Apparatus and method for filling containers with liquid including a vertically disposed filling lance operatively connected to a source of liquid and to a power device by which the lance may be vertically moved between raised and lowered positions. A tubular rod extends upwardly through the lance for operative connection to an actuator by which the tubular rod and a foot valve of the lower end of the lance may be vertically moved between closed and open positions. A pressure transducer detects fluid pressure in the tubular rod and converts the pressure to a proportional signal which is transmitted to the power device for raising the lance a predetermined amount while keeping the foot valve and lower end of the lance submerged beneath the surface of container liquids.