Lift check valve The lift check valve is a valve which prevents the suction line from running empty, e. g. after the pump has been stopped. Priming the pump prior to a re-start is therefore no longer necessary. Spring-loaded lift check valves can be installed in the piping in almost any mounting position. Compared with swing check valves their head losses, are higher as the deflection of the flow is much more significant. Lift check valves are preferred when applications require smaller nominal diameters. A lift check valve is commonly used in piping systems in which globe valves are being used as a flow control valve. They have similar seating arrangements as globe valves. Lift check valves are suitable for installation in horizontal or vertical lines with upward flow. They are recommended for use with steam, air, gas, water, and on vapor lines with high flow velocities.