The purpose of most water valves is to completely or partially restrict the flow of water through a pipe.Water valves come in many different styles, depending on where and how the valve is used.This can take the form of a simple faucet valve, used to stop the flow of water through the faucet, or it can be more involved, such as a butterfly valve, which is specially designed for large diameter plumbing constructions that are not commonly used in homes.
It may be difficult to distinguish between the various types of water valves at first, but by taking the time to understand these key plumbing fixtures, you can better understand the purpose and design of each type.
Gate valves are easily one of the most common water valves used for general and residential plumbing.As the first valve to be patented in the United States in 1839, gate valves have been used since then as master shut-off valves, isolation valves, hot water tank valves, and more.A gate valve has an internal gate that, when its circular handle is rotated slowly, can be lowered to reduce or completely stop the flow of water.
These types of water valves allow users to control a specific flow of water, rather than simply switching between open and closed positions.Due to the controlled opening and closing mechanism, gate valves are ideal for homes that often experience water hammer problems.However, it should be noted that with heavy use, the stem and valve nut may become loose, causing leakage.Or, if the valve has never been used, it could be stuck and unusable.
Best For: As one of the most popular residential water valves, gate valves can be used as master shutoff valves, isolation valves, hot water tank valves, and more.
Our recommendation: THEWORKS 3/4″ Gate Valve – Get it at Home Depot for $12.99.This reliable gate valve is made of corrosion resistant brass and is suitable for installation on 3/4″ water pipes with 3/4″ MIP adapters.
Globe valves are not commonly found on commonly used 1/2″ or 3/4″ water pipes, but they are an excellent choice for pipes 1″ or larger in diameter.Due to their bulky internal structure, these valves tend to be larger than gate valves.They have a horizontal internal baffle whose opening can be partially restricted or completely blocked by a plug raised or lowered by the circular handle of the rotary valve.
Similar to gate valves, globe valves are a good choice if the user is looking for precise control of water flow.Since the plug can be lowered or raised slowly, it also makes it easier to prevent water hammer in homes that often experience this problem.
Best For: As a good replacement for gate valves on large residential plumbing lines, globe valves are best suited to help reduce water hammer problems.
Our recommendation: Milwaukee Valve Class 125 Globe Valve – Grainger for $100.The durable bronze construction of this 1″ globe valve makes it an excellent choice for large residential HVAC systems.
While check valves don’t look like typical valves and may not even have the same ability to stop the flow of incoming water, that doesn’t make check valves less important to plumbing systems.This type of valve is specifically designed to allow water to flow through the inlet side of the valve.The force of the incoming water pushes open a hinged disc that ensures the valve does not reduce water pressure.However, the same hinged discs prevent water from flowing through the valve in the opposite direction, as any force applied to the disc will simply push the disc closed.
Check valves are often used to prevent backflow in plumbing systems, which can lead to cross-contamination issues between various plumbing fixtures and equipment.Backflow occurs when the pressure in the pump, sprinkler system, or tank falls below the pressure in the main water system.Installing a check valve can prevent this problem.
Best for: Use check valves to prevent backflow in pumps, security applications, sprinkler systems, and any other residential plumbing where there may be a risk of continuous or intermittent backflow.
Our recommendation: SharkBite 1/2″ Check Valve – Get it at Home Depot for $16.47.The simple installation method of this SharkBite Check Valve makes it easy for even a beginner DIYer to quickly install a check valve on 1/2 inch pipe.
The second most common valve seen in residential plumbing systems is called a ball valve.These valves tend to be more reliable than gate valves and are less prone to leaking or sticking, but they don’t control the flow of water as precisely as gate valves do over time.
The ball valve consists of a lever that can be rotated 90 degrees.This lever controls a hollow hemisphere inside the valve.When the lever is aligned with the valve, the hemisphere retracts and allows water to flow all through the valve.When the lever is perpendicular to the valve, the hemisphere completely blocks the flow of water through the valve, opening and closing the flow is easy but difficult to control.
Best For: Ball valves are often used in residential plumbing because they are more reliable and user-friendly than gate valves.
Our recommendation: Everbilt 3/4″ Ball Valve – Get it at Home Depot for $13.70.This heavy duty forged brass lead-free ball valve is designed to be welded to 3/4″ copper pipe for reliable water pipe control.
Butterfly valves get their name from the rotating disc they contain.This disc has a thick center to hold the stem and a thin fin or wing on either side to mimic the basic appearance of a butterfly.When the lever is turned, it rotates the disc and allows it to partially or completely restrict the flow of water through the valve.
These valves are typically used on water pipes 3 inches in diameter or larger, so are rare in residential plumbing.These valves are also more expensive than other residential valves in size and style.
Best for: Butterfly valves are rarely used in typical residential applications and are best suited for commercial, institutional, and industrial piping due to their large valve size.
Our recommendation: Milwaukee Valve Lug Butterfly Valve – $194.78 at Grainger.This cast iron butterfly valve is only suitable for 3″ diameter water pipes and is an excellent choice for commercial machinery and industrial systems such as domestic hot and cold water control.
A pressure relief valve is another plumbing device called a valve that functions differently than a normal water valve.Rather than restricting or preventing water flow through the system, pressure relief valves protect the water system by releasing steam and hot water if the pressure within the system becomes too high.
These valves are commonly used in hot water tanks to help prevent overheating, cracking and deformation due to excess pressure.They have a spring mechanism inside the valve that reacts to pressure and compresses when the pressure is too high.The compression of the spring opens the valve to release steam and water, thereby reducing or relieving system pressure.
Best For: Designed to protect home plumbing systems, users can reduce the pressure inside the hot water tank by installing a pressure relief valve.
Our recommendation: Zurn 3/4″ Pressure Relief Valve – Get it at Home Depot for $18.19.This 3/4″ brass pressure relief valve helps keep your hot water tank from overheating, cracking or deforming.
A special type of valve, the supply shut-off valve may also sometimes be referred to as a supply inlet or outlet valve.They are designed for use in bathroom fixtures such as toilets, sinks, dishwashers and washing machines.Additionally, these valves are available in a variety of types including straight, angle, compression and right angle so users can choose the best supply shut-off valve for the current piping configuration.
These valves are easily identifiable on toilet water lines and are used to block the flow of water to specific plumbing fixtures and appliances.Making repairs and completing maintenance is much easier when a reliable supply shutoff valve is used to isolate plumbing equipment and fixtures in your home.
Best For: Supply shutoff valves are often found on supply lines to toilets, refrigerators, dishwashers, sinks, and washing machines.
Our recommendation: BrassCraft 1/2″ Angle Valve – Get it at Home Depot for $7.87.Control the flow of water to household plumbing fixtures with this 1/2″ x 3/8″ 90-degree angle water supply shutoff valve.
Another type of specialized valve, faucet valves come in a variety of styles, although each is used to control the flow of water through a faucet, tub, or shower.Some styles include ball valves, cartridge valves, ceramic discs, and compression valves.
Best For: Valves of this type are usually only used to control water flow from sink faucets, although they can also be used on appliance water pipes.
Our recommendation: Moen 2-Handle 3-Hole Tub Valve – Get it at Home Depot for $106.89.Update the faucet valves on your bathtub with these 2 handle, 3 hole Roman bathtub faucet valves that use 1/2 inch copper tubing to connect the two valves and the faucet outlet line.
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Post time: Feb-16-2022
