Foot Valves

A foot valve is a type of check valve typically installed at the bottom, or inlet, of a suction pipe. Its primary function is to permit fluid to flow toward the pump while preventing reverse flow when the pump stops.

This one-way action can be particularly important in systems where maintaining a filled suction line is necessary for reliable pump operation. By preventing fluid from draining back through the suction piping, a properly selected foot valve can help maintain pump prime and reduce the need for repeated manual or automatic repriming.

The valve's integrated screen also provides a first level of protection against larger particles and debris entering the suction piping and pump.

Key Benefits

  • Reliable Backflow Prevention – Helps prevent reverse flow when the pump shuts down, supporting suction-line fluid retention and pump priming.

  • Helps Protect Pump Equipment – The integrated inlet screen helps reduce the entry of larger debris and contaminants into the suction piping and pump.

  • Durable Industrial Construction – Designed for demanding commercial and industrial fluid-handling applications, with robust valve-body and internal component materials.

  • High Flow Capacity – Designed with generous flow passages to support efficient fluid movement while helping minimize unnecessary flow restriction.

  • Easy Piping Integration – Flanged connections and standardized dimensions simplify installation and integration into existing or new piping systems.

  • Application Flexibility – Suitable for water transfer, water treatment, cooling water, irrigation, industrial process systems, and other liquid-handling applications where reliable suction-line control is required.

Typical Applications

  • Applications requiring pump priming and backflow prevention

  • Pump suction systems

  • Water supply and transfer systems

  • Water treatment facilities

  • Industrial fluid handling

  • Process piping systems

  • Irrigation and agricultural pumping

  • Cooling water systems

  • Commercial and municipal pumping systems

  • General-purpose liquid transfer

  • HVAC and chilled-water systems

Construction & Materials

  • Body Materials: Cast iron, carbon steel, and 316 stainless steel options

  • Screen: 304 stainless steel

  • Internal Components: Aluminum bronze or 316 stainless steel, depending on valve construction

  • Seal Options: Buna-N, EPDM, and Viton

  • Size Range: 2" to 16"

  • Flange Design: Class 125 and Class 150 configurations

Performance Specifications

  • Maximum Working Pressure: Up to 285 psig, depending on material and size

  • Flow Capacity: Cv ratings from 61 to 3,891, depending on material and size

  • Temperature Range: Dependent on body, seat, and seal materials

Quality & Compliance

All foot valves are manufactured using industry-standard materials and are designed to meet applicable ASME requirements, including ASME B16.1 and B16.5 for flanged configurations. Body and component materials are manufactured to established ASTM material standards, with defined material and construction specifications supporting quality control and product traceability.