If there are no valves to help regulate and control the water supply flow from water companies/providers and private wells, the residential pipeline system will be incomplete. Due to the diverse applications of valves, their designs also have different functions to meet different pipeline requirements.
The following are the valves used in residential piping systems:
1. Ball valve
Therefore, the ball valve has a ball inside and a hole in the middle that is connected to the lever handle. The lever handle is the handle that controls the ball valve and only indicates whether the valve is open or closed.
They are designed to be fully open or fully closed, so they can only allow full flow or complete stop of water flow, just like gate valves. They are also the most reliable valve type, making them an ideal choice for shut-off valves for main and branch pipes. Ball valves are often used as substitutes for gate valves because they have similar functions.
2. Butterfly valve
Another valve with a lever handle. Butterfly valves are somewhat similar in appearance to ball valves. The metal disc located in the center of the valve rotates to control water flow. However, the function of butterfly valves is different from that of ball valves because they are designed to regulate water flow. They are not only used for switching purposes, as they can be adjusted.
Not all residential pipeline systems use butterfly valves, as you typically see them in industrial pipeline applications. It should also be noted that this type of valve may experience some maintenance issues after a few years, so it is necessary to inspect it to avoid expensive repairs.
3. Stop valve
Globe valves have a unique shape that other types of valves do not have, and there is also a protrusion in their structure. It is typically used in applications that require frequent control and regulation of water flow. There is a plug at the end of the valve stem, located inside the valve and can be lifted and lowered by a knob. When the plug is pushed against the internal valve seat by the valve stem, it will cause the water flow to completely stop.
In order to accurately control the volume flow, the valve stem can be gradually lifted off the valve seat. Stop valves are also very suitable for outdoor faucets and other practical faucets, as they can effectively control water flow.
4. Gate valve
Gate valves are the most commonly used valves in many pipeline applications, including residential pipeline systems. Because they come in handy when you need an effective water stop, they are usually also used as shut-off valves for the main water supply pipeline. By using the twist handle at the top of the valve to raise and lower as a barrier to the "gate", you can adjust the water flow. However, please remember that gate valves should not be used to control water flow as they are designed to be fully open or fully closed. Using them to regulate water volume may cause them to wear easily.
Given that the internal parts of the gate valve are prone to corrosion, it is recommended to regularly inspect or maintain the gate valve. When internal corrosion occurs, the gate valve can also get stuck in the open/closed position, which can be troublesome if left unattended.
5. Check valve
The design of the check valve is mainly to ensure that water flows only in one direction. Unlike other types of valves, check valves are mostly non operable, which is why they do not have handles to control water flow; Open or close the valve. They also exist in many residential plumbing systems.
This type of valve functions by using a pressure control disc, which allows water to flow in one direction. The pressure applied to the disc causes the valve to open, allowing water to flow through. When this situation occurs, the valve disc will return to the seal. Check valves are common in pipeline applications such as outdoor faucets and lawn sprinkler systems.
6. Pressure reducing valve
Pressure reducing valves are very useful for saving water, as they can control water flow and reduce the total water pressure entering the home through the main water pipe. This type of valve is usually used in households with high water pressure and severe damage to residential pipeline systems.
7. Valve under the sink
Under sink valves, also known as fixed device shut-off valves or shut-off valves, have knobs or handles used to control the flow of water in pipeline devices such as sinks, toilets, and faucets. It also looks like a small gate valve, allowing you to close the water in the pipeline installation without actually having to close the water through the main shut-off valve. The disadvantage of this type of valve is that it is prone to leakage.
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