No need to cut the ball.. It may spin around and fail

[@cucumberfurry3811]

Did you find?))

[@TheKingofRandom]

Correct. I'm working on it now.

[@DanteYewToob]

Hmm.. at 1:55, it reminds me of requiem for a dream. Not sure why... ;) Am I the only one? Hahahaha

[@juliuseskola1281]

+danteelite no you aren't :O

[@AztecWarrior69_69]

Not even close to looking like a rectum. LOL.

[@muddyriverdogz]

Just need a bunch of dudes chanting in the background !

[@EgadsNo]

Even though schedule 40 is able to handle 50 psi well, might I suggest building a hydrostatic testing system. Can be a simple positive displacement proven with weights and levers to actuate it, or weights and pulleys perhaps. Hydrostatic testing is the safest method for testing any sort of high pressure vessel.

[@BelleDuNord]

The water pump would be a hot sell in my country too.

[@jimchance5006]

BelleDuNord what county are you in?

[@BelleDuNord]

@@jimchance5006 Haïti ⚽️🇭🇹✌🇭🇹

[@de0509]

you need to use springs in that case because the marble may be a bit heavy and air pressure alone may not lift it at certain angles. why not try it without gluing it first. blow hard and see if it will block flow of air

[@isbittenner]

sad just is... hes so happy when he made it...R.I.P

[@TheKingofRandom]

Thank you Steve!

[@johnwatson3874]

Where did you get the acrylic balls?

[@matholmes4764]

Any spray paint can

[@ChallengeTheNarrative]

Mat Holmes lol

[@ChallengeTheNarrative]

😄

[@jala5293]

You can find them online

[@ryanfoley4788]

40mm ping pong balls fit with 1.5" pipe

[@TheKingofRandom]

:D Good comment Mr Rojas! Thank you for the great feedback!

[@chriscich]

I wonder if you could make a Ram Pump using these?

[@VinhNguyen-wz9lu]

Yes, you read my mind. I was looking for these check valves for that project. ;-))

[@MrGoatflakes]

ofc ;3 good idea by the way

[@dakhan5883]

Hello. Awesome video, thanks for making it, still very useful 9 years later. 2 quick question, where can I get the plastic ball? and what other size ball you recommend if i wanted to make a smaller version of this for use with my camping inflatable mattress? (Im aware I'll have to figure out respective PVC sizes) Thanks!!

[@MRMONKIBONES]

Where did you buy the 3/4" acrylic ball. I am in Canada, and I don't know where to buy them . Look forward to hearing from you, so I can make project

[@bumpkinpiem1295]

Try the dollar tree or toy store...

[@bfenti]

Try the ball out of a rollon deodorant.

[@ryanfoley4788]

40mm ping pong balls fit with 1.5" pipe

[@StuffTested]

Can't wait for the pump, i want to be able to do some cool things with that, if it turns out how i imagine

[@themiddleeastroofkorean3401]

Rest In Peace my human being S

[@coltsrock56]

Grant, you are truly The King of Random

[@calvinkostelyk6446]

what is the max psi it can hold

[@immelclan3594]

Something that would be very helpful, is a partslist. and most importantly, where the parts where purchased, and also where they might also be available.

[@bobitzaakanoobulplictisit7639]

mmm nice but i'm still sad

[@robusgt8640]

yup, me too

[@mattr7940]

Same

[@maskedredstonerproz]

who isnt bro , who isnt

[@JSuparman]

As far as I know, the "electric current" flow is the common used by people, that shown its direction path in every circuit diagram, rather than "electron current" flow - which is has opposite direction path against "electric current" flow itself. Actually, In the brieft way of writing, You are right, Kzumo, Thanks.

[@liamepp5221]

where can you get the acrylic balls

[@SomethingWiley]

Awesome addition to the many videos to make one more handy.

[@LogicBob]

what stops the o-ring from moving out of place?

[@pk-lv4fy]

Logic Bob Nothing from what I can tell. The check valve seems to be the weak part of this pump, especially since he doesn't give us a size for either the ball or o-ring. Annoying frustrating project, wish I checked more into it before plunking all this money down. Probably will just end up buying check valves since these acrylic balls are expensive, and this is costing waaaay more than $0.35 each to build. More like $15/ea.

[@ABikerLife]

+pk1225 I believe the ball is 3/4.. O-ring is hard to find. Has to be a thick one. I have everything built except for the o ring. None in my assortment seem to fit and be thick enough.

[@pk-lv4fy]

+ABikerLife Thanks for the reply. I couldn't see any way of making this work as shown and still have decent flow. If you use PVC with an I.D. of 3/4", the 3/4" ball would cut off all the flow regardless of whether it's seated or not. So it needs to be smaller. And it seemed like the o-ring would have to be unusually thick, which would cut flow down too. I think the PVC pump is brilliant but these homemade check valves leave a lot to be desired... but the Home Depot ones flow great, and only cost $3.50 each.

[@LogicBob]

Yeah, I'm in the same boat pk1225​. I've been having a helluva time getting this to work. I wanted more flow, so I was trying to use a 1" rubber ball and larger, 1.5" fittings. I had a great, compact solution with great flow, BUT the small seam on my rubber balls prevented it from sealing. I'm determined to make the check valve myself and I tried to think of some other designs but I was having the same problem you describe. I ended up ordering five 1" acrylic balls from eBay for about $15. I found my local OSH/Orchard had a great assortment of o rings, but like you both mentioned, it has to be really thick or it will have to be glued in place. I'll try to update this thread when I get the acrylic balls.

[@KamEKazE15]

+Logic Bob looks like at 0:50 the 3/4" tube is actually holding the O ring in place

[@frankmmiii]

I forgot to add that you should use something that wont rust as a retainer instead of a steel nail if you plan on using it in a residential application on your own plumbing. You also want to make sure the O-ring won't move out of place when flowing water or air passes over it, but it looks like Grant's check valve works just fine. As far as pressure testing, normal Schedule 40 PVC will take up to 400PSI and if you use the correct PVC purple cleaner/primer and PVC Cement you should be fine. Household water pressure ranges from 30-40 psi and air compressors very rarely exceed 150-200 psi. The rubber O-ring and acrylic ball should perform fine under those conditions.

[@qazwsx6340]

why do you need to cut the top off the bouncy ball?

[@BrokenRRT]

So water will pass it

[@micnolmadtube]

+BrokenRRT that makes no sense. Since it can turn freely when unlocked, there is no way to be sure it blocks when needed. I don't think it will close every time..

[@MillerJustinFS]

The flat part matches up with the end of the tube you inserted so the ball doesn't roll around or get stuck into the tube, the round part is only on one side so that's the side that seals.

[@TheKingofRandom]

I bet that would work. Thanks for the link!

[@BelleDuNord]

Can you sell them? I can buy a few dozen for my country

[@Patek007]

BelleDuNord He’s dead

[@BelleDuNord]

@@Patek007 Say what??? What happened Where did you get this news

[@parklloyd6690]

@@BelleDuNord Sadly, he was killed in a paragliding accident July 29, 2019. Gone way too soon. Sorry you had to hear it like that, but there's no easy way to find out.

[@BelleDuNord]

@@parklloyd6690 wow, that is so so sad. May he rest in peace. I'm still in disbelief. Anyway thanks for confirming.

[@chencathy5513]

Brass valve, you can find out if you are interested, WHATSAPP:[phone]

[@tobybelize]

Rest in Peace Legend

[@The85F0X]

I can't seem to find the acrylic balls. can anyone help

[@CWGminer]

Go to this link: www.usplastic.com/catalog/item.aspx?itemid=23375 and buy the 3/4" ball that is 4th from the top. I had trouble finding this too! I know how it is. Have fun!

[@nicholas7741]

Thank you

[@ivanpaypa3295]

you can find them on underarm roll on

[@PoliticalPuppet]

marbles are acrylic balls...fyi

[@tekknorat]

Fantastic. I need such valves for the water pump

[@francocanedoflores81]

In what kind of stores can i find those acrylic/plastic balls?!?! help

[@gt20modding88]

Ace Hardware has the O-Rings and use a large marble.

[@hayworth111]

GREAT JOB !!! thanks man. do you have a video that can help me with my flushing my commode . the problem is , trying not to buy a pump to keep make the fluid master work like it should. i need to make something that will let my raised rain barrel buckets of water fill up my tank and stop when it fills and when flushed it refills without running all my water out.

[@isso013]

You will be missed

[@genxthinker]

I'm assuming the nail is stainless or galvanized? Matters for potable water. Nice idea :) Thanks!