Controlling the flow of water using valves is essential for practically every plumbing system on the planet. These allow it to run for longer and make it more reliable and efficient than it would otherwise be. 

But how do you find the right valves for your plumbing? That’s the topic we explore in more detail here. 

Why Valves Are Important

It turns out that valves are actually much more important than the average person thinks. If you’re a plumber, you’ll know that they are critical for the water system and controlling the flow through pipes. 

If you use the wrong valves, all sorts of bad things can happen. The system can benefit inefficiently, or it can fail entirely, which is why it is essential to know your options and what makes sense for you. 

Common Plumbing Valves

As you go deeper into the world of plumbing, you come across all sorts of new and interesting valve options. 

Gate Valves

Gate valves, for instance, were once common among older homes. They aren’t great for frequent operation or regulating flow, but they are handy when you occasionally need valves in the fully open or fully closed positions. 

Globe Valves

Globe valves are similar. These are a great choice for anyone needing precise control over their system as a whole. They can lead to significant pressure drops. 

Butterfly Valves

You usually see butterfly valves in larger systems, including in industrial applications to control the flow of water or other systems. For example, civil engineers often install them in municipal systems or even commercial buildings. These have a rotating disc that controls flow, making them highly reliable. 

Check Valves

What about check valves? These are handy because they prevent the movement of water from going in reverse. They are essential in many systems like sump pumps or irrigation setups where the backward movement of water could be highly damaging. 

How To Choose The Right Valve For Your Plumbing Application

Choosing the right valve for your plumbing application can be challenging. However, it isn’t as hard as you might think. 

First, you’ll want to think about what you want to use the valve for. Some valves are better for preventing backflow while others are superior at ensuring that the right amount of water flows through at the right time. 

Second, you should think of which material you want to use. For example, you might find PVC better than stainless steel. 

The size and pressure of the valve is also critical. The diameter and the physical strength of the valve dictate how much pressure it can take and the maximum amount of water that it can regulate per second. 

Many plumbers neglect to consider these factors on new build-outs and often run into trouble. Choosing the wrong valve can lead to serious leaks that cause warranty claims (which can be expensive and raise your business insurance premiums). 

If you’re using gate valves, note that they require more upkeep. Other valves, like some ball valves, hardly require any maintenance at all.