Valves Buying Guides

Valves are the control points of your plumbing system. The right valve type, material, and connection method ensures reliable shutoff, proper pressure regulation, and code-compliant backflow prevention.

We have 5 buying guides covering valves topics.

All Valves Buying Guides 5

Ball Valve vs Gate Valve: Which to Use Where

Reference guide

Gate valves were the standard residential shut-off for 50 years. Ball valves have almost entirely replaced them in new construction. The reason is simple: ball valves operate with a quarter turn, never seize, and provide a visual open/closed indicator. Gate valves require multiple turns, seize after years of non-use, and fail at the worst possible moment -- when you need to shut off water in an emergency. If you are replacing any shut-off valve in your house, a ball valve is the correct choice every time.

5 sections

Key tips:When replacing any shut-off valve in your house, upgrade from gate to ball. The $2-$5 premium buys a valve that works every time you need it.Quarter-turn ball valves have a visual indicator: handle parallel to pipe = open, perpendicular = closed. You can see the valve status from across the room. Gate valves require counting turns -- no visual indicator.Full-port ball valves are required for main shut-off valves. The full-port has an internal opening equal to the pipe diameter. Standard-port is fine for individual fixture supply lines.If your house still has gate valves (multi-turn handles on shut-offs), exercise them once a year: close fully, then open fully. This prevents seizing. But plan to replace them with ball valves over time.

Bottom line: Ball valves are better than gate valves in every residential application: faster operation, more reliable, never seize, visual open/closed indicator. The $2-$5 price premium is insignificant. Replace old gate valves with ball valves whenever you have the opportunity -- especially the main shut-off, which is the valve you need most in an emergency.

Check Valves & Backflow Prevention

Reference guide

Backflow occurs when contaminated water flows backward into clean supply. Check valves and backflow preventers allow water to flow one direction only. Different applications require different devices.

3 sections

Key tips:Spring-loaded check valve on sump pump prevents loud clank when pump cycles off.Replace sump pump check valves every 5-7 years.Hose bib vacuum breakers ($3-5) are cheapest backflow protection.Verify irrigation system has code-compliant backflow preventer.

Bottom line: Check valves for sump pumps and recirculation. Certified backflow preventers for irrigation and cross-connections. Vacuum breakers on all hose bibs.

Pressure Reducing Valves (PRV) Guide

Reference guide

Municipal pressure can exceed 100 PSI -- too high for residential plumbing. Anything above 80 PSI damages pipes, fittings, appliances, and water heaters. A PRV on the main line reduces pressure to a safe 50-60 PSI. Required by code when incoming pressure exceeds 80 PSI.

3 sections

Key tips:Test pressure with a $10 gauge. Above 80 PSI at any time means install a PRV.Set to 50-60 PSI for best balance.Always pair PRV with an expansion tank -- closed system needs thermal expansion relief.Check output pressure annually.

Bottom line: Test pressure. Install PRV if above 80 PSI. Set 50-60 PSI. Pair with expansion tank. Replace every 7-12 years.

Shut-Off Valve Types: Ball vs Gate vs Globe

Reference guide

Ball valves are the modern standard -- reliable, easy to operate, and long-lasting. Gate valves seize and fail. Globe valves are for flow regulation, not shut-off. Knowing the difference helps you choose the right valve and identify which ones need replacement.

3 sections

Key tips:Replace every gate valve with a ball valve when you get the chance.Exercise shut-off valves annually to prevent seizing.Full-port ball valves for main shut-offs. Standard-port fine for fixtures.Push-fit ball valves are fastest for adding shut-offs anywhere.

Bottom line: Ball valves for everything. Replace gate valves on sight. Test all shut-offs annually. Your main shut-off is the most important valve in the house.

Valve Materials & Connection Types

Reference guide

Valve material must match the application: brass for potable water, PVC for drainage and irrigation, stainless for corrosive environments. Connection type must match your pipe.

2 sections

Key tips:Always lead-free brass (NSF 61) for potable water.Push-fit for repairs and retrofits. Soldered or crimped for new work.Match valve connection to pipe material.Dielectric unions required where brass meets galvanized steel.

Bottom line: Lead-free brass for potable water. Match connection to pipe type. Push-fit for repairs, permanent methods for new work. Buy quality brands.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many buying guides are there for valves?

We cover 5 buying guides for valves: Ball Valve vs Gate Valve: Which to Use Where, Check Valves & Backflow Prevention, Pressure Reducing Valves (PRV) Guide, Shut-Off Valve Types: Ball vs Gate vs Globe, Valve Materials & Connection Types.

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