Pump Foot Valve & Suction Strainer – Quick Release, 3" to 12"
Description
Heavy-duty Pump Foot Valve & Suction Strainer designed to help maintain pump prime while preventing larger debris from entering the suction line. Available in sizes from 3" to 12", these galvanised steel foot valves are ideal for high-flow pumping applications drawing water from dams, ponds, creeks and other open water sources.
An integrated quick-release lever allows the suction line to be drained before relocation, particularly useful with large-diameter hoses where a water-filled suction line can be extremely heavy.
Quick Release Pump Foot Valve & Suction Strainer
Installing a foot valve at the inlet of a pump suction hose helps retain water within the suction line when the pump stops. This can make subsequent pump starting and priming considerably easier by reducing the amount of air that needs to be removed from the suction system.
This design combines a swing-flap non-return valve, suction strainer and manually operated quick-release drain in one heavy-duty galvanised steel assembly.
Pump Foot Valve Features
- Available in sizes from 3" to 12"
- Heavy-duty galvanised steel construction
- Table E flange connection
- Integrated swing-flap non-return valve
- Quick-release drain lever
- Lever can be remotely operated using a suitable rope or line
- Integrated suction strainer
- EPDM flap seal
- Self-levelling flap assembly
- Helps retain water within the suction hose between pump cycles
- Helps prevent larger debris entering the pump suction line
- Suitable for irrigation, agriculture, industrial and general water-transfer applications
- 12 month warranty
Helps Maintain Pump Prime
When the pump is operating, suction lifts the internal flap away from its seat and allows water to flow through the valve.
When the pump stops, gravity and reverse water flow cause the flap to return to its seat. The EPDM seal helps prevent water draining back through the valve, allowing the suction hose to remain filled with water.
Keeping the suction line filled can significantly simplify restarting and repriming compared with a system where the suction hose drains back to the water source every time the pump stops.
Correct priming still depends on the complete suction system being airtight and the pump being installed and operated within its suction-lift capabilities.
Integrated Suction Strainer
When pumping from dams, creeks, ponds and other open water sources, sticks, leaves, rocks and other debris can be present around the suction inlet.
The integrated strainer helps prevent larger solid debris from entering the suction hose and reaching the pump.
The strainer should be inspected and cleaned regularly, as accumulated debris can restrict suction flow and reduce pump performance.
Quick Release Drain
Large suction hoses become extremely heavy when filled with water. To make relocating the suction line easier, the foot valve incorporates a quick-release lever that manually opens the valve and allows retained water to drain.
A suitable rope or line can be attached to the release lever so it can be operated remotely without retrieving the foot valve from the water first.
This feature is particularly useful for portable irrigation and pumping installations where the suction hose is moved regularly.
Heavy-Duty Swing Flap Design
The foot valve incorporates a freely pivoting swing flap supported by hinge blocks. Internal stops limit flap movement to help prevent contact with the inside walls of the valve.
A durable EPDM rubber seal is fitted to the flap, while the self-levelling flap arrangement is designed to maintain seating as the seal wears during normal service.
Helps Keep the Suction Inlet Submerged
The weight of the galvanised steel foot valve can also help keep the end of the suction hose below the water surface.
This is useful with suction hoses that may otherwise tend to float, potentially allowing the inlet to draw air and causing the pump to lose prime.
The valve should still be positioned with adequate water depth and clearance from the bottom to minimise the intake of sediment and debris.
Typical Applications
- Dam and pond pumping
- Creek and river water transfer
- Farm irrigation
- High-flow water pumps
- Agricultural pumping
- Industrial water transfer
- Prospecting applications
- Portable pumping systems
- Rural property water transfer
Pump Foot Valve Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Foot valve / non-return valve with suction strainer |
| Available Sizes | 3" to 12" |
| Construction | Heavy-duty galvanised steel |
| Connection | Table E flange |
| Valve Type | Swing flap non-return valve |
| Seat Seal | EPDM |
| Strainer | Integrated suction strainer |
| Drain | Quick-release lever |
| Remote Drain Operation | Release lever can be operated using a suitable attached rope or line |
| Warranty | 12 months |
Optional Hose Tail to Flange Adaptor
An optional hose tail to flange adaptor is available for connecting suitable suction hose to the flanged foot valve.
Select the appropriate adaptor from the available product options or view the Hose Tail to Flange Adaptor here.
Installation Considerations
For reliable priming, all suction hose, flange connections and fittings should be correctly sealed to prevent air leaks. Position the foot valve sufficiently below the water surface to prevent vortexing or air intake while maintaining clearance from mud, sediment and other debris on the bottom.
Inspect the strainer regularly and remove accumulated debris that could restrict flow. Before relocating a large suction line, use the quick-release function to drain retained water where appropriate.