When we consider the giants of the water industry, we think of companies that manage the flow of life’s most essential resource on a massive scale. Pentair plc is precisely such a company. From managing industrial wastewater to ensuring a pristine pool experience, their portfolio is vast. Yet, within this world of complex systems, the reliability of a tiny, often overlooked component—the Duckbill valve—is what ensures precision, safety, and efficiency.
This blog post explores the history of this global water powerhouse and delves into the essential function of the Duckbill valve within its ecosystem, particularly through its legacy brands.
A Global Water Leader: The Pentair Story
Pentair’s journey is a fascinating story of transformation. The company was founded in 1966 in Arden Hills, Minnesota, by five men who initially intended to manufacture high-altitude research balloons . The name “Pentair” itself is a portmanteau of the Greek word “penta” (for the five founders) and “air” (for their original product) .
Over the decades, Pentair diversified dramatically, moving from balloons to canoes, then to paper manufacturing, and later to power tools . However, the company’s modern identity began to take shape in the 1990s and accelerated in 2004 when it acquired WICOR Industries, a move that signaled its deep commitment to the water industry . This acquisition brought iconic water brands like Sta-Rite, Fairbanks Nijhuis, and the brand most relevant to our topic—SHURflo—into the Pentair family .
Today, Pentair is a global leader headquartered in London, UK, with its main U.S. office in Golden Valley, Minnesota . With approximately 9,000 employees and customers in over 150 countries, the company generated around $4.2 billion in revenue in 2025 . Its purpose is clear: to help the world sustainably move, improve, and enjoy water .
The Duckbill Valve: A Legacy of Precision from SHURflo
The Duckbill valve is a simple, one-way check valve made from flexible rubber or silicone. It allows fluid to flow in one direction and instantly seals to prevent backflow. Its genius lies in its simplicity, but its application requires precision engineering—a hallmark of Pentair’s SHURflo brand.
SHURflo, acquired by Pentair in 2004, is a premier manufacturer of diaphragm pumps, fluid transfer systems, and components . For decades, SHURflo has been the go-to brand for demanding applications in RVs, marine vessels, and specialized industrial equipment. In these systems, the Duckbill valve is not just a component; it is the heart of the pump’s check valve system, ensuring prime is maintained and backflow is eliminated.
Product Applications and Models
While Pentair’s vast catalog is not organized around a single “Duckbill valve” category, these valves are critical internal components within specific SHURflo pump families. They are most commonly found in the following application scenarios:
- RV and Marine Water Systems: In SHURflo’s revolutionary “Revolution” and classic “Classic” series water pumps, Duckbill valves act as the critical check valves that prevent water from flowing backward into the pump when it is not running. This maintains pump prime and ensures instant water on demand.
- Industrial and Agricultural Sprayers: In diaphragm pumps used for spraying, Duckbill valves are used in the inlet and outlet manifolds to ensure precise fluid metering and prevent drips.
- Beverage Dispensing: In commercial coffee machines and beverage systems, these valves ensure that water and syrups flow only in the correct direction, maintaining hygiene and mix ratios.
Key Part Numbers and Models:
Based on SHURflo parts diagrams and service manuals, the Duckbill valve and its related check valve assemblies are referenced by several OEM part numbers. It is crucial to consult the specific pump’s manual, but common replacement components include:
- SHURflo 94-319-02 (Check Valve Kit): This kit often contains the duckbill-style check valves for the popular “2088” and “2093” series RV pumps.
- SHURflo 4008-101-E65 (Pump Head Assembly): For the “Classic” series, the entire pump head, which includes the integral duckbill valves, is often replaced as a unit.
- SHURflo 8000-923E (Valve Assembly): A common replacement valve assembly found in various SHURflo industrial and beverage diaphragm pumps.
Compatible Pump Series:
These valve components are designed for use in:
- 2088 Series (RV Water Pumps)
- 2093 Series (RV Water Pumps)
- 4008 Series (“Classic” RV Pumps)
- 8000 Series (Industrial and Beverage Pumps)
- 9000 Series (Commercial and Light Industrial)
Where to Buy: Authorized Distributors & Dealers
Pentair and SHURflo parts are available through a vast global network. For genuine OEM parts, it is always best to start with Pentair’s official resources.
1. Pentair Corporate & Dealer Locator:
The best starting point is the official Pentair website, which offers tools to find local dealers.
- Official Website: www.pentair.com
- Investor Relations Contact:
- Shelly Hubbard, VP, Investor Relations: +1 763-656-5575
- Email: [email protected]
- Communications Contact:
- Rebecca Osborn, VP, Communications: +1 763-656-5589
- Email: [email protected]
2. Authorized SHURflo Distributors:
Because SHURflo serves specific niches, their products are stocked by specialty retailers.
- RV Parts Suppliers:
- eTrailer.com: A major online retailer for RV and trailer parts, stocking a wide range of SHURflo pumps and repair kits.
- Camping World: The world’s largest RV dealer with numerous locations and an extensive online parts store.
- Marine Supply Retailers:
- West Marine: A leading specialty retailer of boating supplies with stores across the U.S. and a robust online catalog.
- Defender Industries: A large marine supply company that carries SHURflo products for onboard water systems.
- Industrial Distributors:
- Grainger: A Fortune 500 industrial supply company with a massive inventory, including SHURflo pumps and components.
- McMaster-Carr: An indispensable source for industrial components, often stocking SHURflo parts.
3. Pentair China Office (Asia-Pacific Hub):
For inquiries in the Asia-Pacific region, Pentair maintains a significant presence in China.
Recent News & Brand Presence
Pentair remains at the forefront of the water industry through strategic innovation and a commitment to sustainability. Recent news highlights the company’s dynamic position.
- Executive Leadership Enhancements (March 2026): In a significant move to accelerate growth, Pentair announced new executive leadership roles. Adrian Chiu was appointed EVP and Chief Strategy, Innovation and Digital Officer, a new role focusing on emerging technologies and AI. De’Mon Wiggins expanded his role to lead both the Pentair Flow and Pentair Water Solutions segments, aiming for greater alignment and innovation .
- Kitchen Innovations Awards (2025): Two Pentair brands, Everpure and Manitowoc Ice, were honored with 2025 Kitchen Innovations Awards from the National Restaurant Association. Everpure was recognized for its systems that reduce PFAS (“forever chemicals”), while Manitowoc Ice’s NEO ice machine was lauded for integrating water filtration directly into the unit .
- Sustainability Leadership: Pentair was recognized with a 2025 World Sustainability Award in the category of Sustainability Team by the Business Intelligence Group, underscoring their commitment to creating a better world for people and the planet .
- 50 Years of Dividend Growth: Demonstrating financial strength and shareholder commitment, Pentair announced in February 2026 that it would pay its 50th consecutive year of increased dividends, a testament to its stability and long-term performance .
Conclusion
From its founding by five entrepreneurs with balloons to its current status as a $4.2 billion global water leader, Pentair’s history is one of constant evolution. Within its vast portfolio, the precision-engineered components from brands like SHURflo play a vital role. The humble Duckbill valve, whether in an RV water pump or a commercial beverage system, is a perfect example of how a small, reliable part ensures the integrity of the whole.
By understanding the legacy of Pentair and the specific SHURflo part numbers like 94-319-02 or 8000-923E, engineers and DIY enthusiasts alike can maintain the precision and reliability that the Pentair name guarantees.