What’s a foot valve?

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A foot valve is a check valve used with a pump to keep it primed and filter fluids. It allows fluid to flow in one direction and prevents air from entering the line. The valve is covered with a basket or cage to keep debris out, but it may need cleaning over time. Brass, plastic, and non-corrosive materials are preferred for construction.

A foot valve is a component used with a pump to help the pump stay primed, ensuring that when people turn it on, it will immediately start pumping water. Foot valves are found in wells, attached to pool cleaners, and other environments where fluids are pumped. The valve allows you to turn the pump on and off without worrying about the pump remaining primed, and it also filters fluids drawn into the line to reduce the risk of blockages.

Foot valves are a form of check valve, a valve that admits flow only in one direction. In the case of a foot valve, fluid can be pulled into the valve and up the line, but it cannot flow back. When the pump is turned on, water moves through the valve, into the line and into the pump itself. When the pump is off, the water in the line remains in place because the valve prevents it from returning. If water was allowed to flow out of the line, air would go into the line and the pump would have to be primed again to get it flowing.

A typical foot valve is covered with a basket or cage. The cage keeps debris in the well out of the valve so it can’t enter the line. Over time, the holes in the cage can become clogged and it may be necessary to lift the line and clean them. This can be a bigger problem in areas where people routinely walk close to the bottom of their wells, as manure and debris settle to the bottom of the well and will be remixed by pumping in the dry season.

These devices are usually hidden from view, making it difficult for people to determine when they need cleaning and maintenance. The head is purposely designed large to ensure a smooth flow of water, but if the water becomes sluggish or dirty, it can be a sign that there is something wrong with the foot valve and it needs to be flushed up. inspection.

Brass, plastic and other non-corrosive materials are preferred for the construction of a foot valve. These materials are durable and will last a long time. They also tend to be more expensive to work with and foot valves tend to be expensive as a result. When purchasing a foot valve, buyers weigh the initial cost against the expected life of the valve. Many companies offer extended warranties for their products, assuring consumers that they will replace the tubes if they fail unexpectedly.




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