Check Valves

Essential One-Way Flow Control in Hydraulic Systems

Check valves are fundamental hydraulic components designed to allow fluid to flow in one direction while preventing backflow in the opposite direction. By ensuring unidirectional flow, they protect pumps, actuators, and other system elements from damage caused by reverse pressure or contamination. Compact and reliable, check valves are often referred to as the “unsung heroes” of fluid power systems due to their critical role in maintaining efficiency and safety.

At Hydraulics Online, we supply check valves from a wide range of global manufacturers including Argo Hytos, Bosch Rexroth, Eaton Vickers, Parker, Sun Hydraulics, Wandfluh, and many others with expert advice to help you select the right valve for your application.

Our website shows only a selection of what we supply. For impartial advice and access to our full range of hydraulic components, contact our expert team.

Check Valve. For impartial advice and access to our full range of hydraulic components, contact our expert team.

Check valves are two-port valves, with one opening for fluid to enter and another for fluid to leave. They automatically close when reverse flow is detected, ensuring system integrity without requiring external actuation.

Types of check valves include:

Standard inline check valves – simple one-way flow control
Pilot-operated check valves – allow controlled reverse flow when required
Throttle check valves – combine flow regulation with backflow prevention
Sandwich plate check valves – compact design for manifold mounting

Protects system components – prevents reverse flow that can damage pumps and actuators
Improves efficiency – maintains consistent pressure and flow direction
Compact and versatile – available in multiple designs for different system layouts
Low maintenance – automatic operation with minimal wear parts
Wide compatibility – suitable for industrial, mobile, marine, and energy applications

Do check valves require external actuation? No – they operate automatically, opening under forward flow and closing under reverse flow.

What’s the difference between a standard check valve and a pilot-operated check valve? Pilot-operated check valves allow controlled reverse flow when a pilot signal is applied, offering more flexibility in complex circuits.

Can check valves be used with high-pressure systems? Yes! – many designs are rated for high-pressure applications. We’ll help you select the right model for your operating conditions.