I am trying to figure out the world of valves and wondering what the difference is between gate valves, stop valves, and indeed ball valves. What are the applications one might use each one for?? Thanks as always,
COMMUNITY FORUM
Ball valves are the best because a quarter turn is a positive off and on. They do not need repair except in rare instances. Their limitation is that the handle does not project out so that the valve can be in a wall but the handle outside.
The gate valves are the worse. They have a long handle to project outside the wall but the stem gate breaks down in the water and they often will not work after a few years. When they will close then often they will not reopen. Also debris gets caught in the gate slot preventing a positive shut off.
A globe pattern valve is the one we are most used to. It takes a rubber or neophrene washer. It requires some maintenance and the handles often break. But they are better than a gate valve.
Use ball valves every place you can. Besides projecting out, cost is the only factor. Gates are cheap and ball valves are more expensive.
The gate valves are the worse. They have a long handle to project outside the wall but the stem gate breaks down in the water and they often will not work after a few years. When they will close then often they will not reopen. Also debris gets caught in the gate slot preventing a positive shut off.
A globe pattern valve is the one we are most used to. It takes a rubber or neophrene washer. It requires some maintenance and the handles often break. But they are better than a gate valve.
Use ball valves every place you can. Besides projecting out, cost is the only factor. Gates are cheap and ball valves are more expensive.
