CHECK & FOOT VALVES

Check & Foot Valves

Built for Real-World Performance

Precision Design. Built to work. Install it once and works for the long run.

No-Lead
Options
🛡
Stainless Steel
Available
Precision
Machined
🇺🇸
Family-Owned
Since 1949
Shop Check & Foot Valves
Merrill check and foot valves

Check Valve or Foot Valve?

Start Here

Where is the valve installed?

Check Valve
Merrill check valve

Installed above the pump and along the discharge line.

  • Prevents backflow
  • Common on well systems
  • Used after the pump
Foot Valve
Merrill foot valve

Installed underwater at the end of the suction pipe.

  • Holds prime
  • Screens debris
  • Used before the pump
Check valve and foot valve installation comparison
Foot Valve Cutaway
Merrill foot valve cutaway showing internal components
Delrin Guide Bearing
Stabilized Poppet
Abrasion-Resistant
O-Ring for Seal
No-Spin
Spring Leg
Stainless Steel
Cup for Spring
Tapered Self-Cleaning
Valve Seat
Poppet Guide Bar Across
Valve Adds Strength
Stainless Steel Hex
Retaining Cup for Nut
Stainless Steel Strainer
and End Cap

Foot valve cutaway showing self-cleaning poppet design for reliable sealing and debris protection.

Foot Valve Design

Features & Benefits

Delrin Guide Bearing

Stabilizes the poppet to support straight, consistent operation and reduce unwanted movement.

Designed for Smooth, Stable Operation

Tapered self-cleaning valve seat helps prevent chatter and uneven seating.

Abrasion-Resistant O-Ring

Improves sealing and reduces leak-by past the poppet.

Poppet Guide Bar Across Valve

Adds strength and supports the poppet for stable, straight operation.

No-Spin Spring Leg

Prevents spring twist and loss of tension over time.

Stainless Steel Spring Components

Add strength and corrosion resistance where wear typically starts.

Stainless Steel Hex Retaining Cup

Helps securely retain the nut and supports dependable internal assembly.

Stainless Steel Strainer and End Cap

Filters debris to protect the valve and helps ensure long-lasting performance.

These design features address the most common complaints with foot valves: debris, leakage, chatter, and premature wear.
Features & Benefits
Merrill check valve cutaway showing internal components
Abrasion Resistant
O-Ring For Seal
No-Spin
Spring Leg
Stainless Steel
Cup For Spring
Tapered Self-Cleaning
Valve Seat
DELRIN Guide Bearing For Stabilized Poppet
Poppet Guide Bar Across
Valve Adds Strength
Stainless Steel Hex
Retaining Cup For Nut

Check valve cutaway showing guided, no-spin poppet design for stable sealing and reduced chatter.

Check Valve Design

Features & Benefits

Designed for Smooth, Stable Operation

Tapered self-cleaning valve seat helps prevent chatter and uneven seating.

Abrasion-Resistant O-Ring

Improves sealing and reduces leak-by past the poppet.

Delrin Guide Bearing

Keeps the poppet aligned for straight, stable motion.

No-Spin Spring Leg

Prevents spring twist and loss of tension over time.

Stainless Steel Spring Components

Add strength where wear typically starts.

These design features address the most common complaints with check valves: chatter, leakage, and premature wear.
Check & Foot Valves

Quiet the Chatter.
Hold Prime.
Stop Backflow.

Merrill check and foot valves help prevent backflow, reduce chatter, hold prime, and protect your pump.

Trusted by well professionals since 1949
Merrill check and foot valves
Prevents Backflow
Helps Hold Prime
🔇
Reduces Chatter
Keeps Debris Out
Merrill check valves

Check Valves

Installed above the pump to help prevent backflow.

Stainless Steel No-Lead Brass or Bronze Polymer Ductile Iron
Find Check Valves
Merrill foot valves

Foot Valves

Installed at the water source to help hold prime and block debris.

Stainless Steel No-Lead Brass or Bronze Polymer
Find Foot Valves
Customer Reviews

Built for Real Well Conditions

See what customers are saying about Merrill check valves and foot valves.

Ronald S.
✔ Verified
3/18/2026
★★★★★
Just replaced an old PVC check valve on my well water system with a new PVC valve. In the course of research I learned our very hard water with iron, iron bacteria and occasional sulfur isn't kind to PVC check valves. Your stainless steel valve with Viton seal will last 3 times as long.
Item type
1-1/2" / Stainless Steel - Viton O-ring / No-Spin Poppet
Enrique A.
✔ Verified
6/17/2024
★★★★★
Great product.
Item type
1" MIP x 1" FIP / No Lead Bronze / No-Spin Poppet
Larry A.
✔ Verified
3/4/2024
★★★★★
Better quality and finish than the generic ones.
Item type
1-1/4" / No Lead Brass / Stainless Steel Screen
Common Questions

Common Questions

Do I really need a check valve or foot valve?

Yes. They help prevent backflow and keep the system primed when the pump shuts off.

Will this work with my well system?

Most residential and light commercial systems are compatible with the correct size, type, and material.

What’s the difference again?

Check valves install above the pump. Foot valves install in the water source and include a screen.

How do I choose size and material?

Match pipe size and select materials based on water quality and system conditions.

Is installation difficult?

If you’re familiar with well systems or plumbing, installation is typically straightforward.

Check & Foot Valves

Choose the Valve That Fits Your System

Shop Check & Foot Valves →

Built in multiple sizes and materials for real-world well conditions — no forcing parts to work.

Stainless steel & no-lead brass • Trusted by well professionals • Built to last.