So, it appears the rubber ends are reversible? I'm confused--are you recommending I flip them to look like the second picture? Currently, mine looks like the first picture (although the two worms are side-by-side, rather than one near the green body and one at the end of the black rubber opening.
No. The rubbers are in the correct position. They transition from the 1.5 ABS pipe to the 1.25" check valve. Just the worm drive clamps were placed on the 1.25" half. One clamp at each end of the rubber adapter is what is needed.