Not sure about yours, BUT.
If it had a ball inside the pipe work, it is probably to restrict return flow, from the outlet. But removing it, will allow the water from the pipe to flow back into m/c.
Slow outlet. check your outlet pipes, make sure all clear, NOT just on m/c. Then check your outlet pump filter, could be blocked. usually at lowest point of m/c. sometimes behind the kick plate. Water will come out when you open it. That is most likely problem. after that check outlet pump is not blocked, you will need to disconnect the pipe work to check. If still bad, could be outlet pump.
SD
August 2012