On an lighter note, the foot valve is a traffic cop who controls and checks the flow of fluid or gas in a pipe. The foot valve is a widely used valve you will find in residential buildings, commercial buildings, and industrial setups.

The foot valve is a check valve that allows unidirectional flow of substance in the pipe, keeping the pump prime and protecting it from getting damaged. The foot valve is usually installed at the bottom of a pipeline in a suction lift application. The valve helps in maintaining the flow in one direction, restricting the outflow, keeping the suction intact. Whether you want to use a 50 mm foot valve or 150 mm foot valve it all depends on your requirement and setup.

Parts Of Foot Valve 

  • Body
  • Valve Disc
  • Fixing Bolts
  • Fixing Screw
  • Strainer Flange
  • Strainer

How Foot Valve Works?

The mechanism of the foot valve is automated that helps to prevent damage to the pipe, keeping the pump prime and maintaining the unidirectional flow with intact suction avoiding dry runs.

To minimize head loss, the valve opening is designed to be larger than the line itself.

The foot valve acting as a check valve is assisted with spring. The valve responds by opening as the pressure inside the pump column changes when the pump is turned on. The valve gets closed when the pump is stopped or turned off.

This mechanism of the foot valve stops fluid from flowing back to the source out of the pump column and causing the pump to lose prime every time it turns off.

To keep the debris out of the pump, a strainer is a key part. It is crucial to keep the debris out as even a small amount of debris can be detrimental to the internal parts of the pump, especially in multistage pumps, like vertical turbines, as they have a very low tolerance. The strainer also keeps debris from becoming lodged in the foot valve.

The performance of the valve depends upon many factors, like 50 mm foot valve and 150 mm foot valve both have different performing capabilities.

Different Types Of Foot Valves By Indusroof

  • PP Foot Valve
  • Bronze/Gun Metal Foot Valve
  • Cast Iron Foot Valve
  • Stainless Steel Foot Valve
  • Normex Cast Iron Foot Valve

The foot valves are available in different sizes and dimensions.

Why Are Foot Valves Needed?

The foot valve prevents the damage that may happen to the pump due to dry runs that may happen due to the back-flow of the fluid or gas from the pipe. Also, it prevents any debris to enter the pipe or pump column.

It also helps in saving energy and time. As we understood above how the valve helps in preventing the fluid drain out of the pipe when the pump is turned off. It prevents the air from getting filled in the pipe. While the pump is running, water is there in the pipe, due to suction that is generated, but what when the pump is turned off?

In such a case, when the pump is turned off, there will be no suction, the fluid will flow back to the source, in absence of suction. The pipe will get filled with air, you will need extra time and energy from the electric pump. The fluid will not be able to flow through the pipe, even though the pipe is empty.

Such conditions might cause serious damages to the pump and it is also time-consuming, implementing your operations.

Where Foot Valves Are Used?

Foot valves are used mostly where there is a usage of the pump. It can be used in residential buildings, commercial buildings, or factories. It can be used with pumps pumping liquid or gases.

It is used in ponds, wells to pull the water. In Industrial settings, these valves are used in sump pumps, intake pumps, in pneumatic brake lines of commercial trucks. It can be also used in irrigation, HVAC, rural fire protection, and many more applications.

Getting The Best and Right Foot Valve

Install the foot valve that can fulfill your requirements. There are different foot valves available with various dimensions, sizes, and materials. Whether you require a 50 mm foot valve or 150 mm foot valve, it all depends on the performance you needed. The foot valve needs to be of standard quality, easy to install, and having a good life span that helps conserve energy and protect the pump from any damage.