Foot Valve Fig. 56

Our suction valve or foot valve prevents pump depriming if installed in a vertical position. It allows the passage of water in only one direction, to work without fluid in the other and avoid unwanted emptying. The force of the fluid causes the valve to open by forcing the spring-loaded disc and when the flow of fluid stops, it would close again automatically.

It is designed to ensure that the pump supply line always remains full of water. It has a simple design with a disc that has a unison sealing rubber gasket attached to it with a spring. The installation of the foot valve must be carried out vertically (hence the name foot valve) to ensure its correct operation.

The valve has a movement that is guided through a shaft, including a spring that keeps it closed. When the suction is connected, the flow overcomes the force of the spring and the water column and lifts the disc and allows the passage of water, and when the suction stops, the spring and the weight of the water column returns the disc to the position of close automatically and hermetically. This feature ensures that a pump’s supply line is always kept full of water, facilitating quick and safe start-up with every operation.

The foot valve acts as a check valve, it has one end flanged according to UNE-EN 1092-2 PN10 and the other end with a strainer that prevents dirt from entering the line, in addition the passage is designed to be larger than the line itself, so we have minimal head loss. The valve strainer tends to become dirty over time, so it is important to check and clean the valve periodically for optimal performance.