Foot Valve

A foot valve is a valve used in plumbing and commonly used in conjunction with pumps to allow a solution to flow in one direction only. A foot valve is also known as a check valve.

When the pump is turned on the foot valve is opened and water flows upward through the pipe due to the water pressure coming into the system. When the pressure pump is turned off the pressure coming upwards through the pipe stops and the pressure created by the water in the system closes the valve. The valve closing stops and any reverse flow of fluid or water back into the well / dam/ tank or sump.

A check valve and a foot valve are similar as they stop water from going backwards when you turn the pump off except a check valve is situated on the discharge side of your pump and a foot valve is situated on the suction side of the pump.