Valves are an essential item in any bathroom or plumbing system. Their basic function is to control, direct, and regulate the flow of water by opening, closing, or obstructing its flow. These items are generally made of brass, stainless steel, plastic, or PVC. You can easily find them employed in residential and commercial buildings, wastewater treatment plants, and chemical plants.

Water valves range from the main valve that is found near the meter from where water first enters your home to small shutoff valves that mark the transition from supply lines to supply tubes. While some of these valves are small in size, others may be quite large.

Here we will discuss some major types of valves to help you identify your ideal type:

BALL VALVE

Regarded as one of the most reliable valves, a ball valve is commonly used for main water and branch line shutoffs. It has a rotating sphere with a hole that is attached to a lever handle to operate the valve. Just like gate valves, a ball valve should either be fully open to allow full flow or fully closed to stop the flow.

Source: https://www.opensky.com/unbeatablesale/product/homewerks-111-1-12-12-0-5-in-compression-lead-free-ball-valve-1

When the handle is parallel to the water supply pipe, it means that it is open. However, if it is perpendicular, it means that it is closed. This valve’s handy visual aid lets you know at a glance whether the water is ON or OFF. However, on the downside, these valves do not permit precise flow control.

GLOBE VALVE

A globe valve is usually installed where the flow of water needs to be regulated or adjusted on a regular basis, just like in plumbing applications. Due to its ball-like appearance, it is called a globe valve. It is mainly used to throttle or regulate the flow of water in plumbing applications.

However, it cannot be operated in completely open conditions as the baffle restricts the flow.

Source: https://www.akvalvesltd.com/products/bronze-globe-valve-pn32

The internal design of a globe valve consists of a stopper at the end of the stem, which can be raised or lowered by a twist knob. The flow of water is entirely halted when the steam forces the stopper down against the interior valve seat. To control the volume of water flowing through the valve, it can also be raised away.

CHECK VALVE

Check valves have a particular purpose which is to keep water flowing only in one direction. A backflow preventer is one type of check valve usually found in outdoor faucets and lawn sprinkler systems.

Source:https://www.ebay.com/itm/174855768971

Another type of check valve is stop-check which is used to completely stop the water flow.

BUTTERFLY VALVE

Butterfly valves resemble ball valves as both of them have a lever-type handle to open and close. Internally, butterfly valves have a metal disc at the center that rotates to regulate the flow of water, creating an image similar to that of a butterfly.

If you are looking to purchase one for yourself, it is best to get in touch with any stainless steel butterfly valves manufacturers.

Source :https://www.bray.com/valves-actuators-controls/butterfly-valves/resilient-seated/series-20-21-resilient-seated-butterfly-valve

These valves are very light, compact, and less expensive than ball valves. But they are less durable and slower to operate. Also, they rely on a gasket which eventually needs to be replaced.

PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE

Pressure-reducing valves are designed to reduce the overall water pressure in a plumbing system. They usually have a spring and diaphragm that adjusts the water pressure to desired limits, depending on the pressure of the water supply. They are not used to open or close the water flow but rather to throttle it down to reduce the pressure.

Source: https://www.eheparts.com/products/77303-aftermarket-hydraulic-valve-gn77303-77303gt-fit-genie-aerial-lift-parts

These valves are commonly used in homes that receive a high-pressure water supply, sufficient to damage house plumbing systems and appliances. Apart from homes, they can also be used in a range of services such as water tanks, fire-fighting, water towers, etc.

FIXTURE SHUT OFF VALVE (STOP VALVE)

A stop valve is smaller in size and has a twist handle or knob to control the flow of water to individual plumbing fixtures. Its main function is to let you work on a faucet without having to shut off the water to the whole house. It comes in straight as well as 90-degree angle versions.

Source: https://www.homedepot.com/p/BrassCraft-3-8-in-FIP-Inlet-x-3-8-in-Comp-Outlet-1-4-Turn-Angle-Ball-Valve-KTR15X-C1/205214457

GATE VALVE

The most widely used type of valve in plumbing systems is the gate valve. It has a wedge-shaped metal gate that is used to stop or allow the flow of water. These valves cannot control the flow of water as they are designed to be fully open or fully closed. But one can use them for the circulation of fluids, such as air, water, hydrocarbons, fuel gas, steam, feedwater, etc.

Source: http://www.sinobasemetal.com/index.php/Product/index2/type/90

Because the gate located inside the gate valve can retract entirely into the body, it does not impede the flow of water. Also, due to its slow opening and closing, the water pressure is modified gradually, protecting the pipe from the banging sound of a water hammer.

However, if used repeatedly, the valve’s seat may wear down, thereby weakening its seal and reducing its efficiency.

CONCLUSION

A home plumbing system is made up of a variety of valves that you can find at various points along the water pipes. They allow you to turn off the flow of water during emergency situations or when repairs and upgrades are needed.

The majority of the valves used in bathrooms are a crucial part of your water supply system. Their main purpose is to control the flow of pressurized water flowing through your water pipes. Depending on their design, one may be suited for controlling the water flowing through them, while others may be used for adjusting its volume and pressure.

Whatever be the case, depending on your needs and the purposes these valves fulfill, you may choose your ideal type!