Ball valves for plumbing: features of the device and

10-10-2018
Water supply

The water supply system is necessarily equipped with stop valves, which allows, if necessary, to overlap one or another of its section. To date, the best ball valves for this purpose are suitable. In this article we will analyze their design and main advantages.

Photos of ball valves of different diameters

Technical description

Familiarity with this product should start with the features of its design:

Structure

Diagram of the ball valve
Designation in the figure Item Name
one Body part
2 Locking ball
3 Saddle rings
four Connecting rod
five Sealing gland
6 O-ring
7 Support washer
eight Sleeve sleeve
9 The fixing handle nut
ten Handle
DN The diameter of the through hole of the ball

Now we see the reason for the name of this type of cranes is ball: their main valve element is a metal ball with a through hole, the diameter of which corresponds to the cross section of the inlet and outlet. (See also the article How to choose a mixer: features.)

Thus, by turning the handle, we can set one of two positions:

  1. The ball is turned wall to the aisle, blocking it.
Shut-off ball valve in the cut
  1. The ball is turned by a hole to the aisle, opening it.

Tip: It is not recommended to use the semi-closed position, as this leads to premature wear of the product.

Merits

The described device provides the following advantages to this type of valves:

  • Simplicity and high speed do-it-yourself. You just need to make a slight twist of the handle 90 degrees to stop the flow of water or resume it.
  • Small size and attractive appearance. It looks aesthetically pleasing against the background of the rest of the plumbing system.
Compact and aesthetic
  • Durability. Unlike conical and cylindrical locking systems, the ball is not prone to such rapid wear.

Tip: it is recommended to install a coarse filter in front of the crane, which will prevent scratches on the locking mechanism from sand particles entering the pipe. So you further extend the life of the product.

Before taps, coarse filters are installed.
  • Affordable price. Simple design does not require an expensive manufacturing process.
  • High tightness. The sealing rings in combination with the ball itself completely reliably block the passage.

Kinds

Full bore stopcock

Considered products may vary in size of the internal passage:

Title Description Benefits
Full bore
  • The diameter of the opening of the bolt mechanism coincides with the cross section of the pipe
  • No loss in head pressure;
  • Long operational term due to the lack of additional hydraulic resistance
Not complete
  • The hole diameter of the bolt mechanism is smaller than the pipe section
  • Lower cost due to savings on material;
  • Easier turning of the handle due to lower flow intensity

Which ball valves are better for plumbing for you to choose, but in everyday life, full-bore models are usually used. Non-full bores should be installed only where there are no inconveniences due to a decrease in the force of the head. (See also the article How to choose a sink: features.)

Repairs

Disassembled Valves

How to disassemble the ball valve in case of its malfunction, which can be expressed by the appearance of leaks or squeaks in the area of ​​the locking element?

The instruction is quite simple:

  1. Unscrew the locking handle nut and remove the handle.
  2. Remove the snap ring from the stem, and then remove it.
  3. Spin the case with the keys.
  4. Inspect the ball, seat rings and sealing elements.
  5. If defects are found on any part, we replace it.
  6. Putting the design back, pre-lubricating moving components.

Selection

When buying a ball valve, it is quite possible to purchase a low-quality fake.

First of all, you should understand that a quality product should be made of brass, so pay attention to the following features when choosing it:

  • Weight. If the sample is light, then it is most likely made of cheap and silumin, which does not have a long service life and high strength.
Failed silumin models
  • The mirror of the ball. If it is cloudy or dull, then this indicates either its poor-quality processing, or that it is made of steel, which is subject to corrosive processes. In any case, it is worth refusing to buy.
  • Cost Too cheap crane is suspiciously cheap, then this is probably a fake, as the seller will never work at a loss.
  • The presence of defects. Do not be lazy and inspect the valve body for cracks, flows and irregularities, they can tell a lot about the level of manufacturing.
  • Warranty card. The warranty is provided only by well-known and proven manufacturers. With its presence you can be sure that you get a quality product.

Conclusion

Best of all for arrangement of water supply system ball valves are suitable. They are easy to operate, durable and have an affordable price. Due to the simplicity of their design, such models rarely break, and if this happens all the same, they are subject to repair. But at the time of purchase, be careful not to purchase a fake.

Ball valve fits perfectly not only in the new, but also in the old plumbing system

The video in this article will provide you with additional information regarding the materials reviewed. Approach plumbing equipment responsibly.

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