Ball Valve Replacements

A ball valve controls the flow of liquid through a pipe by using a ball with a hole in it. The ball is mounted inside the valve body and can rotate 90 degrees to either open or close the flow path. When the valve handle is turned so that the ball's hole aligns with the pipe, fluid can flow freely through the valve. When the handle is turned 90 degrees, the ball rotates so that the hole is perpendicular to the pipeline, blocking the flow path. Ball valves provide an excellent seal when closed, as the ball is pressed tightly against the valve seats, ensuring minimal leakage. The design is particularly effective for high-pressure applications.

Ball valves and gate valves are two types of valves used to stop or start the flow of water. A ball valve uses a rotating ball with a hole through the center to start or stop water flow, while a gate valve uses an internal gate that raises or lowers as the handle is turned. Ball valves are usually considered faster, as they can open or close completely with a simple 90-degree turn. Meanwhile, gate valves require multiple full turns of a round handwheel, which takes longer but helps prevent water hammer. These days, ball valves are often preferred for their quick shut-off capabilities, while gate valves may be found on older plumbing or mainline installations.