A Guide to Plumbing Valve Types 

The water valve regulates the flow and temperature in plumbing fixtures, pipes. If properly installed and operated systematically, the valves will be successful in controlling the constant flow and volume of water. Materials used for water valves include grass, plastic, stainless steel and others. Valves are fitting equipment and are often addressed as a separate and distinct category. The different valve works as they come in a variety of forms and formats, designed for specific plumbing purposes and demands.  

What is a valve?

A valve regulates, controls and directs the flow of fluid with the help of pipes and fittings. Valves are used in a system that shuts off water access and provides a guide regarding the flow of water pressure. People often use valves as a part of special equipment in the plumbing system for maintenance or to cut off a water supply when a leak appears. Plumbing valves are a kind of device that regulates the flow of fluid by opening and closing it partially. A valve is a device that regulates fluid pressure and flaws in a system. It helps in the regulation of the flow and pressure of water.   

Types of plumbing valves

1. Ball Valve –
   

   
   These are the most common valve, which is industrial and domestic application to turn water on and off without affecting the level of pressure in the valve. Ball valves use a rotating ball in the middle of the valve to control flow. The flow of water is controlled by a hollow core running through the heart of the ball. Ball valves tend to have the highest lifespan if compared to any other valve. It is designed to redirect or change the flow of fluids through many openings. 

    

2. Gate Valve –
   

   
   Gate valves are the most common form of plumbing valve. The shape of the gate valve is a wedge-shaped metal gate that helps to lower the water flow and can be easily lifted to resume back the flow of water. When the gate is fully brought up, the valve is pulled back completely. When the gate is fully brought up, it lets water to pass through with absolutely no pressure. One of the advantages of a gate valve is that they gradually restrict flow, reducing water hammers. Gate valves, like ball valves, must be strictly used to open and close the fluid flow. Gate valves can get jammed in on or off positions because their internal metal parts can corrode. A gate valve is used in such an environment where the water must be turned off only occasionally. 

    

3. Globe Valve –
   

   
   Globe valves are used to open, close and regulate the flow of fluids. Glove valves are designed to modulate and throttle the flow of water. A stopper is located on the edges of the valve stem of the valve. The globe valve is commonly used in a plumbing system where the flow is altered to control or restrict the water flow. Globe valves are used in making the best-suited plumbing system for handling streams or liquids at lower pressures.  

    

4. Butterfly Valve –
   

   
   Butterfly valves have a similar design to that of a ball valve. They have a rotating metal disc. The closed butterfly valve uses a disc in order to block water flow, while the open one makes the disc rotates in a quarter turn, allowing the water to flow. Butterfly valves are lighter and are low in cost if compared to other valves. Some butterfly valves are intended to lock in position with the disc just half-open to maintain the throttles state, although using a butterfly valve to restrict fluid for long periods is not advised.  

    

5. Plug Valve –

   
   A plug valve is circular in shape and is used to isolate or divert flow. Within the plug, the valve is cone-shaped, which is bored through the middle like that of a ball valve; whenever the handle is twisted a quarter turn twist of the handle, there is a rotation of the cork and it enables passage, thus allowing water to flow. As they have a basic construction, these valves can be easily opened when the handle is given a quarter turn.

    

6. Pressure Relief Valve –
   

   The pressure relief valve is a type of plumbing valve. A pressure relief valve is known as a pressure safety valve. The working of the pressure relief valve is relatively different from the other valves. A pressure relief valve protects the system by dumping excess hot water and steam if the pressure builds up to a higher level. It does not restrict or stop the pressure through the system.  

    

7. Needle Valve –  
   

   
   A needle valve precisely controls the flow of water by either raising or lowering the conical spindle. The tip of the spindle is sharp that seals perfectly within a valve seat, settling at the bottom of the valve. As soon as the stem is turned, the spindle slowly moves out of its valve seat and water is allowed to go through the narrow passage within the valve. Needle valves offer flow control with precision. With each turn of the stem, there is only a minimal increase in flow with each turn of the stem. Needle valves are ideal for applications where the fluids need to be shut off gradually.  

    

Conclusion

Knowing the usage of different water valve types and their multiple ways of opening and closing can help you effectively control your plumbing system systematically. Top line Industries is a well-known company that has successfully managed to become a reputable valve manufacturer, providing you with a wide range of plumbing valve alternatives. The quality of our products is always up to the mark, and hence we always gain happy customers! We always believe in quality over quantity. For more details, feel free to contact us and learn about the plumbing valve types and their working.   

Visit: What is a Flow Restrictor and How Does It Work? pipes