I would not use a PVC valve. Those components need to be heavy-duty, as they’re buried and remain in place for decades. Failure means expensive water waste, time and messy effort. Your water line is probably polyethylene (Pex), and not PVC.

Can I use a ball valve for main water shut off?

Ball valves may be the most reliable valve and are commonly used for main water shut offs. Similar to gate valves, ball valves should be all the way open to allow the full flow of water or all the way closed to restrict all water from flowing.

Are PVC ball valves reliable?





Ball valves are durable, reliable and securely shut off flow even after sitting idle for long periods of time. Because of this, they are frequently used as fluid and gas flow cut-off valves.

Which valve is used in water main?

Ball valves

Ball valves are perhaps the most reliable type of valve and are commonly used for main water shutoffs and for branch line shutoffs. Like gate valves, a ball valve is designed as an all-or-nothing valve—they should be either fully open to allow full flow, or fully closed to stop all water flow.

Are PVC ball valves full port?

Compact PVC Ball Valves





A full port ball is used, but there are no seams in the valve from having to add it in from one end. This makes the valve stronger and more compact without obstructing the flow.

Can you use a ball valve for hot water?

The ball valve is used as shut-off valves in the distribution of hot and cold water.

What is the best type of valve to use for isolation?

The two most common isolation valves on the market today are ball valves and gate valves. Choosing between the two generally means knowing your applications to a T. For some processes, gate valves may be the better option. However, a metal seated ball valve is generally better for heavy-duty industrial applications.

How long do PVC ball valves last?

about eight to ten years



Using the latest and greatest ball valve in your plumbing can help save more water. It also helps you save money while helping the environment. A ball valve life expectancy is about eight to ten years.

Can you lubricate PVC ball valve?

Silicone lubricant should be applied to the ball valve. You can use a fitting that fits the size of the pipe in your plumbing system to connect thePVC pipe that you cut. The screw collar on the union is equal to the width of the section of pipe that you cut out.

How do you use a PVC ball valve?

PVC (PolyVinyl Chloride) ball valves are widely used plastic shut off valves. The valve contains a rotary ball with a bore at the center. By rotating the ball a quarter-turn, the bore can be aligned inline or perpendicular to the piping to open or block the medias flow.
Selection Wizard.

Valve Pipe ∅
2 inch ± 40 – 60 mm

What are gate valves made of?



Gate valves are typically constructed from cast iron, cast carbon steel, ductile iron, gunmetal, stainless steel, alloy steels, and forged steels.

What is the difference between a gate valve and a ball valve?

What is the difference between gate valve and ball valve? The main difference is in the operation. A gate valve moves a solid disk up and down to open/close the orifice. A ball valve rotates a ball (the orifice) with a bore in it 90 degrees to open/close the valve.

What is ball valve used for?

Ball valve is the most used fluid shutoff valve in upstream oil and gas production facilities, both onshore and offshore. They are also used in fuel gas systems feeding furnaces. Plug valves present the following advantages: Resistance to high pressure.

What is a water main gate valve?

A gate valve is the most common valve for water supply systems. It represents a linear-motion isolation valve and has a function to stop or allow the flow. Gate valves got their name from the closure element sliding into the flow stream to provide shutoff and, therefore, acting like a gate.

Do ball valves reduce water pressure?



To answer your question; A ball valve only controls flow not pressure. A few seconds after water is flowing a ball valve will limit the pressure based on the flow. A pressure regulator requires no more plumbing than a ball valve.

Do ball valves have a flow direction?

Ball valves may be installed in vertical or horizontal pipe runs, they are bi-directional therefore flow direction is not critical, however the best practice is to set up the valve handle to point in the direction of flow whenever possible.

Are ball valves shut off valves?

A ball valve is a shut off valve that controls the flow of a liquid or gas by means of a rotary ball having a bore. By rotating the ball a quarter turn (90 degrees) around its axis, the medium can flow through or is blocked.

Can a gas ball valve be used for water?

It could be used for water, but it is unprotected steel and will corrode. That is why water pipe and fittings are usually galvanized or made of corrosion resistant materials like copper and brass.

How do you turn off a water ball valve?



A ball valve has a lever type handle, and all you have to do it turn the handle a quarter of turn to have the handle be perpendicular with the piping in the “off” position. Again that’s perpendicular to be off, and parallel to the turned back on.