Various types of valves are required to maintain optimum function of water and air pumps, and among these valves are foot valves. Foot valves are used to prime up a centrifugal pump; they are known for their efficacy and affordability.
Foot valves are a type of check valve and are placed at the pump's wet well. Unlike other valves, a foot valve is created with a larger flow area than the actual pipe size to make sure that there is less head loss. Foot valves are either made of PVC plastic or stainless steel, and they are known for keeping the continuous presence of suction within the pump.