What is the purpose of the foot valve on a pump?

The purpose of the foot valve on a pump is to keep the pump primed. A foot valve is a type of check valve that is installed at the bottom of the suction line in a pumping system. Its primary function is to maintain the liquid in the suction line so that the pump does not lose its prime. When the pump is turned off, the foot valve prevents the liquid from flowing back down into the source, ensuring that the pump remains full of liquid for the next time it is operated.

This functionality is essential for positive displacement pumps, as they rely on being primed to operate effectively. If a pump loses its prime, it may require manual intervention to refill it, which can be time-consuming and may disrupt system operations. Thus, the foot valve plays a crucial role in maintaining the efficiency and reliability of a pumping system by ensuring that the pump is always ready to operate when needed.