Ball Valve v. Gate Valve
#1
06-07-00, 01:02 PM
I have only seen gate valves (compression valves - "screw them until the washer shuts off the water type valves") used in homes.
I'm thinking about using ball valves ("turn the handle 90 degrees until the little hole is totally closed off type valves") to replace my main shutoff valve and the valves to the clothes washer water. They seem much easier to turn off and on, there are no washers or packing to wear out, and you can tell from a distance whether they are off or on (a big advantage for the washer shutoffs).
Is there any reason at all *not* to use ball valves?
Thanks.
I'm thinking about using ball valves ("turn the handle 90 degrees until the little hole is totally closed off type valves") to replace my main shutoff valve and the valves to the clothes washer water. They seem much easier to turn off and on, there are no washers or packing to wear out, and you can tell from a distance whether they are off or on (a big advantage for the washer shutoffs).
Is there any reason at all *not* to use ball valves?
Thanks.
#2
06-07-00, 01:08 PM
quote:<HR>Originally posted by DavidZ:
I have only seen gate valves (compression valves - "screw them until the washer shuts off the water type valves") used in homes.
I'm thinking about using ball valves ("turn the handle 90 degrees until the little hole is totally closed off type valves") to replace my main shutoff valve and the valves to the clothes washer water. They seem much easier to turn off and on, there are no washers or packing to wear out, and you can tell from a distance whether they are off or on (a big advantage for the washer shutoffs).
Is there any reason at all *not* to use ball valves?
Thanks.<HR>
Ball valves are the only way to go.
Best Regards Plumber2000
www.atozplumbing.com
#4
06-08-00, 10:13 AM
quote:<HR>Originally posted by DavidZ:
Thanks, Plummer2000. But, why does everyone use compression valves? Even the old guy at my good, personal, old-time hardware store just shrugged.<HR>
It is a matter of preferance on who installs it, not reason one chooses something over the othere, it was a major practice back then until better products came out.
Best Regards Plumber2000
www.atozplumbing.com
#5
06-09-00, 02:41 PM
We just built a new home and my husband, who is an engineer, insisted on using ball valves EVERYWHERE! (He works in the valve industry) Our plumber didn't like the idea but grudgingly obliged.I think it's simply a matter of reluctance to change old ways of doing things!
