Diverter valve for septic systems

Abstract

A diverter valve adapted for use in septic systems for controlling the flow of effluent from a septic tank to a plurality of leach beds, comprising a thick-walled injection molded valve body of PVC or ABS plastic, closed at the bottom and having a centrally disposed valve chamber provided with an inlet, and a plurality of outlet ports, rigid integrally formed ribs extending from the top to the bottom walls of the valve body dividing the same into separate inlet and outlet chambers communicating with the central valve chamber, a circular opening in the top of the valve body adapted to receive an injection molded tapered valve plug, a retainer cap for securing the valve plug and stem in operative position, the lower sides tapered and in contact with the valve body and the lower surface of the depending ring of the cap provided with a serrated surface to form a tight seal with the valve plug. The valve plug has a cut-away central portion providing a passageway for alternately connecting the inlet port with one of the outlet ports while closing the other outlet ports, the valve plug having an integral shaft extending beyond the top surface of the valve body and adapted to rest in sliding contact with valve seats formed in both the top and side walls of the valve body. The upper external circular portion of the valve body is provided with a series of steps to accommodate access means, such as a pipe, of differing internal diameters. The valve plug is so dimensioned as to leave a small amount of play between the bearing surfaces of the valve body, and means are provided so that when the valve plug cut-away central portion is aligned with the inlet port and an outlet port, the bearing surfaces of the valve plug and the valve body are pressed into close contact to form a relatively tight seal. This results in a sealed unit adapted for use in septic systems operating either at normal or positive pressures.