A foot valve, also known as a foot check valve or a foot strainer, is a type of check valve used in plumbing systems and fluid handling applications. It is typically installed at the bottom of a pump’s suction line to prevent the backflow of fluid (usually water) and to maintain the prime (priming) of the pump.
Here’s how a foot valve works:
1. Position: The foot valve is placed at the end of the suction pipe or hose, submerged in the liquid source (e.g., a well, reservoir, or water tank).
2. Check Valve Mechanism: The foot valve contains a one-way check valve, which allows fluid to flow only in one direction (toward the pump). When the pump is activated, the pressure created forces the check valve to open, allowing water to flow into the pump’s suction line.
3. Retention: When the pump stops or is turned off, the check valve closes automatically due to gravity and the internal spring (if applicable), preventing the water from flowing back into the water source and maintaining the prime in the pump. This is crucial because if the prime is lost, the pump may need to be re-primed before it can function effectively again.
4. Straining: Additionally, foot valves often come equipped with a strainer or a screen to prevent debris and large particles from entering the pump, reducing the risk of clogging and potential damage to the pump’s impeller.
   Foot valves are commonly used in shallow well or deep well jet pump systems, submersible pumps, and other applications where maintaining a consistent prime is essential. They are particularly useful in situations where there may be intermittent water flow or in applications where the water source is located below the pump’s level. By preventing backflow, foot valves help ensure a continuous flow of water to the pump and protect the pump from damage caused by dry running.
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