American Water Works Association

ANSI/AWWA C508-93
(Revision of ANSI/AWWA C508-82)

AWWA STANDARD
FOR
SWING-CHECK VALVES
FOR WATERWORKS SERVICE,
2 IN. (50 mm) THROUGH
24 IN. (600 mm) NPS

All changes specified in addendum AWWA C508a-93 are incorporated into this standard.

Effective date: Feb. 1, 1994.

First edition approved by AWWA Board of Directors June 20, 1976.
This edition approved Jan. 31, 1993.
Approved by American National Standards Institute Sept. 13, 1993

AMERICAN WATER WORKS ASSOCIATION

6666 West Quincy Avenue, Denver, Colorado 80235

Copyright (C) 1998 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved.
 AWWA Standard
This document is an American Water Works Association (AWWA) standard. It is not a specification.
AWWA standards describe minimum requirements and do not contain all of the engineering and
administrative information normally contained in specifications. The AWWA standards usually con-
tain options that must be evaluated by the user of the standard. Until each optional feature is
specified by the user, the product or service is not fully defined. AWWA publication of a standard
does not constitute endorsement of any product or product type, nor does AWWA test, certify, or
approve any product. The use of AWWA standards is entirely voluntary. AWWA standards are
intended to represent a consensus of the water supply industry that the product described will
provide satisfactory service. When AWWA revises or withdraws this standard, an official notice of
action will be placed on the first page of the classified advertising section of Journal AWWA. The
action becomes effective on the first day of the month following the month of Journal AWWA publi-
cation of the official notice.

American National Standard

An American National Standard implies a consensus of those substantially concerned with its scope
and provisions. An American National Standard is intended as a guide to aid the manufacturer, the
consumer, and the general public. The existence of an American National Standard does not in any
respect preclude anyone, whether that person has approved the standard or not, from manufactur-
ing, marketing, purchasing, or using products, processes, or procedures not conforming to the stan-
dard. American National Standards are subject to periodic review, and users are cautioned to
obtain the latest editions. Producers of goods made in conformity with an American National Stan-
dard are encouraged to state on their own responsibility in advertising and promotional materials
or on tags or labels that the goods are produced in conformity with particular American National
Standards.

CAUTION NOTICE: The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) approval date on the front
cover of this standard indicates completion of the ANSI approval process. This American National
Standard may be revised or withdrawn at any time. ANSI procedures require that action be taken
to reaffirm, revise, or withdraw this standard no later than five years from the date of publication.
Purchasers of American National Standards may receive current information on all standards by
calling or writing the American National Standards Institute, 11 W. 42nd St., New York, NY
10036; (212) 642-4900.

Copyright © 1993 by American Water Works Association

Printed in USA

ii

Copyright (C) 1998 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved.
 Committee Personnel
The AWWA Standards Committee on Gate Valves and Swing-Check Valves,
which reviewed and approved this standard, had the following personnel at the time
of approval:
Joseph J. Gemin, Chair
Thomas M. Bowen, Vice-Chair
Roland L. Larkin, Secretary

Consumer Members

R.E. Behnke, St. Louis County Water Company, St. Louis, Mo. (AWWA)
T.M. Bowen, Manchester Water Works, Manchester, N.H. (AWWA)
M.H. Burns, Denver Water, Denver, Colo. (AWWA)
S.F. Gorden, Portland Water District, Portland, Maine (NEWWA)
Cassandra Hamvas, Department of Water and Power,
Los Angeles, Calif. (AWWA)
C.H. Kersey, Detroit Water and Sewerage Department, Detroit, Mich. (AWWA)
T.W. Knowlton,* Salem–Beverly Water Supply Board, Beverly, Mass. (NEWWA)
R.B. Luciani, Philadelphia Water Department, Philadelphia, Pa. (AWWA)

General Interest Members

E.E. Baruth,† Standards Engineer Liaison, AWWA, Denver, Colo. (AWWA)

K.M. Bell, Underwriters Laboratories Inc., Northbrook, Ill. (UL)
T.J. Brown Jr., Factory Mutual Research Corporation, Norwood, Mass. (FMR)
K.J. Carl, Baldwin, N.Y. (AWWA)
R.L. Claudy, Orlando, Fla. (AWWA)
J.B. Donohoe, Birmingham, Ala. (AWWA)
J.V. Fonley, Orange, Calif. (AWWA)
J.J. Gemin, Proctor & Redfern Ltd., Kitchener, Ont. (AWWA)
T.C. Jester, Birmingham, Ala. (AWWA)
S.J. Medlar, Camp Dresser and McKee Inc., Edison, N.J. (NEWWA)
E.F. Straw, ISO Commercial Risk Services Inc., Duluth, Ga. (ISO)
G.P. Westerhoff,† Council Liaison, Malcolm Pirnie Inc.,
White Plains, N.Y. (AWWA)

Producer Members

Jerry Bottenfield, Clow Valve Company, Oskaloosa, Iowa (MSS)

G.L. Bouc, Mueller Company, Decatur, Ill. (AWWA)
L.R. Dunn,* United States Pipe and Foundry Company,
Birmingham, Ala. (AWWA)

*Alternate
†Liaison, nonvoting

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Copyright (C) 1998 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved.
Les Englemann, Ames Company Inc., Woodland, Calif. (AWWA)
R.L. Larkin, American Flow Control, Birmingham, Ala. (AWWA)
P.I. McGrath Jr., United States Pipe and Foundry Company,
Birmingham, Ala. (AWWA)
M.P. Yoke, M & H Valve Company, Anniston, Ala. (AWWA)

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Copyright (C) 1998 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved.
 Contents

All AWWA standards follow the general format indicated subsequently. Some variations from this format may
be found in a particular standard.

SEC. PAGE SEC. PAGE

Foreword 3.9 Side Plugs .......................................... 9

I History of Standard.......................... vi 3.10 Bolting ................................................ 9
II Information Regarding Use 3.11 Painting.............................................. 9
of This Standard ............................ vi
III Acceptance......................................... vi 4 Fabrication
IV Modification to Standard ............... vii 4.1 Workmanship..................................... 9
V Major Revisions .............................. vii
5 Inspection, Testing,
Standard and Rejection
5.1 Inspection ........................................... 9
1 General 5.2 Testing.............................................. 10
1.1 Scope................................................... 1 5.3 Rejection........................................... 10
1.2 Definitions .......................................... 3
1.3 Data to Be Supplied by 6 Marking and Shipping
Manufacturer................................... 3 6.1 Markings .......................................... 10
1.4 Affidavit of Compliance..................... 3 6.2 Preparation for Shipment ............... 10
1.5 References .......................................... 4
1.6 Permeation ......................................... 5 Appendix

2 Materials A Future Revisions.......................... 11

2.1 General ............................................... 5
2.2 Physical and Chemical Figure
Requirements .................................. 5
1 Various Types of Swing-Check
Valves .............................................. 2
3 General Design
3.1 General ............................................... 7 Tables
3.2 Closure Assembly .............................. 7
3.3 Accessibility of Internal Parts .......... 7 1 Chemical and Physical
3.4 Disc/Hinge Assembly Stop ................ 7 Requirements .................................. 6
3.5 Net-Flow Area.................................... 7 2 Excess Flange Thickness .................. 8
3.6 Valve Ends ......................................... 7 A.1 Suggested End-to-End Dimensions
3.7 Seating Surfaces ................................ 8 for Flanged-End Valves................ 11
3.8 Hinge .................................................. 8

Copyright (C) 1998 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved.
 Foreword
This foreword is for information only and is not a part of AWWA C508.

I. History of Standard. Following approval by the AWWA Standards Coun-

cil on June 25, 1970, the Standards Committee on Gate Valves and Swing-Check
Valves was assigned the project of preparing a new AWWA standard for swing-
check valves. Committee discussion of the first draft began on Nov. 18, 1970. Follow-
ing an extensive period of discussion and development by user, producer, and
general-interest members of this committee, and after extensive review by Commit-
tee 112 of the Manufacturers Standardization Society of the Valve and Fittings
Industry, the first edition was approved on June 20, 1976. The first edition was
published as AWWA C508-76 and was followed by a second edition in 1982.
II. Information Regarding Use of This Standard. When placing orders
for check valves to be manufactured in accordance with this standard, purchasers
should specify the following details:
1. Standard used in specifications—that is, AWWA C508-93, Standard for
Swing-Check Valves for Waterworks Service, 2 In. (50 mm) Through 24 In. (600
mm) NPS.
2. Size and quantity of check valves.
3. Data required of manufacturer (Sec. 1.3).
4. Affidavit of compliance if required (Sec. 1.4).
5. Whether or not the piping system in which the check valve is to be used
carries water that promotes galvanic corrosion and therefore prohibits the use of
grades B and C bronze (Sec. 2.2.2.4).
6. Type of ends required—flanged or mechanical-joint (Sec. 3.6).
7. Detailed description of valve ends if dimensions or finish are to be other
than specified (Sec. 3.6).
8. Special coatings and linings (Sec. 3.11).
9. Special markings required (Sec. 6.1.2).
10. If bolting material with physical and chemical properties other than those
specified in ASTM A307 is required (Sec. 2.2.3).
III. Acceptance. In May 1985, the US Environmental Protection Agency
(USEPA) entered into a cooperative agreement with a consortium led by NSF Inter-
national (NSF) to develop voluntary third-party consensus standards and a certifica-
tion program for all direct and indirect drinking water additives. Other members of
the consortium included the American Water Works Association Research Founda-
tion (AWWARF), the Conference of State Health and Environmental Managers
(COSHEM), the American Water Works Association (AWWA), and the Association of
State Drinking Water Administrators (ASDWA). The consortium is responsible for
the cooperative effort of manufacturers, regulators, product users, and other inter-
ested parties that develop and maintain the NSF standards.
In the United States, authority to regulate products for use in, or in contact
with, drinking water rests with individual states.* Local agencies may choose to
impose requirements more stringent than those required by the state. To evaluate

*Persons in Canada, Mexico, and non-North American countries should contact the
appropriate authority having jurisdiction.

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Copyright (C) 1998 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved.
the health effects of products and drinking water additives from such products, state
and local agencies may use various references, including
1. An advisory program formerly administered by USEPA, Office of Drinking
Water, discontinued on Apr. 7, 1990.
2. Specific policies of the state or local agency.
3. Two standards developed under the direction of NSF, ANSI*/NSF† 60,
Drinking Water Treatment Chemicals—Health Effects, and ANSI/NSF 61, Drinking
Water System Components—Health Effects.
4. Other references including AWWA standards, Food Chemicals Codex,
Water Chemicals Codex,‡ and other standards considered appropriate by the state or
local agency.
Various certification organizations may be involved in certifying products in
accordance with ANSI/NSF 61. Individual states or local agencies have authority to
accept or accredit certification organizations within their jurisdiction. Accreditation
of certification organizations may vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.
Appendix A, “Toxicology Review and Evaluation Procedures,” to ANSI/NSF 61
does not stipulate a maximum allowable level (MAL) of a contaminant for sub-
stances not regulated by a USEPA final maximum contaminant level (MCL). The
MALs of an unspecified list of “unregulated contaminants” are based on toxicity
testing guidelines (noncarcinogens) and risk characterization methodology (carcino-
gens). Use of Appendix A procedures may not always be identical, depending on the
certifier.
AWWA C508-93 does not address additives requirements. Thus, users of this
standard should consult the appropriate state or local agency having jurisdiction in
order to
1. Determine additives requirements including applicable standards.
2. Determine the status of certifications by all parties offering to certify prod-
ucts for contact with, or treatment of, drinking water.
3. Determine current information on product certification.
IV. Modification to Standard. Any modification of the provisions,
definitions, or terminology in this standard must be provided in the purchaser’s
specifications.
V. Major Revisions.
1. A table and appropriate wording regarding end-to-end dimensions for
flanged-end valves has been included in an appendix to this standard. If acceptable
to the water industry, a future consensus addendum to AWWA C508 is planned
incorporating this material. Also included is a statement on 14-in. (350-mm) and
18-in. (450-mm) valves.
2. A maximum operating temperature has been added to Sec. 1.1.3.
3. Revisions of style and format are included.

*American National Standards Institute, 11 W. 42nd St., New York, NY 10036.

†NSF International, 3475 Plymouth Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48106.
‡Both publications available from National Academy of Sciences, 2102 Constitution Ave.
N.W., Washington, DC 20418.

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Copyright (C) 1998 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved.
 4. A permeation statement developed by the AWWA Standards Council has
been added (Sec. 1.6).
5. Additional performance characteristics of resilient materials have been
added (Sec. 2.2.4).
6. Sec. 3.7.2 on resilient material-to-metal-type seating surfaces has been
added.

viii

Copyright (C) 1998 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved.
 American Water Works Association

ANSI/AWWA C508-93
(Revision of ANSI/AWWA C508-82)

AWWA STANDARD FOR

SWING-CHECK VALVES FOR

WATERWORKS SERVICE,
2 IN. (50 MM) THROUGH 24 IN.
(600 MM) NPS

SECTION 1: GENERAL
Sec. 1.1 Scope
This standard covers only iron-body, bronze-mounted, nonassisted, swing-check
valves, 2–24 in. (50–600 mm) NPS, with mechanical-joint or flanged ends that are
installed horizontally in water systems. The manufacturer should be consulted for
special conditions. Check valve sizes covered by this standard are 2, 21⁄2, 3, 4, 6, 8,
10, 12, 16, 20, and 24 in. (50, 65, 75, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 400, 500, and 600 mm)
NPS. Sizes refer to the nominal diameter of the waterway through the inlet and
outlet connections and the seat ring.
1.1.1 Seating types. Check valves may be of the metal-to-metal seat construc-
tion or resilient material-to-metal seat construction as shown in Figure 1.
Check-valve body ends shall be flanged or mechanical joint.
1.1.2 Waterway types. Swing-check valves may be of the clear waterway
design (where the disc in the full open position swings clear of the waterway) or the
full waterway design (where the disc in the full open position is not clear of the
waterway but the body is enlarged to provide full waterway area around the disc).
In either design, when fully open, the net flow area shall not be less than the area
of a circle with a diameter equal to the nominal pipe size.
1.1.3 Pressure ratings. The working water pressure shall be 175 psig
(1200 kPa) for check valves with diameters of 2–12 in. (50–300 mm) NPS inclusive.
The working water pressure shall be 150 psig (1030 kPa) for check valves 16–24 in.

Copyright (C) 1998 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved.
2 AWWA C508-93

NOTE: Drawings are illustrative only and not intended to be restrictive as to exact details.
Art reproduced by permission of Manufacturers Standardization Society of the Valve and Fittings Industry. MSS SP-71.

Figure 1 Various types of swing-check valves

(400–600 mm) NPS inclusive. The working water temperature shall not exceed
125°F (52°C).
1.1.4 Conditions not covered. The following design and installation conditions
are not covered by this standard.
1.1.4.1 Swing-check valves for use in lines conveying water of unusual cor-
rosivity are not covered by this standard.
1.1.4.2 Conditions of water hammer, hydraulic pulsation, and excessive operat-
ing noise are beyond the scope of this standard and require special design and
construction consideration.

Copyright (C) 1998 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved.
 SWING-CHECK VALVES 3

Sec. 1.2 Definitions

In this standard, the following definitions shall apply.
1.2.1 Clear waterway valve: A clear waterway valve shall provide a uniform,
circular, unobstructed flow area equal to or greater than the nominal size of the
valve and linear flow through the valve.
1.2.2 Full waterway valve: A full waterway valve shall provide a nonuniform
flow area equal to or greater than the cross-sectional area of the nominal size of the
valve and result in nonlinear flow through the valve.
1.2.3 Iron body: The body of the valve, which shall be of gray cast iron, malle-
able iron, or ductile cast iron, as described in Sec. 2.2.1.
1.2.4 Manufacturer: The party that manufactures, fabricates, or produces
materials or products.
1.2.5 Mechanical joint: The gasketed and bolted joint as detailed in
ANSI*/AWWA C111/A21.11, American National Standard for Rubber-Gasket Joints
for Ductile-Iron Pressure Pipe and Fittings.
1.2.6 NPS: Nominal pipe size.
1.2.7 Purchaser: The person, company, or organization that purchases any
materials or work to be performed.
1.2.8 Cosmetic defect: A blemish that has no effect on the ability of the compo-
nent to meet the structural design and production test requirements of this
standard. Should the blemish or the activity of plugging, welding, grinding, or
repairing of such blemish cause the component to fail these requirements, then the
blemish shall be considered a structural defect.
1.2.9 Structural defect: A flaw that causes the component to fail the structural
design or test requirements of this standard. This includes but is not limited to
imperfections that result in leakage through the walls of a casting, failure to meet
the minimum wall-thickness requirement, or failure to meet production tests.
Sec. 1.3 Data to Be Supplied by Manufacturer
If requested by the purchaser, the manufacturer shall furnish the following
information for swing-check valves.
1.3.1 Data. The manufacturer shall supply data, including illustrations and a
parts schedule, that identifies the materials to be used for making various parts.
This information shall be in sufficient detail to serve as a guide for assembly and
disassembly of the check valve and for ordering parts.
1.3.2 Weight information. The manufacturer shall furnish a statement of the
total net assembled weight for each size of check valve.
1.3.3 Assembly drawings. The manufacturer shall submit to the purchaser
assembly drawings showing the principal dimensions, construction details, and
materials to be used for all parts of the check valve.

Sec. 1.4 Affidavit of Compliance

If requested by the purchaser, the manufacturer shall furnish an affidavit stat-
ing the check valves supplied meet the requirements of the purchaser’s assembly
drawings and the provisions of this standard.

*American National Standards Institute, 11 W. 42nd St., New York, NY 10036.

Copyright (C) 1998 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved.
4 AWWA C508-93

Sec. 1.5 References

This standard references the following ANSI, ASME,* ASTM,† AWWA, and
MSS‡ documents, which in their latest editions form a part of this standard to the
extent specified herein. In any case of conflict, the requirements of this standard
shall prevail.
ASME/ANSI B16.1—Cast Iron Pipe Flanges and Flanged Fittings, Class 25,
125, 250 and 800.
ASME/ANSI B18.2.1—Square and Hex Bolts and Screws (Inch Series) Includ-
ing Askew Head Bolts, Hex Cap Screws and Lag Screws.
ASME/ANSI B18.2.2—Square and Hex Nuts (Inch Series).
ASTM A27—Standard Specification for Carbon-Steel Castings for General
Application.
ASTM A47—Standard Specification for Ferritic Malleable Iron Castings
(Metric).
ASTM A108—Standard Specification for Steel Bars, Carbon, Cold-Finished,
Standard Quality.
ASTM A126—Standard Specification for Gray Iron Castings for Valves,
Flanges, and Pipe Fittings.
ASTM A153—Standard Specification for Zinc Coating (Hot-Dip) on Iron and
Steel Hardware.
ASTM A165—Electrodeposited Coatings of Cadmium on Steel (discontinued).
ASTM A197—Standard Specification for Cupola Malleable Iron.
ASTM A242—Standard Specification for High-Strength Low-Alloy Structural
Steel.
ASTM A276—Standard Specification for Stainless and Heat-Resisting Steel
Bars and Shapes.
ASTM A307—Standard Specification for Carbon Steel Bolts and Studs, 60,000
PSI Tensile Strength.
ASTM A395—Standard Specification for Ferritic Ductile Iron Pressure-
Retaining Castings for Use at Elevated Temperatures.
ASTM A536—Standard Specification for Ductile Iron Castings.
ASTM B154—Standard Specification for Mercurous Nitrate Test for Copper
and Copper Alloys.
ASTM B633—Standard Specification for Electrodeposited Coatings of Zinc on
Iron and Steel.
ASTM D395—Standard Test Methods for Rubber Property Compression Tests.
ASTM D471—Standard Test Method for Rubber Property—Effect of Liquids.
ASTM D1149—Standard Test Method for Rubber Deterioration—Surface
Ozone Cracking in a Chamber.
ASTM D2000—Standard Classification System for Rubber Products in Auto-
motive Applications.
ANSI/AWWA C110/A21.10—American National Standard for Ductile-Iron and
Gray-Iron Fittings, 3 In. Through 48 In., for Water and Other Liquids.

*American Society of Mechanical Engineers, 345 E. 47th St., New York, NY 10017.
†American Society for Testing and Materials, 1916 Race St., Philadelphia, PA 19103.
‡Manufacturers Standardization Society of the Valve and Fittings Industry, 127 Park St.
NE, Vienna, VA 22180.

Copyright (C) 1998 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved.
 SWING-CHECK VALVES 5

ANSI/AWWA C111/A21.11—American National Standard for Rubber-Gasket

Joints for Ductile-Iron Pressure Pipe and Fittings.
ANSI/AWWA C550—Standard for Protective Epoxy Interior Coatings for
Valves and Hydrants.
MSS SP-9—Spot Facing for Bronze, Iron and Steel Flanges.
Sec. 1.6 Permeation
The selection of materials is critical for water service and distribution piping in
locations where there is likelihood the pipe will be exposed to significant concentra-
tions of pollutants comprised of low molecular weight petroleum products or organic
solvents or their vapors. Research has documented that pipe materials such as poly-
ethylene, polybutylene, polyvinyl chloride, and asbestos cement; and elastomers,
such as used in jointing gaskets and packing glands, may be subject to permeation
by lower molecular weight organic solvents or petroleum products. If a water pipe
must pass through such a contaminated area or an area subject to contamination,
consult with the manufacturer regarding permeation of pipe walls, jointing materi-
als, etc., before selecting materials for use in that area.

SECTION 2: MATERIALS
Sec. 2.1 General
When reference is made to ANSI, ASTM, AWWA, or other standards, it shall
be understood that the latest revision thereof shall apply unless the date of the
standard is also specifically listed for a particular reason. All materials used in
valves produced under this standard shall conform to the requirements stipulated in
the following sections.
Sec. 2.2 Physical and Chemical Requirements
The physical and chemical requirements of check-valve components shall be as
required by ANSI, ASTM, AWWA, MSS, or other standards referenced.
2.2.1 Iron castings. Gray cast iron shall conform to ASTM A126, class B. Mal-
leable cast iron shall conform to ASTM A47, grade 32510, or ASTM A197. Ductile
cast iron shall conform to ASTM A395 or ASTM A536.
2.2.2 Brass or bronze. Brass or bronze used in check valves shall comply with
the following requirements.
2.2.2.1 Brass or bronze components shall be made only of recognized ASTM or
Copper Development Association* (CDA) alloys.
2.2.2.2 The chemical and physical requirements shown in Table 1 shall apply.
In accordance with the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Safe Drink-
ing Water Act (SDWA),† any brass or bronze in contact with drinking water shall
not contain more than 8 percent lead.

*Copper Development Association Inc., Greenwich Office Park 2, P.O. Box 1840,
Greenwich, CT 06836-1840.
†Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments of 1986; Public Law 99-339 Sec. 1417. June 19,
1986.

Copyright (C) 1998 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved.
6 AWWA C508-93

Table 1 Chemical and physical requirements

Minimum
Minimum Elongation
Yield Strength in 2 in.* Copper Zinc
Grade of (50.8 mm) Minimum Maximum
Bronze psi kPa percent percent percent
A 14,000 96,530 15 79 16
B 20,000 137,900 15 57 —
C 32,000 220,640 10 57 —
D 20,000 137,900 15 79 16
E 32,000 220,640 10 79 16
*Throat length of sample.

2.2.2.3 Any bronze alloy used in the cold-worked condition shall be capable of
passing a mercurous-nitrate test to indicate minimum susceptibility to stress corro-
sion in accordance with ASTM B154.
2.2.2.4 Waters in some areas of the country have been shown by experience to
promote galvanic corrosion in the form of dezincification or dealuminization. In such
waters, grade B and C bronze shall not be used.
2.2.3 Steel. Body bolt, stud, and nut material shall conform to ASTM A307.
Carbon–steel castings shall conform to ASTM A27, grade U-60-30. Stainless-steel
parts, when used, shall conform to ASTM A276.
2.2.3.1 Bolts, studs, and nuts shall be cadmium-plated (ASTM A165, grade
NS), zinc-coated (ASTM A153 or ASTM B633), or rustproofed by some other process
disclosed to and acceptable to the purchaser. The purchaser may specify that these
fasteners be made of some specific grade of a corrosion-resistant material (for exam-
ple, low-zinc bronze, Monel, stainless steel, low-alloy steel, and so forth).
2.2.4 Elastomers. Seat facing or O-ring seat facing used to provide a seating
surface shall be made of a rubber compound, having uniform dimensions and of such
size, shape, and resiliency as to withstand ordinary wear and tear, rough usage,
compression stresses, and damage due to pipe scale or foreign matter carried by the
water. Such materials shall have the following characteristics:
2.2.4.1 Minimum tensile strength of 1500 psi (10,340 kPa) and minimum ulti-
mate elongation of 300 percent (1–4 in. [25–100 mm]) or minimum tensile strength
of 2200 psi (15,170 kPa) and minimum ultimate elongation of 200 percent (1–3 in.
[25–75 mm]).
2.2.4.2 A maximum set of 0.38 in. (9.4 mm) will be acceptable when the 2-in.
(50-mm) marks are stretched to 6 in. (150 mm), held for 2 min, and then measured
2 min after release.
2.2.4.3 Rubber seats shall not degrade to the point of failure to meet the
requirements of this standard because of microbiological attack or copper poisoning.
2.2.4.4 Rubber-seat compounds shall contain no more than 8 ppm of copper ion
and shall include copper inhibitors to prevent copper degradation of the rubber
material.
2.2.4.5 Rubber-seat compounds shall be capable of withstanding an ozone
resistance test when tested in accordance with ASTM D1149. The tests shall be

Copyright (C) 1998 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved.
 SWING-CHECK VALVES 7

conducted on unstressed samples for 70 h at 104°F (40°C) with an ozone concentra-

tion of 50 parts per hundred million (pphm) without visible cracking in the surfaces
of the test samples after test.
2.2.4.6 Rubber-seat compounds shall contain no more than 1.5 parts of wax
per 100 parts of rubber hydrocarbon and shall have less than 2 percent volume
increase when tested in accordance with ASTM D471 after being immersed in dis-
tilled water at 73.4°F ± 2°F (23°C ± 1°C) for 70 h. Reclaimed rubber shall not be
used.
2.2.4.7 Rubber-seat compounds shall be free of vegetable oils, vegetable-oil
derivatives, animal fats, and animal oils.
2.2.5 Gaskets. Gaskets shall be made of material(s) that are free from corro-
sive ingredients. O-rings or other suitable elastomeric seals may be used for gaskets.
2.2.6 O-rings. O-rings shall be compounded to meet ASTM D2000 and have
physical properties suitable for the application.

SECTION 3: GENERAL DESIGN

Sec. 3.1 General
All check valves shall be designed to prevent any permanent distortion of body,
cover, or seats and also to avoid any strain on the seats that would be sufficient to
force them out of alignment when under test pressure as specified in Sec. 5.2.

Sec. 3.2 Closure Assembly

The closure assembly shall be designed to assume the closed position by grav-
ity under no-flow conditions in a horizontal pipeline.
Sec. 3.3 Accessibility of Internal Parts
Internal working parts shall be readily accessible and shall be replaceable
without use of special tools and without removing the valve body from the pipeline.

Sec. 3.4 Disc/Hinge Assembly Stop

When the check valve is wide open, the disc/hinge assembly shall bear against
a definite stop, the point of contact being so located that any impact or loading
applied by water flow will tend not to twist or bend disc parts. If this stop is located
on the cover, the cover shall be designed to prohibit improper assembly in the event
of repairs.
Sec. 3.5 Net-Flow Area
Swing-check valves, when fully open, shall have a net-flow area not less than
the area of a circle with a diameter equal to the nominal pipe size.

Sec. 3.6 Valve Ends

End connections for flanges and mechanical joints shall conform to the follow-
ing specifications.
3.6.1 Flanged ends. The end flanges of flanged valves shall conform to dimen-
sions and drillings of ASME/ANSI B16.1, class 125, or ANSI/AWWA C110/A21.10,
unless explicitly provided otherwise in the purchaser’s specifications. Unless spot-
facing is required by the purchaser’s specifications, the bolt holes of the end flanges

Copyright (C) 1998 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved.
8 AWWA C508-93

Table 2 Excess flange thickness

Nominal Valve Size—NPS Minimum Excess Thickness

in. (mm) in. mm
2–12 (50–300) 1⁄8 3.1
16–24 (400–600) 3⁄16 4.8

shall not be spot-faced except when the thickness at any point within the spot-face
area, as defined in MSS SP-9, exceeds the required minimum thickness as shown in
Table 2. If the foregoing limit is exceeded, either spot-facing or back-facing may be
used to meet the requirements. When required, all spot-facing shall be done in
accordance with MSS SP-9. Bolt holes shall straddle the vertical centerline of the
valve, unless otherwise specified by the purchaser.
3.6.2 Mechanical-joint ends. Mechanical-joint bell dimensions shall conform to
ANSI/AWWA C111/A21.11. Slots with the same width as the diameter of the bolt
holes may be provided instead of holes in the bell flange only at those places where
the valve body and cover interfere with the joint assembly.

Sec. 3.7 Seating Surfaces

3.7.1 Metal-to-metal-type. Metal-to-metal-type check-valve seating surfaces
shall be bronze or metal with a corrosion resistance equivalent to or better than
bronze.
3.7.1.1 Disc rings. The disc ring may be integral or a separate ring fastened
securely to the disc. If a separate metal disc ring is used, it may be rolled, peened,
or pressed into machined grooves in the disc or by some other method disclosed to
and accepted by the purchaser.
3.7.1.2 Body-seat rings. Body-seat rings shall be faced and mechanically
attached to machined surfaces in the body.
3.7.1.3 Seat width—metal. The seating-surface width of a metal-seated check-
valve disc shall be equal to or wider than the body-seat ring.
3.7.2 Resilient material-to-metal-type. Resilient material-to-metal-type check-
valve seating surfaces shall comply with the following.
3.7.2.1 The resilient seat may be integral, a separate resilient ring, or an
O-ring fastened securely to the disc. If a separate resilient seat is used, it must be
mechanically attached to the disc. An adhesive bond shall not be the sole method of
securing an O-ring to the disc.
3.7.2.2 Metal body-seat rings shall be faced and mechanically attached to
machined surfaces in the body.
3.7.2.3 An O-ring seat in the disc shall be positioned so that it centers on the
width of the body-seat ring and shall be centered on a finished surface equal to or
wider than the body-seat ring.
3.7.2.4 Metal-type seating surfaces shall be bronze or have corrosion resistance
equivalent to or better than bronze.
Sec. 3.8 Hinge
The hinge pin shall be made of bronze or stainless steel. Free relative rotation
shall be accomplished by use of corrosion-resistant materials surrounding the pin
either where it passes through the hinges or at the end bearings of the pin.

Copyright (C) 1998 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved.
 SWING-CHECK VALVES 9

Sec. 3.9 Side Plugs

Side plugs, if used, shall be made of gray cast iron, malleable iron, ductile cast
iron, steel, or bronze.
Sec. 3.10 Bolting
Bolts, studs, and nuts shall develop the physical strength requirements of
ASTM A307 and may be of any dimension listed in ASME/ANSI B18.2.1 or
ASME/ANSI B18.2.2.

Sec. 3.11 Painting

Valves shall be supplied with a coat of the manufacturer’s standard shop
primer. Consult the manufacturer for compatibility with topcoat materials.
3.11.1 Special coating. Any other type of coating or lining specified by the pur-
chaser shall be applied as a special.
3.11.2 Protective coating. Whenever the purchaser’s specification requires a
special interior coating, such as an epoxy, and unless otherwise specified, this spe-
cial coating system shall conform to ANSI/AWWA C550.

SECTION 4: FABRICATION
Sec. 4.1 Workmanship
All foundry and machine work shall be done in accordance with good standard
practice for the class of work involved. When assembled, check valves shall be well
fitted and smoothly operating.
4.1.1 Proper functioning. All parts shall conform to the required dimensions
and shall be free from defects that could prevent proper functioning of the valves.
4.1.2 Castings. All castings shall be clean and sound without defects that will
weaken their structure or impair their service. Plugging, welding, or repairing of
cosmetic defects is allowed. Repairing of structural defects is not allowed unless
agreed to by the purchaser. Repaired valves shall comply with the testing require-
ments of this standard after repairs have been made. Repairs within the bolt circle
of any flange face are not allowed.
4.1.3 Interchangeable parts. All like parts of valves of the same model and
size, produced by the same manufacturer, shall be interchangeable.

SECTION 5: INSPECTION, TESTING, AND REJECTION

Sec. 5.1 Inspection
All work under this standard shall be subject to inspection and acceptance by
the purchaser, who shall have access to those facilities of the manufacturer where
materials to be inspected are being produced, fabricated, or tested. The purchaser
shall be accorded adequate facilities for inspection and observation of tests.

Copyright (C) 1998 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved.
10 AWWA C508-93

Sec. 5.2 Testing

The following tests shall be performed.
5.2.1 Shell test. The assembled check valves shall be tested as follows:
5.2.1.1 Valves in sizes 2–12 in. (50–300 mm) NPS shall be given a hydrostatic-
pressure test at 350 psig (2410 kPa).
5.2.1.2 Valves in sizes 16–24 in. (400–600 mm) NPS shall be given a hydro-
static-pressure test at 300 psig (2070 kPa).
5.2.1.3 The hydrostatic shell test shall be applied for a duration of at least
1 min for sizes 2–12 in. (50–300 mm) NPS and at least 2 min for sizes 16–24 in.
(400–600 mm) NPS. During the test there shall be no leakage through the castings
or joints of the assembled valve.
5.2.2 Seat test. Assembled check valves shall be given a hydrostatic-pressure
test with the disc closed and pressure applied to the downstream or outlet end for at
least 15 s; the opposite or inlet end shall be open to atmosphere.
5.2.2.1 Test pressure shall be 175 psig (1210 kPa) for check-valve sizes
2–12 in. (50–300 mm) NPS.
5.2.2.2 Test pressure shall be 150 psig (1030 kPa) for check-valve sizes
16–24 in. (400–600 mm) NPS.
5.2.2.3 Maximum permissible leakage shall be 1 fl oz (30 mL)/h/in. of nominal
valve-size or inside seat-ring diameter in metal-to-metal seated valves.
5.2.2.4 Resilient seated valves shall show no leakage past the seat.
Sec. 5.3 Rejection
Any check valve or part that the purchaser may reject as not conforming to the
requirements of this standard shall be made satisfactory or shall be replaced at the
manufacturer’s expense.

SECTION 6: MARKING AND SHIPPING

Sec. 6.1 Markings
Cast markings shall appear on the cover or body and show the manufacturer’s
name or mark, check-valve size, working water pressure, and flow-direction arrow.
6.1.1 Year manufactured. At the manufacturer’s option, the year of manufac-
ture may be shown.
6.1.2 Special marking. Any other markings specified by the purchaser shall be
considered as special.
Sec. 6.2 Preparation for Shipment
Valves shall be complete in all details when shipped. The manufacturer shall
use care in preparing valves for shipment so that no damage due to the manufac-
turer’s negligence will occur in handling or in transit. Valves shall be drained and
the disc adequately blocked in the closed position.

Copyright (C) 1998 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved.
 APPENDIX A
Future Revisions

This appendix is for information only and is not a part of AWWA C508.

1. In order to encourage and possibly standardize the end-to-end dimensions

of flanged-end swing-check valves, the end-to-end dimensions are shown in Table
A.1. Full waterway check valves may be made to the same end-to-end dimensions
as shown for clear waterway valves.
2. The next edition of AWWA C508 may include 14-in. (350-mm) and 18-in.
(450-mm) NPS check valves.

Table A.1 Suggested end-to-end dimensions for flanged-end valves*

End-to-End Dimensions†

Nominal Valve Size—NPS Clear Waterway Full Waterway

in. (mm) in. (mm) in. (mm)
2 (50) 8 (203) 8 (203)
2 1⁄2 (65) 10 (254) 8 1⁄2 (216)
3 (75) 11 (279) 9 1⁄2 (241)
4 (100) 13 (330) 11 1⁄2 (292)
6 (150) 16 (406) 14 (356)
8 (200) 19 1⁄2 (495) 19 1⁄2 (495)
10 (250) 22 (559) 24 1⁄2 (622)
12 (300) 26 (660) 27 1⁄2 (699)
16 (400) 30 1⁄2 (775) 36 (914)
20 (500) 40 (1020) —
24 (600) 46 (1170) —
*There is disagreement between manufacturers on these dimensions, and they are being considered for the next revision
to AWWA C508.
†End-to-end tolerances: 2-in. (50-mm) NPS to 10-in. (250-mm) NPS: ± 1⁄16 in. (1.58 mm)
12-in. (300-mm) NPS to 24-in. (600-mm) NPS: ± 1⁄8 in. (3.17 mm)

11

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Copyright (C) 1998 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved.