What Is Brass Foot Valve? – Importance, Functions, Replacing

In this blog post, you’ll read:There are a few types of brass valves in the residents and industry files that help us control the media flow in the pipeline. One of the most effective and helpful of these valves is the foot valve. In this post, you're going to learn everything about brass foot valves
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A few types of brass valves in the residents and industry files help us control the media flow in the pipeline. The foot valve is one of the most effective and helpful of these valves. In this post, you’ll learn everything about brass foot valves… including their importance, functions, replacing, cleaning, and more. So, stay tuned.

What Is Brass Foot Valve?

The brass foot valve is a spring-loaded type check valve made of brass. It is a unidirectional valve installed at the foot of a pump or suction line (hence the name) to prevent backflows and debris entry into the pipe. Also, the foot valve keeps the pump prime and is mainly used in ponds, pools, and wells.

From R.C. Worst & Co., Inc.

Importance Of A Foot Valve

There’s a need for powerful pumps in multi-storied buildings and larger areas to pump the water from ground or underground sources to the top of the buildings or water tanks. This process works by the suction technique. The pipe has a constant water flow while the pump is running. So, the suction forces work and can pull the water upward.

But what happens when you turn the pump off? The water behind the pump will return to the previous source due to gravity. Therefore, the pipe will become empty. So, when you restart the pump, the suction will not work because there is no water column in the pipe. And the dry run of the tube will damage the pipe and the pump if it goes long.

To deal with this problem, a brass foot valve was created. This valve allows the water to flow upward but prevents it from flowing back. As a result, if you turn the pump off, the water column will stay in the pipe. So, the suction or pumping will work well whenever you restart the pump. Also, the foot valve filters out all incoming debris and removes them from the water.

Brass Foot Valve Parts

The structure of a brass foot valve is quite simple. You can divide it into two sections. The upper part is the valve body, and the lower is the strainer or filter screen.

There is a valve disc with a rod inside the body. This rod controls the disc movement (up and down) to open or seal the water flow. Moreover, the body of the foot valve looks rounded. The rounded shape helps the disk to move easily and ensures better opening and closing.

Above all, a filter screen or strainer is at the bottom of the foot valve. It removes all the debris and protects the valve from clogging.

How A Brass Foot Valve Works

The purpose of a brass foot valve is to allow the water to flow into the pipeline without any debris. Also, prevent backflows from keeping the water column in the pipe. We can look carefully at how it does this.

While the pump is running, water enters through the strainer section of the valve. The water then forces the disc to move back from the valve seat. Therefore, paths are created, and water flows easily. As the water passes through the filter, no debris or dirt particles can pass through. So, it removes everything from the water.

After that, when you turn off the pump, the suction power will run out, and the remaining water in the pipe will fall back. But this water cannot get out of the pipe because the disc will be closed by then. As a result, water will remain in the pipe, allowing you to resume pumping at any time without any problems.


From MR Multi Technicals

Where And How To Use

The brass foot valves are used with a pump. So you can use it wherever there is a pump. For example, you can use it in wells, ponds, pools, HVAC, and any pumping application around your home. It can also be used in industrial applications such as rural fire protection, car wash systems, irrigation, fluid pumping, gas, etc.

You need to install this valve at the foot or end of the pumping pipe to use it. However, you can follow these tips for an optimum result:

Keep the area around the foot valve clean.

Regularly check the strainer for debris and clean it if needed.

Frequently check for corrosion signs. If you notice any, repair it asap.

Foot valves

When To Replace A Foot Valve

There is a simple technique to know when to replace your foot valve. To do that, firstly, remove the valve from the pipe. Then, place it vertically so that the strainer faces downwards. Now pour water on the top. If the water stays there, your foot valve is OK. And if the water is draining down, then you will need to replace the valve.

How To Replace A Brass Foot Valve

Replace your brass foot valve in these 3 steps:

1. Remove the foot valve from the pipe by undoing its spins using an adjustable wrench.

2. Clean the pipe threads properly and apply some Teflon tape on the threads.

3. Attach the foot valve to the pipe and tighten it using your hands. After that, make it tighter using the wrench and check for leaks.

no lead brass foot valve
No lead brass foot valve

How To Buy Brass Foot Valves

Choosing a suitable foot valve is mandatory for worry-free pumping. Here’s how you can do it:

No matter your application, the brass foot valves fit all from light to heavy-duty. However, consider choosing the “Lead-Free Brass” material if you will use it in your potable water supply.

Filter screen type and size are essential. Stainless steel small-holed screens are suitable for regular water applications. But brass large-holed filters would be better if you use them in ponds, lakes, or something similar.

MEnsurethe strainer washer is in fiber, and the disc is in brass for better efficiency.

Brass foot valves can endure up to 120oC temperature and 12 bars of pressure. Hopefully, this range will be able to meet your needs effortlessly.

Thread connection BSP and NPT are standard for almost all pipes. However, This is best if you determine what size of valve your pipe needs. Thread sizes are available anywhere between 1/2″ -4″.

Otherwise, if you have any other queries regarding brass valves or heating valves, don’t hesitate to ask usPlumberstar is here and ready to help you with our satisfying customer service and top-rated valves. Hope to see you soon as one of our happy customers.

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