bilge discharge hose

[Dago]

Hi Everone,
I'm cleaning up my bilge and found this on the bilge pump discharge hose (see attached picture). Is this just a seriously over-engineered coupler, or maybe a check valve? Anybody out there know what this is? Should I be worried about removing it if I can't figure out what it is?
Thanks,
Dago

[Noah]

Looks like a check valve to me. If it is I suggest you remove it. I would remove anyway to inspect and check it out (no pun intended, sort of ;-)

[Dago]

Looks like a check valve to me. If it is I suggest you remove it. I would remove anyway to inspect and check it out (no pun intended, sort of ;-)

Thanks for the confirmation Noah. I know that the Rule bilge pump installation instructions say not to have a check valve in the discharge line, but I don't know why. Can you enlighten me? Dago

[Noah]

Here is the long google ai response:
"You shouldn't use a check valve in a bilge pump discharge line because they are a major safety hazard. Check valves can fail, get clogged with debris, or become stuck in the closed position, which can prevent the pump from discharging water and lead to the pump burning out or sinking the boat. Instead of a check valve, you should use a high loop in the discharge hose, which creates a siphon break and is a much more reliable method for preventing backflow into the bilge."

[Dago]

Here is the long google ai response:
"You shouldn't use a check valve in a bilge pump discharge line because they are a major safety hazard. Check valves can fail, get clogged with debris, or become stuck in the closed position, which can prevent the pump from discharging water and lead to the pump burning out or sinking the boat. Instead of a check valve, you should use a high loop in the discharge hose, which creates a siphon break and is a much more reliable method for preventing backflow into the bilge."
Sounds reasonable, I'll remove it. Thanks. Dago

[waughoo]

The other issue with check valvs is that they can cause problems with the self priming of the bilge pump. 

[scgunner]

Dago,

The reason no check valve is required is because when you stop pumping the water in the hose that runs back to the bilge is insignificant and a check valve can restrict flow. This looks like an over engineered fix by the PO for a problem that doesn't exist.

[robbjd]

Our 1997 C34Mk2 had a similar check valve when purchased. I like a dry bilge so I replaced the check valve with an newer design as the drain back was significant, and installed a peristaltic pump that I purchased off Amazon. My bilge is now very dry and any rain water that finds its way into the bilge is vacuumed up by this tiny pump. I do flush the bilge pump occasionally to ensure that the check valve isn't fouled. We are in fresh water so no problems after two seasons with the new set up.