Gate and globe (stop) valves are prone to corrosion and generally wear out over time. Ball valves are much more durable and reliable. I’ve seen many, many old stop valves that are leaking or don’t shut off properly, or more often, leak as soon as you open/close them after they’ve not been touched for years.
Should I replace gate valves with ball valves?
Ball valves are more effective at forming a tight seal and have more reliability and longevity than gate valves, but tend to be more expensive. They are often used for shutoff and control applications. Because ball valves can open and close immediately, they are more likely than gate valves to cause water hammer.
When should a gate valve be replaced?
These problems are typically caused by mineral buildup, so you should fully close and open your gate valves every few months to clear potential problems. If your gate valve has severe pitting or corrosion, you will need to replace it.
Is a ball valve the same as a shut off valve?
Also called “shut off valves,” ball valves are the only way to immediately shut off the flow of water. Gate valves are incapable of immediate redirection. With the exception of 3-way ball valves, machined stops prevent most ball valves from moving more than 90 degrees.
What is the difference between ball valve and gate valve?
The main difference between ball valves and gate valves
While gate valves open by lifting a round or rectangular gate out of the path of the fluid, ball valves have a stem and a ball that turn horizontally. This is why ball valves are often referred to as a rotational valve.
Should I use a gate or ball valve?
Opening and closing speed: A ball valve is better suited for applications that require faster opening and closing speed or during emergencies due to its quarter turn on/off operation. A gate valve requires more than a 360° turn, making it slower than a ball valve to operate.
Are gate valves obsolete?
The gate valve has been around longer, and is slowly becoming obsolete. The design of the ball valve makes it vastly superior to the gate valve, and is proven to last longer and cause less problems.
How long does a gate valve last?
You can expect a shut-off valve to last about 10 to 25 years, with an average of 20 years. But, if they are not “exercised” every year or two, there is good chance a valve will be freeze prematurely in the open position just when you really need it to close for a plumbing emergency or repair.
Are gate valves any good?
Gate valves are for use on low pressures only – they are quite good for regulating flow. They can also be safely shut off and not accidentally turned on. Lever Ball-valves are suitable for any pressure. They are fairly reliable but are only on/off and cannot be safely be locked off.
How long does a ball valve last?
about eight to ten years
A ball valve is a shut-off valve capable of preventing or allowing liquid or gas to pass through a fixture. 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 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.
Why do gate valves fail?
The most common causes of gate valve failure are wear and corrosion. Gate valves tend to wear out over time. And corrosion can cause the disc to stick in either the open or closed position. When the handle is forced, the stem leading from the handle to the disc will often break, rendering the valve useless.
Do ball valves fail?
Common Ball Valve Failures
One of the most common types of ball valve failures involves a buildup of dirt and sediment within the valve, making it difficult to open and close. The use of solvent cement glue can also clog up the ball, causing it to stick to the inside of the valve and resist turning.
How can you tell if a ball valve is bad?
Suspect a gas leak? Questioning if your ball valve needs to be replaced?
- Gas ON (handle is parallel to the valve and ball is turned to let gas flow through its center)
- Gas OFF (handle is perpendicular to the valve and ball is turned to block the flow of gas)
What causes a ball valve to leak?
If the ball valve is not installed in the fully open position, the ball will be damaged by the welding spatter. When the ball with the welding spatter is opened and closed, the valve seat will be further damaged, resulting in internal leakage.
