Valves Types

Explore the different types of valves to find the best option for your needs and budget.

Quick Comparison

Type	Best For	Price Range	Pros	Cons
Ball Valves	Main shut-offs, fixture isolation	$5 – $50	Quick shut-off	Not for throttling
Check Valves	Sump pump discharge, irrigation, backflow prevention	$10 – $80	Prevents backflow	Creates slight pressure drop
Mixing Valves	Shower valves, point-of-use water heaters	$30 – $200	Scald prevention	Adds installation complexity
Pressure Reducing Valves	Homes with high municipal water pressure	$30 – $150	Protects plumbing	Reduces flow rate

All Valves Types 4

Ball Valves

4 min read

Ball valves use a hollow, perforated sphere that rotates 90 degrees to open or close. Quarter-turn operation: handle parallel to pipe is open, perpendicular is closed. The most reliable shut-off valve type for residential plumbing -- they seal completely, operate easily even after years of non-use, and last 15-25 years. The standard replacement for old gate valves that get stuck or fail to close fully. Available in brass, stainless steel, and PVC for different applications.

Best for: Main shut-offs, fixture isolation $5 – $50

Key features:Quarter-turn operation -- fast, easy, and unmistakable open/closed positionFull-port design provides unrestricted flow when open (no flow reduction)Positive seal -- closes completely with no drippingWorks reliably even after years without use (unlike gate valves that seize)Available in threaded, soldered, push-fit, PEX crimp, and press-fit connections

Pros

Quick shut-off
Reliable seal
Long lifespan
Low maintenance

Cons

Not for throttling
More expensive than gate valves

Check Valves

4 min read

Check valves allow water to flow in one direction only. When flow reverses, the valve closes automatically. No handle, no manual operation -- purely mechanical, activated by water pressure and gravity. Essential for preventing backflow in sump pump discharge lines, water heater recirculation loops, booster pump outlets, and anywhere cross-contamination must be prevented. Spring-loaded, swing, and inline are the three main residential types.

Best for: Sump pump discharge, irrigation, backflow prevention $10 – $80

Key features:Automatic one-way flow -- no manual operation requiredPrevents backflow and cross-contamination of water supplySpring-loaded: works in any orientation, positive closureSwing check: gravity-assisted, lower pressure drop, horizontal or vertical (flow-up) onlyInline (disc): compact, fits tight spaces, moderate pressure drop

Pros

Prevents backflow
Automatic operation
No external power needed

Cons

Creates slight pressure drop
Can cause water hammer
Needs regular inspection

Mixing Valves

4 min read

Mixing valves blend hot and cold water to deliver a specific output temperature. Thermostatic mixing valves (TMVs) maintain a set temperature regardless of supply pressure changes. Anti-scald valves limit the maximum temperature to prevent burns. Installed at the water heater outlet (point-of-distribution) or at individual fixtures (point-of-use). Essential safety device in homes with children, elderly, or when the water heater is set above 120 degrees F for legionella prevention.

Best for: Shower valves, point-of-use water heaters $30 – $200

Key features:Blends hot and cold to deliver a preset, consistent output temperatureThermostatic element reacts automatically to supply temperature and pressure changesAnti-scald protection: limits maximum output to 120 degrees F (adjustable)Point-of-distribution (at water heater) or point-of-use (at fixture) installationAllows the water heater to run at higher temperatures (140 degrees F) for legionella kill while delivering safe 120 degrees F to fixtures

Pros

Scald prevention
Consistent temperature
Required by code in many areas

Cons

Adds installation complexity
Can fail and affect temperature

Pressure Reducing Valves

5 min read

Pressure reducing valves (PRVs) reduce incoming municipal water pressure to a safe level for household plumbing. Most homes should have pressure between 40-60 PSI. Municipal supply can be 80-150+ PSI -- too high for residential pipes, fittings, and appliances. The PRV is a spring-loaded valve installed on the main water line that automatically restricts flow to maintain a set outlet pressure. Adjustable via a screw on top. Every home with incoming pressure above 80 PSI needs one. Code requirement in most jurisdictions.

Best for: Homes with high municipal water pressure $30 – $150

Key features:Automatically reduces incoming water pressure to a set outlet pressureAdjustable output: typically set to 50-60 PSI for residential useSpring-loaded diaphragm mechanism responds instantly to pressure changesInstalled on the main water line after the meter and before the first branchCreates a closed system -- requires an expansion tank on the water heater to absorb thermal expansion

Pros

Protects plumbing
Reduces water waste
Extends fixture life

Cons

Reduces flow rate
Needs periodic adjustment
Can fail and restrict flow

Which Valves Type Is Right For You?

Ball Valves$5 – $50

Best for: Main shut-offs, fixture isolation

Check Valves$10 – $80

Best for: Sump pump discharge, irrigation, backflow prevention

Mixing Valves$30 – $200

Best for: Shower valves, point-of-use water heaters

Pressure Reducing Valves$30 – $150

Best for: Homes with high municipal water pressure

Frequently Asked Questions

How many types of valves are there?

There are 4 main types of valves: Ball Valves, Check Valves, Mixing Valves, Pressure Reducing Valves.

What is the most affordable type of valves?

Ball Valves typically offers the most budget-friendly option with prices in the $5 – $50 range.

How do I choose the right type of valves?

Consider your specific needs: Ball Valves is best for Main shut-offs, fixture isolation; Check Valves is best for Sump pump discharge, irrigation, backflow prevention; Mixing Valves is best for Shower valves, point-of-use water heaters.