When it comes to controlling water flow in a plumbing system, ball valves are among the most popular and effective choices. They are well known for their reliability, durability and ease of use. A ball valve is a common choice for residential, commercial and industrial applications and can be used for water, oil or gas.
Whether you are looking for the best ball valves for water supply or need a reliable water shut-off valve, understanding how a ball valve works and what applications they are most suitable for is important. We’ll include this basic information in this guide, and if you’ve already made up your mind on which valve to choose, check out PlumbingSell to get great quality water valves and other essential plumbing supplies.
Table of Contents
What is a ball valve?
A ball valve is a type of shut-off valve designed to control the flow of gases, liquids and oils in a piping network. It belongs to a category of quarter-turn valves, which also include plug valves and butterfly valves. Ball valves consist of a ball that has a hole drilled through the center and a handle connecting to the ball. This simple yet effective design has made ball valves widely used in residential, commercial and industrial plumbing systems.
The durability and ease of use have made ball valves one of the most popular valves among other types of valves and fittings. They are capable of providing faster operation, better sealing and longer service life. In addition, ball valves for water supply are also known for their minimal water pressure drop, allowing water to flow freely through the valve without much resistance.
Like other types of valves and fittings, ball valves come in various sizes, materials and designs with different features, catering to a wide range of needs. The most common ball valves for water supply are made up of brass, stainless steel and PVC. Check out the EFIELD valves collection to get the most suitable ones for your projects.
How Does a Ball Valve Work?
Whether you are installing a new ball valve for water or replacing old fixtures with ball valves, understanding how a ball valve works can help you choose the right one for your plumbing needs. The basic concept of how a ball valve works is simple. A solid ball that matches the shape or size of the pipe is fitted into the ball valve. The solid ball has a hole (also called a bore) drilled through its center, and a handle is attached to control the valve.
Turning on or off the ball valve is simple; rotating the handle will do the work. When the handle is in line with the pipe, the hole in the ball aligns with the flow direction, allowing water to pass through, which means the water ball valve is on. If you turn the handle perpendicular to the pipe, the solid side of the ball will block the flow path, which will completely stop water movement; this means that the water ball valve is turned off.
Why Choose a Ball Valve for a Plumbing Project?
When it comes to managing water flow in a plumbing system, ball valves for water are a smart, reliable and cost-effective option.
Easy and Instant Shut-Off
One of the main reasons to choose a ball valve as a water shut-off solution is its ease of use. Ball valves have a simple yet efficient design. With just a quarter-turn of the handle, you can completely stop the flow of water. This makes it especially useful in emergencies or when quick maintenance is needed. Ball valves provide a reliable and tight shut-off when fully closed.
Long-Term Durability and Low Maintenance
Ball valves are also known for their long lifespan and durability. They are typically durable and can withstand a wide range of temperatures and pressures. They are often made from stainless steel, brass or PVC, which are known for being resistant to corrosion and wear. Thanks to their simple design and fewer moving parts, they are less likely to wear out or leak over time. This has also reduced the maintenance requirements of the ball valves.
Versatility in Various Water Systems
Whether you are installing a main water supply line shut-off valve, outdoor sillcock or an indoor appliance connection, different sizes, materials and types of ball valves for water will meet your needs. From PVC ball valves for low-pressure systems to brass for hot water, there’s always a ball valve designed to meet your specific needs.
Cost-Effective and Easy to Install
Ball valves are often more affordable and easier to install compared with other types of valves. Their straightforward operation means fewer complex steps are required during setup and future maintenance. If you are planning to do a DIY project, ball valves should be among your top choices for plumbing valves and fittings.
Ball valve applications
Ball valves are incredibly versatile and used across a wide range of residential, commercial and industrial applications. Their durability, ease of use, and reliable shut-off function make them a go-to choice in many water-related piping systems.
Residential Plumbing Systems
In residential plumbing projects, ball valves are commonly found in main shut-off points, under sinks, behind toilets and near appliances like washing machines or water heaters. Homeowners often prefer a ball valve over other types of valves because of its simple quarter-turn and visible handle position, which quickly shows whether the water ball valve is on or off. By using ball valves as main water supply shut-off valves, you can control the water supply more quickly and easily in emergencies such as leaks or burst pipes.
PEX Piping Systems
With the growing popularity of PEX plumbing, ball valves are now widely used in PEX plumbing systems as well. Ball valves installed in PEX systems are typically designed to be used with crimp, clamp or push-to-fit fittings, making them easier to install without soldering or threading. This will not only speed up your installation time but also reduce the chance of leakages. In addition to this, for PEX piping, you can use either CPVC or brass ball valves on the tubes, as PEX-A, PEX-B and PEX-C are designed to be compatible with most of the materials.
Commercial and Industrial Facilities
In larger buildings or factories, ball valves are commonly used in complex water distribution systems and processing lines, These applications require valves that can withstand high pressure and more frequent use compared with residential valves. For such needs, ball valves are the top choice because of their ability to offer maximum flow and resistance to corrosion.
Conclusion
In short, ball valves are one of the most reliable and versatile types of valves used in modern plumbing. Whether you are planning to do a DIY project on a small residential project or preparing for a large-scale industrial system, choosing the right ball valve will help you ensure an efficient and durable plumbing project.
Ready to upgrade or replace your valves? Visit PlumbingSell for a wide selection of high-quality ball valves, stop valves and other essential plumbing supplies. We’ve got everything you need to build a reliable and leak-free system that lasts.
