The component of a centrifugal pump installed on the end of a suction pipe to hold the priming is called which?

• A. Casing
• B. Drain
• C. Foot valve
• D. Ventilator

Answer: (C)

Keeping the suction line primed is essential for a centrifugal pump to develop suction. A foot valve is a check valve with a screen placed at the end of the suction pipe. It opens to let water into the suction line as the pump draws, and it closes when the pump stops so the water doesn’t fall back, which preserves the prime. This is exactly the function needed to hold priming at the end of the suction. The other items don’t serve this role: the casing is the pump’s housing, a drain is for removing liquid, and a ventilator is for releasing or admitting air, not for maintaining prime.