{"id":116181,"date":"2026-10-15T10:12:22","date_gmt":"2026-10-15T08:12:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.itap.it\/?p=116181"},"modified":"2026-10-15T10:12:22","modified_gmt":"2026-10-15T08:12:22","slug":"itap-check-and-foot-valves-what-really-makes-the-difference","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.itap.it\/en\/blog-en\/focus-on-en\/itap-check-and-foot-valves-what-really-makes-the-difference\/","title":{"rendered":"Itap check and foot valves: what really makes the difference"},"content":{"rendered":"

Check valves<\/strong>, also known as non-return valves, allow fluid to flow in one direction while preventing reverse flow<\/strong> within the system.<\/p>\n

They are well-known components among professionals in the plumbing and HVAC industry. Precisely for this reason, products that appear similar<\/strong> in terms of design and dimensions can easily be considered<\/strong> equivalent<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

In reality, the same size does not necessarily mean the same characteristics or the same behaviour within the system.<\/p>\n

Design principle, materials, seals, operating pressure and temperature, installation position, minimum opening pressure and pressure drop are all factors that contribute to a check valve\u2019s performance<\/strong> and suitability for a specific<\/strong> application<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Understanding these differences means going beyond dimensional compatibility and selecting a solution that truly matches the operating conditions of the system<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Check and foot valves<\/strong> have always been one of Itap\u2019s flagship product families<\/strong>. This long-standing expertise in innovation and manufacturing is best represented by Europa\u00ae<\/a><\/strong>, the check valve<\/strong> we<\/strong> invented<\/strong> and patented<\/strong>, which over the years has become one of the brand\u2019s most recognisable products worldwide<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"Come<\/p>\n

<\/span>Three factors to consider when selecting a check valve<\/span><\/h2>\n

1. Design principle<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The design of a check valve<\/strong> affects how the product operates and the applications for which it is suitable.
\nIn spring-loaded check valves<\/strong>, the disc is pushed back towards the closed position by a calibrated spring. Swing check valves<\/strong>, on the other hand, use a hinged disc that opens as the fluid flows through the valve and closes when pressure drops or the flow reverses.
\nBoth perform the same basic function, but their different geometries and operating principles<\/strong> can affect how they behave<\/strong> within<\/strong> the<\/strong> system<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

2. Seal materials<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Another important factor is the material used for internal components and seals<\/strong>. Materials such as NBR, Viton\u00ae, stainless steel and polymers<\/strong> are designed for different<\/strong> operating conditions<\/strong> and should be assessed according to the fluid, temperature and pressure involved.<\/p>\n

3. Performance factors: installation position, opening pressure and pressure drop<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Permitted installation position<\/strong> \u2014 vertical, horizontal or inclined \u2014 together with the size range and hydraulic performance can also influence the final selection of a check valve.
\nWhen apparently similar products seem to offer the same characteristics, parameters such as minimum opening pressure and pressure drop curves<\/strong> become particularly useful. They make it possible to assess how the valve will actually perform under the system\u2019s operating conditions.
\nFor this reason, we provide dedicated technical data sheets and documentation for each product family.<\/p>\n

The objective is therefore not to identify one type of valve as universally better than another, but to match design characteristics, technical data and operating conditions in order to select the most suitable non-return valve for the system.<\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/span>How to choose an Itap check valve: comparing our product ranges<\/span><\/h2>\n

Our range includes several check valve families<\/strong>, each designed to meet different requirements.<\/p>\n

Europa\u00ae<\/strong><\/a>, York\u00ae<\/strong><\/a>, Block\u00ae<\/strong><\/a>, Roma\u00ae<\/strong><\/a> and Clapet<\/strong><\/a> are not simply different versions of the same solution<\/strong>: their construction, materials and fields of application are designed to meet different operating needs.<\/p>\n

Below is a comparison of the main characteristics of Itap check valves:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Range<\/strong><\/td>\nMain configuration<\/strong><\/td>\nSize range<\/strong><\/td>\nCharacteristics<\/strong><\/td>\nApplications and installation<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Europa\u00ae art. 100<\/strong><\/a><\/td>\nStainless steel disc, NBR seal, stainless steel spring.<\/td>\n3\/8″\u20134″<\/td>\nOperating temperature:<\/strong> -20\/+100 \u00b0C.<\/p>\n

Pressure:<\/strong> from 12 to 25 bar depending on size<\/td>\n

Suitable for plumbing, heating, air-conditioning and pneumatic systems. Can be installed in any position: vertical, horizontal or inclined.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
York\u00ae art. 103<\/strong><\/a><\/td>\nPolymer disc, NBR seal, stainless steel spring.<\/td>\n3\/8″\u20134″<\/td>\nOperating temperature:<\/strong> -20\/+100 \u00b0C.<\/p>\n

Pressure:<\/strong> from 8 to 12 bar depending on size<\/td>\n

Suitable for plumbing, heating, air-conditioning and pneumatic systems. Can be installed in any position: vertical, horizontal or inclined.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Block\u00ae art. 101<\/strong><\/a><\/td>\nPolymer disc, NBR O-ring, stainless steel spring.<\/td>\n1\/2″\u20132″<\/td>\nOperating temperature:<\/strong> -20\/+100 \u00b0C.<\/p>\n

Pressure:<\/strong> from 10 to 12 bar depending on size<\/td>\n

Suitable for plumbing, heating, air-conditioning and pneumatic systems. Can be installed in any position: vertical, horizontal or inclined.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Roma\u00ae art. 104<\/strong><\/a><\/td>\nStainless steel disc, Viton\u00ae seal, stainless steel spring.<\/td>\n3\/8″\u20132″<\/td>\nMinimum temperature:<\/strong> -20 \u00b0C.<\/p>\n

Maximum temperature:<\/strong> 100 \u00b0C with water and 150 \u00b0C with liquid hydrocarbons or compressed air.<\/p>\n

Pressure:<\/strong> from 18 to 25 bar depending on size<\/td>\n

Suitable for plumbing, heating, air-conditioning and pneumatic systems. Can be installed in any position: vertical, horizontal or inclined. Also suitable for petrol and fuels in general.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Clapet art. 130<\/strong><\/a><\/td>\nBrass hinged disc; available with metal or NBR seat.<\/td>\nUp to 4″ with metal seat; up to 2″ with NBR seat.<\/td>\nOperating temperature:<\/strong> 0\/+90 \u00b0C.<\/p>\n

Pressure:<\/strong> 8\u201316 bar depending on size and seat material<\/span><\/td>\n

Suitable for plumbing systems. To be installed horizontally, with the socket facing upwards.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

The comparison shows that there is no single parameter that determines the correct choice. Key factors include<\/strong>:<\/p>\n