Do I need a check valve?

We often get asked if a check valve is needed with a traditional hand pull.

The answer depends on how the hand pull is being installed and what other equipment is being used.

Almost all of the hand pulls we sell have a built in non-return valve that stops beer running back into the cask.

What the brewing industry calls a check valve is actually a suction demand valve. It's purpose is to stop any pressure from the line pushing through the hand pull and pouring out of the spout.

You only need a check valve if the beer is pressurised, or the cask/bag-in-box is above the height of the hand pull.