Foot valves in Kenya are accessories used to prevent backflow of water in various water pumping and supply systems. They work perfect in drip irrigation systems, suction of fluids in borehole pumps and other fluid supply systems
How do foot valves work?
Foot valves have a design of a movable ball ring inside it which shifts according to the pressure of water. When the water moves under pressure once the pump turns on, the ball shifts aside to allow water to flow. Turning off the pump causes flow to stop and the ball moves back to position and prevent back flow of water.
Features of Foot Valves
- Screen Opening inlet – Has a water inlet with slotted spaces and a screen that prevents debris and other materials from passage.
- Screen strainer – Traps dirt and other particles and prevents them from entering supply pipes.
- Socket end – The foot valves have female ends which allow connection to pipes and other fittings.
- Made of Plastic Polyvinyl Chloride material which is resistant to UV radiation and corrosion. It is a characteristic that makes them suitable for use in water pipelines and submersible applications.
- Available in sizes in ½ to 1 inch.
- Withstands high temperatures of up to 60 degrees Celsius.
Is there a need for a Foot Valve?
The need for a foot valve depends on the type of water supply system at the place. If you are using a pump in your water supply or irrigation system, then you need a foot valve. In such cases a foot valve helps reduce pump damage and high pump energy consumption.
Once the foot valve blocks backflow, the pump uses less energy to supply water.
How to Clean the Foot Valve
Depending on the foot valve type, cleaning can be manually done or automatically done by the system. There are foot valves which have strainers that are self-cleaning. In such strainers special nozzles attached release water which rotates the strainer and flushes debris out of the supply pipe.
Tips for maintenance of Foot Valves
- Checking regularly for dirt and other objects that may block the foot valves.
- Clean the tank or water storage to remove excess debris.
- Replace worn out valves to prevent backflow of water
What are the Applications of a Foot Valve?
- Foot valves are used in water supply systems with pumps.
- Suction pumps such as borehole pumps.
- Brake systems in vehicles and trucks
- Water backflow prevention in irrigation systems
- Keeping the pump primed in fire protection systems.
- Water Suction from wells, ponds and rivers.
Where to Buy Foot Valves in Kenya
You can purchase quality foot valves and ball valves for irrigation systems at Aqua Hub Kenya. Affordable and reliable for your water needs.
Call 0790719020
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a type of non-return valve that works on pumps and pipelines to prevent water from flowing back.
Foot valves are at the end of a pump suction in water or at the bottom of pipelines. They prevent water from flowing backward when the pump is off.
What is the use of a strainer in a foot valve?
It prevents debris from passage into water supply pipes. Debris may block water supply pipes.
How regularly should I clean the strainer?
Clean your check valves depending on the quality of your water source. You can clean it regularly or obtain a routine for cleaning it
What are the Applications of a Foot Valve?
- Foot valves are used in water supply systems with pumps.
- Suction pumps such as borehole pumps
- Break systems in vehicles and trucks
- Water backflow prevention in irrigation systems
- Keeping the pump primed in fire protection systems
- Water Suction from wells, ponds and rivers