Re: A request for old photos of the Lava pump house

One-way valves are called check valves in the industry and are normally located very close to the pump itself. If the flapper is rusted shot, though, then it becomes a no-way valve.

Old pipe looked this can rust out and get filled with dirt etc. , especially if it's on a place that can get and stay wet.

But one would not leave the line up the hill full of water in the winter as it would quickly become a very long ice cube. So surface lines often had drain valves at the bottom of a hill that would return the water back to the stream, either through a pipe, ditch or gully. And there could well be a block valve there, possibly buried in a valve can.

BTW, I design these type of systems (including the plastic pipe and pumps) and would love to help with any engineering if any such help is needed.

Mike Conder