Published on : 07 July 20203 min reading time

The water stop valve is an indispensable part of any water installation. In plumbing, it allows to isolate part of the pipes without interrupting the general supply. The valves are available in several types, diameters and materials of manufacture. Here is how to choose your water shut-off valve.

Table of Contents

WHICH TYPES OF VALVE FOR WHICH USE?

There are several types of valves in the world including knife gate valve, butterfly valve, on-off or ball valve, globe valve, needle valve, etc. Each of them is intended for a specific use in plumbing or piping: either to regulate water flows or to stop the flow of water. Some types of valves such as butterfly valve, globe valve, needle valve or piston valve are more suitable for fluid flow regulation. If you are looking for a valve to stop the flow of water, turn to a ball valve, a knife gate valve or a gate valve. So, to make the right choice of valve, it is wise to define what its function will be.

CHOOSING A VALVE FOR YOUR INSTALLATION

Once you have determined the type of your valve, you can think about the technical characteristics of your water circuit. Indeed, the type of fluid, the water flows and pressures are elements to be taken into consideration to determine the choice of manufacturing materials, the closing system and sealing parts as well as the dimensions of your butterfly valve. It is therefore essential to check which type of fluid must flow into the circuit: a gas or liquid, corrosive or chemically neutral, food or medical liquid, etc. If you wish to purchase the valve to conduct extremely hot or corrosive water, for example, be aware that there are valves designed to withstand these service conditions.

THE PRACTICALITY OF YOUR WATER SHUT-OFF VALVE

It is also essential to know the valve actuation system before making your purchase, as its practicality depends on it. A distinction is made between manually operated valves and valves that operate automatically. In the first case, you should be on site to rotate the butterfly valve, while in the second case, the valve can be operated remotely, from your control station for example. Finally, it is important to know how the valve is going to be integrated into the network and thus the assembly or installation system. Some valves are easier to install while others need to be welded or screwed.

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