Most likely, anyone who needs to turn off the water immediately grabs a ball valve. water tapThis thing is so common that few people think about why it is even needed. After all, this tap is like a pipe guard, with it you can quickly and reliably stop the water.
Let's see why ball valves have become so popular and why they are installed wherever there is a water supply.
How it works: simple and reliable
The thing is that a ball valve is very simple. Inside it is a ball, smooth as a mirror, with a hole in the middle.
- Open: The hole in the ball coincides with the pipe, and the water flows freely.
- Closed: Turned the handle 90 degrees, the ball turned, and the water no longer flows.
That's it! This on-off mechanism makes a ball valve a great way to shut off water. But remember: it can't regulate pressure, it's only for turning the water on or off completely.
Why does everyone choose ball valves?
Nowadays, ball valves are made of brass, often nickel-plated to prevent rust. They have many advantages:
- Water will not leak anywhere: The ball fits tightly, so you don't have to worry about leaks.
- Long-lasting: It has a simple design, few parts that can break, and is made of good materials (such as CW617N brass), so it can withstand even heavy pressure.
- Shuts off the water instantly: Just turn the handle and the water is stopped. This is very useful if something breaks and you need to stop the flow urgently.
- Easy to install: There are different types of mounts so it can be screwed anywhere.
- Doesn't take up much space: They are smaller than old faucets with a valve.
How to choose a good ball valve?
Not all faucets are the same. The market is full of cheap ones made of poor alloy (silumin) that can break at the wrong time. To avoid getting into trouble, look at the following:
- Brass is best for water, preferably nickel or chrome plated. The ball should be shiny and smooth.
- How much does it weigh: A good brass faucet will be heavier than a silumin faucet.
- What should be written on the body: The name of the company that made it. The size (DN or DU). What pressure it can withstand (PN, for example, PN40). What material it is made of (for example, CW617N).
- Wall thickness and thread: The walls should be even, and the thread should have at least 5-6 turns so that the tap holds well on the pipe.
- How it is attached: For an apartment, couplings (with internal thread) are suitable, and for large pipes - welding or flanged.
Shut-off valves from Uxpar – like insurance for your home. So don't skimp on it, because it protects you from a flood.
