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Foot valves and check valves are both one-way valves that are designed to prevent backflow, but have different functions and placement in the systems they operate within.
One major difference between the two is that a foot valve has a built-in strainer that makes it especially useful in suction lift applications. In contrast, a check valve prevents general backflow throughout a pressurized system. Foot valves are better suited for filtering debris in suction lines, while check valves are more versatile when preventing backflow.
Foot Valves
Foot valves are a specialized type of check valve that are used to maintain a suction line full of water when the pump is not in use. The operation is simple: it has a valve body screen and a shut off in the form of a poppet. The pump starts, drawing a suction to open the valve. Then, the water is drawn into the suction line. If the pump is not in operation, gravity and the weight of the water column above the valve prevent backflow, causing the valve to shut off.
Foot valves are placed at the bottom of suction lines in non-self-priming pumps, such as jet pumps and centrifugal pumps. They are fully submerged in the water source and placed above the water source to avoid drawing sediment into the system. The valves enhance the performance of the pump, especially in a well and submersible pump system.
Foot valves typically require more maintenance, since they necessitate regular cleaning to prevent clogging for the best possible pump operation. You might find them in applications involving irrigation, sump pumps, or shallow jet pumps.
Check Valves
Check valves are also known as non-return valves, as they allow fluid to flow in one direction and prevent the reverse flow. Check valves are slightly more versatile than foot valves, as they can be placed anywhere in a pipeline, which allows for more configurations in the overall system design.
They are designed to be a simple solution to prevent backflow. Check valves are not complex and are quite efficient, which means they have fewer chances of causing breakdowns and require rather infrequent servicing. Many are simply replaceable at regular intervals.
Additionally, they are easy to install, can be used in a variety of applications, and even come in many types so that you can select the one that offers the best solution for a given use. Check valves are often a solution for applications involving HVAC systems, industrial processes, or fire protection systems.
Considerations When Choosing a Valve for Your Application
Check valves and foot valves offer their own distinct benefits. Aspects to consider when choosing between the two include:
- System configuration – The design of your piping system is essential when selecting between foot and check valves. Check valves have great flexibility and can be configured in numerous ways whereas foot valves may be better suited for specific applications, such as ones involving suction lift.
- Maintenance accessibility – Consider how easily you can access the valve for maintenance or replacement. Foot valves are typically more difficult to access due to their location, but check valves are engineered to allow easy maintenance.
- Characteristics of flow – Different valves offer different flow dynamics and pressure loss. Foot valves have a strainer, making their flow resistance greater. Meanwhile, a check valve might be the better option for reducing pressure loss.
- Environmental factors – The environment that your valve will operate within heavily influences the type you choose. If your application involves more than just water (such as sediment or debris), you will want to have a foot valve. Otherwise, a check valve will offer longer-term reliability.
About Our Check Valves
For over 40 years, our team has focused on producing intricately detailed pressure relief valves for low-pressure, low-flow devices, including smart, custom check valves. We are proud to manufacture all of our check valves and other components here in the USA, so you can trust that the quality of our parts will never waver.
Our custom check valves are ideal for applications involving liquid or gas. With our plastic body materials, O-ring shapes, and precise opening pressures, we offer valves that are reliable for any criteria within a low-pressure, low-flow application.
Proper installation of each valve type according to the manufacturer’s instructions facilitates efficient operation and the action of the pump system.
Get in Touch with Our Team
For more information about our low-flow, low-pressure, plastic check valves, be sure to contact us today. We look forward to finding a solution for your application.
