What Is a Ball Valve?

To get the best plumbing set up in your home, you're going to want the best kind of valves for the job. Oftentimes, the perfect option is a ball valve. Whether you are experienced or new to plumbing, you've probably heard that term before, so what is a ball valve?

How Does a Ball Valve Work?

A ball valve is a type of shut-off valve that uses a rotating ball to close and open. They just need to rotate 90-degrees in order to perform their function. They are known for lasting years with a strong seal, which makes them one of the most popular valve choices. There are different types of ball valves to consider.

Types of Ball Valves

Threaded: this is the standard. It consists of the housing, seat, ball, and manual lever. This type can anywhere from two to four ports.
Flanged: typified by the connection type and usually a full-bore configuration for high flow rate, the ports connect to your plumbing system with the use of flanges. They can have anywhere from two to four ports.
Vent: this means that the outlet port vents through a tiny borehole when it's in a closed position. This function is useful in compressed air systems. They usually look a lot like threaded ball valves.
Hydraulic: made specifically for either heating or hydraulic systems, they operate at high pressure and are made of steel.

Get Discount Ball Valves Online

Now that you've learned all about what a ball valve is and how it works, you can tackle your home improvement project. You can find just about any type of plumbing part here at PlumbersStock. If you can't, don't give up. Please contact us because we probably have it, you just haven't found it. For contractors or homeowners buying bulk, hit us up about special deals.