When the pump is operating, there is suction created that sucks the water up through the pipe. The Foot Valve opens as water flows upward because of the pressure from the incoming water.When the pump is shut off, the upward pressure will stop. When this happens, gravity will go to work on the water that remains in the pipe, trying to cause it to move in a downward direction back into the well. However, the foot valve prevents that from happening.

The weight of the water in the pipe pushes down on the foot valve. Because the foot valve is unidirectional, it doesn’t open in the downward directions. Instead, the pressure from the water closes the valve tightly, which prevents any reverse flow back into the well and from the pump back to the sump.Foot valves usually come with surge blocks. A surge block is a tool used to press the body of a valve to remove the residues that may block smooth flow of water within the pump during operation.

It also helps the valve expand while being used, thus enabling the presence of increased pressure without causing damage to the valve itself.These foot valves prevent damage to water pumps that can occur due to dry runs, as well as stopping wastage of energy.Without these foot valves, the water would flow downward through the pipe, back to its original source when the pump is shut off.Most of these valves are designed with self-tapping male and female threads to ensure easy installation.

The internal balls ensure the quick sealing and valve reaction as well as flexibility to fit various types of water pump uses.They are cheaper to use, as compared to other valves used to prime a pump.Good quality foot valves help extend the overall lifespan of water pumps.They are used in ponds, pools, wells, and any other places where a pump is found.In industrial settings, these valves are used in sump pumps, intake pumps used in rivers and lakes, as well as the pneumatic brake lines of commercial trucks.They are used in commercial settings where corrosive chemicals are common, as well as in home plumbing and drinking water applications.