Foot valves typically have a NPT connection on the outlet side and a strainer on the inlet side. The addition of the strainer prevents large pieces of debris from clogging the foot valve while it's in the open position, also avoiding damage to the water pump.

Foot valves are used in shallow well jet pump and deep well jet pump installations. The foot valve is required to be installed at the bottom of the well suction line piping. Similar to the check valve, the foot valve prevents water from flowing back out of the jet pump. This protects against loss of prime in the well piping system. If you notice that a shallow well no longer has any water, one of the first things to check would be if the foot valve needs to be replaced.

An advantage of installing a foot valve is they ensure the pump doesn't lose its prime. Please call (800)767-8731 or email us at Info@aquascience.net  with any questions.