What is the purpose of a foot valve on the submerged end of the suction pipe of a centrifugal pump?

The purpose of a foot valve at the submerged end of the suction pipe of a centrifugal pump is to keep the pump primed. A foot valve operates as a one-way valve, allowing water to flow into the suction line while preventing it from flowing back out. By maintaining a certain level of water in the suction line, the foot valve helps to ensure that the pump remains primed and can maintain proper suction when it starts. This priming is crucial for the efficient operation of the centrifugal pump, as it relies on a continuous supply of liquid to generate the necessary hydraulic pressure.

While water pressure, debris filtration, and suction lift adjustments are important considerations in pumping systems, they do not specifically pertain to the primary role of the foot valve in maintaining the pump's priming state. As such, the function of the foot valve directly relates to the operation and reliability of the centrifugal pump by preventing air from entering the system and ensuring that it remains filled with the liquid being pumped.