A pump that loses its liquid when it stops has to be primed again before it can pump. A foot valve at the foot of the suction line holds the liquid in.
It lets liquid up into the pump but not back down, so the suction stays full and the pump stays primed.
This guide explains what a foot valve does, where it fits, and how to keep it reliable.
What Foot Valve Do
A foot valve is a non return valve fitted at the bottom of a pump suction line, in the liquid.
It opens to let liquid up to the pump but closes to stop it draining back down when the pump stops.
So the suction line stays full and the pump stays primed, ready to pump again.
Where They Fit in the Plant
Pump suction lines that draw from a sump or tank, where the pump must stay primed, suit a foot valve.
Wherever a pump would otherwise lose its liquid and need repriming, the foot valve holds it.
By holding the pump primed, the valve keeps the pump ready to run.
Signs the Valve Needs Attention
A valve in trouble shows up in the flow and the seal.
- The valve passing when it should be shut
- The flow not controlled as it should be
- Leaks at the seat or the stem
- Wear on the seat from the liquid
- The valve hard to open or close
What Makes a Good Valve?
A valve is judged by a tight seal and reliable control.
Holding the Prime
The valve must hold the liquid in so the pump stays primed. Holding the prime is the whole point of the foot valve.
A Clear Strainer
The valve often has a strainer that must stay clear so liquid can pass. A clear strainer keeps the pump fed.
Keeping the Valve Working
Routine attention keeps the valve controlling your flow.
- Watch that the valve seals tight when shut
- Watch that it controls the flow well
- Check the seat and stem for leaks and wear
- Keep the valve free to open and close
Common Questions About Foot Valve
A foot valve sits at the foot of a pump suction line and holds the liquid in, so the pump stays primed and does not lose its liquid when it stops.
Pump suction lines that draw from a sump or tank, where the pump must stay primed, suit a foot valve.
A valve that does not seal tight passes flow when it should be shut, which loses control of the process and wastes what it should hold back.
Watching that it seals tight and controls the flow, checking the seat and stem for leaks and wear, and keeping it free to move keep the valve working.
Control the Flow Reliably
A foot valvgives tight, reliable control of the flow where the plant needs it. A tight seal and reliable control are what make it dependable.
If a pump keeps losing its prime, a foot valve holds it. Explore our valves and castings for the right one.
If a pump keeps losing its prime, a foot valve holds it. See our valves and castings for the right fit.
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