A foot valve is a check valve installed at the bottom of the suction pipe in pumping systems. It holds water in the line to prime the pump.

Common types are swing check valves, tilting disc check valves, piston check valves, and ball check valves used as foot valves.

Size the foot valve based on the pump capacity, piping size, and maximum flow rate. The valve should have full pipe area.

Foot valves are constructed from metals like stainless steel, cast iron, and bronze or plastics like PVC and PVDF.

Foot valves are placed around 24 inches below the intake pipe’s lowest point so fluid surrounds the valve to prime the pump.

Inspect foot valves regularly, clean out debris, make sure the hinge mechanism moves freely, and replace worn seals and discs.

A leaking foot valve allows fluid to drain out which causes pump cavitation, loss of prime, and damage to the pump.

Yes, debris can prevent the foot valve from closing fully or restrict flow. Strainers help protect foot valves.

Check valves allow one-way flow while foot valves are a type of check valve specifically used at pump intakes.

Electrically actuated foot valves allow remote opening to prime pumps then close to hold liquid for automatic operation.