7 Types of Water Shut Off Valves
Water shutoff valves help control the water flow in pipes, which prevents accidents. Knowing about the types of water shut off valves can help you choose the right model for your home. In this blog, you’ll get insights into the best types of water shut off valves to make the right decision.
These valves can go right after the water meter where the liquid enters. They can be enclosed or in a special location that enables them to deliver water to other places.
These devices rotate to let the water in or close the water flow. Some types of water shut off valves have a stem with a washer that does not let the water run.
Water valves are one of the key elements in plumbing installations. Made of metal, metal alloys, or polymers, there are types of water shut off valves for all purposes. They can open or cut off the passage of water through a conduit, which makes a pipe replacement easier.
Below are some of the main water shut off valve types.
Types of water shut off valves
These are some types of water shut off valves. Read on.
1-Ball valves
This type of valve is made of metal and usually has a lever to open and close quickly. The lever seals the water passage completely with a ¼ turn. The ball valve is usually at the main shut off point or closure location.
This device has a hole in the center next to the pipe, which lets the water in and blocks it when the lever is closed. This valve is in the duct systems of residential areas.
There are three models of ball valves. They have a ball with a hole inside that rotates. When turned in one direction, the incision lines up with the water flow. When turned in the opposite direction, the faucet closes and the hole remains perpendicular to the water inlet and outlet, preventing water from flowing.
2-Gate valve
The name of this valve describes the way it works. Thanks to this gate, the valve opens and closes. Just turn the handle to lower or raise the metal gate inside the valve.
The water flow stops when the gate is down. The gate valve works similarly to the ball valve, which blocks and opens fully. Gate valves should never turn on or turn off halfway. They are made of metal and are commonly used in industries.
3-Globe valves
The appearance of a globe valve is similar to that of a ball valve; however, the globe valve has a mechanism to adjust the flow of water. In this regard, the globe valve adjusts the water pressure.
4-Angle stop valves
This valve closes certain sections of the pipe individually, which means that the water flow will only be blocked in certain spaces, but not in all the ducts. This valve is not very large and has a short lever for a better grip.
It is normal to feel pressure when the valve is shut off and there’s no water running. An angle stop valve is one of the toilet shut off valve types that can have a screw or a compression stem or simply, a ball.
An angle stop valve cuts off the passage of water completely and can be welded to copper pipes. It is also possible to add the valve to plastic piping. It is likewise one of the most common types of water shut off valves in residential homes.
5-Straight shutoff valves
Unlike angle stop shut off valves, straight stop valves have a straight closing mechanism, which drives the water directly into the pipe.
6-Stop-and-waste valve
A stop-and-waste valve protects the pipe from freezing in winter and cold seasons. You turn this valve on and off with a meter key. It removes the water from the conduit when turned off.
This drinking water stopcock is not used for liquid regulation or throttling and is best used with uninterrupted clean fluids like drinking water. It allows the circulation of the fluid by raising a round or rectangular gate or blade. Simple to operate and low to install, in this type of valve, the gate adjusts completely to closure, allowing for absolute tightness and preventing leaks. It should always remain open or completely closed.
7-Butterfly valve
This stopcock stands out for its versatility and is useful for stopping or regulating the circulation of drinking water in a pipe, increasing or reducing the passage section by means of a plate that rotates on an axis. This plate is often called a butterfly.
You open a butterfly valve completely by rotating the disc 90 degrees. The butterfly drinking water stopcock is always contained inside the conduit, and when it is fully open, it has a low-pressure drop. Some types of water shut off valves have incorporated this feature to save more energy.
Other valves
Other valves have a reflector that supports a flow port that passes through the system. Besides that, they have a lever that works through a plunger sealed inside.
Some valve models have a plunger that goes directly to the flow port when the lever is closed, cutting the water flow partially. These devices are perfect for controlling water pressure.
Main differences between the types of water shut off valves
The main differences that distinguish some types of water shut off valves from others are the mechanism to cut off the flow of water and the shutter shape.
While the ball and butterfly valves have a quick closing, the gate valve requires actuating the handwheel several times. Gate valves are slower to shut off.
Are ball valves the best for cutting off the flow of water?
Ball valves have a great diffusion, especially when used in pipes with small and medium diameters. This stopcock is completely different from other shut off valve types. Ball valves are excellent at regulating the flow of water.
Although a ball valve has a thermometer and a thermostat, it comprises a body and an actuator that controls the flow of water. On top of that, all its components are automatized.
