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Water Systems

What is a Non-Return Valve?

A one-way gate that stops water flowing backwards where it shouldn't.

NON-RETURN VALVETurn the tap, the pump feels the pressure drop and kicks in.Fresh tank · 100 L12V pumpTapStops backflow into the tank

Simplified animation — not to scale.

In plain English

Fitted at points like the water pump outlet or the mains fill inlet, this simple valve lets water flow one way only — stopping backflow from contaminating your fresh supply or draining a tank the wrong way.

How it works

A small spring-loaded flap or ball opens under normal flow and snaps shut the instant flow tries to reverse.

Signs of trouble

  • Water trickling back out of the fill point after topping up
  • Pump running on and off unexpectedly (cycling) — can point to a failed valve letting pressure bleed away
  • Unexplained drop in tank level overnight
Rough UK cost

£15 – £60 fitted.

Ballpark only — depends on your van, converter and local labour rates.

Heads up: CamperAutonomy is for general guidance only. Anything gas-related must be signed off by a Gas Safe engineer with LPG endorsement.

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