Learned something about valves today

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Sure most know this but pointing out for those that might not.

Was replacing my pump by undoing both true union PVC valves that I have before and after the pump. Pump was out but the valve from the tank had a slight drip so cycled it back and forth a few times to see if it would stop when the seat and ball just came right out.

Lucky only a little water in the line as had allowed most to drain back and was playing with it over the sump. If I hadn't drained back to the sump before turning the valve closed could have been 30 gallons on the floor.

Ends ups the valve I have are made to come apart. Something I never realized but that arrow isn't for flow direction but points to the fixed seat side of the valve.

Good thing I fluke off the valve on the sump, potential for 75 gallons there if it would have let go with the pump out.

Picture shows what I'm trying to describe, tape on the valve is the direction of arrow.