What is a foot valve?

Electric pumps are used to drive water from a lower level to a higher level. When the pump is turned off, the water may flow in the reverse direction due to gravity. One of the main functions of a foot valve is to prevent this reverse flow. A foot valve is a non-return valve installed in a pump suction or at the bottom of pipelines to prevent water from flowing backward when the pump is off. The valve keeps the fluid trapped in the suction pipe when the pump stops, thus sustaining a suitable prime for the pump, and preventing pump burnout. When the pump restarts, suction opens the foot valve. The intake side of the foot valve has a screen that prevents larger debris from entering the valve and damaging the internal components.

Ball foot valve:

In this type of foot valve, a cylindrical inclined chamber and seating have used that guide the ball valve. When inward flow occurs, the ball is displaced with its chamber, and fluid flows. On the other hand, when the flow rate decreases, it runs down the chamber onto its seat and the valve prevents reverse flow. Ball foot valves are mostly used for contaminated water