Quality PVC Ball valves that dont break the bank?
#1
01-25-22, 09:09 AM
Quality PVC Ball valves that dont break the bank?
I'm redoing the plumbing on my 300 gallon saltwater fish tank :-) in the past I've always used the inexpensive ones from home depot. And as many of us know they can be hard to turn. I've never had any fail on my system, but do hate how difficult they can be to turn.
I've seen higher quality 1" ball valves for for $25. Anyone know of a reputable place to get quality valves somewhere between the $4 Home Depot and the $25 ones I've found?
I've seen higher quality 1" ball valves for for $25. Anyone know of a reputable place to get quality valves somewhere between the $4 Home Depot and the $25 ones I've found?
#2
01-25-22, 09:32 AM
I have several of the cheap PVC ball valves on my property and have never had any issues with any of them. Occasionally one might be hard to turn initially but once it's been opened it goes back to turning easily. I always figured the hard to turn was caused by it not having been utilized for a long period.
#3
01-25-22, 09:55 AM
I'd at least consider using brass valves instead of PVC valves. Here's a suggestion:
https://www.supplyhouse.com/Bluefin-...ded-Ball-Valve
Obviously adding two threaded adapters will add a few dollars as well. But the good thing is a brass ball valve should work pretty much forever.
I don't have a suggestion for good/bad PVC valves as it's just not something I ever use.
https://www.supplyhouse.com/Bluefin-...ded-Ball-Valve
Obviously adding two threaded adapters will add a few dollars as well. But the good thing is a brass ball valve should work pretty much forever.
I don't have a suggestion for good/bad PVC valves as it's just not something I ever use.
#4
01-25-22, 10:03 AM
thanks all. Since I'll need about 10 of these things I'm leaning toward the $4 ones versus spending $250 on ball valves. @Zorfdt I'll have to see why nobody uses brass fittings in the hobby. It may have to do with things leaching from the brass into the saltwater system.
#5
01-25-22, 10:38 AM
Group Moderator
I have gone through a lot of PVC ball valves. I have a 2" one right now that is frozen in the closed position on a water tank.
I would NOT use brass in a salt tank. Anything "affordable" won't tell you what it's made of other than translated Mandarin for the word "brass". Anything that truthfully lists it's metals will be super expensive. Count on some whatever leaching into the water. Since so much of the brass used is recycled under very primitive conditions you really have do idea what is in the metal. Worse, I expect there is another metal somewhere in your tank that might set up galvanic corrosion.
The only valves I have found that are better are stainless steel bolt together ball valves. They are used in brewing but they are more expensive than brass. They are good though. They can be easily disassembled & repaired if you do ever have trouble with one.
I would NOT use brass in a salt tank. Anything "affordable" won't tell you what it's made of other than translated Mandarin for the word "brass". Anything that truthfully lists it's metals will be super expensive. Count on some whatever leaching into the water. Since so much of the brass used is recycled under very primitive conditions you really have do idea what is in the metal. Worse, I expect there is another metal somewhere in your tank that might set up galvanic corrosion.
The only valves I have found that are better are stainless steel bolt together ball valves. They are used in brewing but they are more expensive than brass. They are good though. They can be easily disassembled & repaired if you do ever have trouble with one.
#6
01-25-22, 11:06 AM
Member
but do hate how difficult they can be to turn.
Every time I change my water treatment filters (2X per year) I walk around and give the dozen or so valves a twist and they are still moving after close to 14 years!
#7
01-26-22, 06:54 AM
Thanks all. Shouldnt be a problem turning them occasionally, maybe thats the plan. I wonder if there's a way to modify them to turn smoother to begin with. @Pilot Dane thats all I need to hear on the brass. thank you!!
#8
01-26-22, 07:47 AM
Group Moderator
PVC ball valves cannot be opened or serviced. So, what you buy is what you get.
Be careful if forcing a PVC ball valve. I had a handle break in my hand and it took several stitches. Now, if the handles are hard to turn I put on heavy gloves or use channel locks.
Be careful if forcing a PVC ball valve. I had a handle break in my hand and it took several stitches. Now, if the handles are hard to turn I put on heavy gloves or use channel locks.
#9
01-26-22, 09:13 AM
The few times I've had a stubborn one [from non use]it went back to working normally after opening/closing it a few times. Only been an issue if the valve hadn't been closed in a yr or 3.
#10
01-26-22, 02:37 PM
Price shopping comparison
While not a “quality” recommendation, price is a factor in purchase of PCV valves. Some sources price maybe 3 times the lowest price.
Below are prices of a common 1” valve. Lowest price Supplyhouse.com has next day shipping in Northeast. Used Ace Hardware as typical local store but here some locals are even higher.
$3.18 https://www.supplyhouse.com/Bluefin-...-Valve-Solvent
$5 https://www.homedepot.com/p/ProLine-...C/100145648?ME
$9 https://www.acehardware.com/departme...valves/4560033
Below are prices of a common 1” valve. Lowest price Supplyhouse.com has next day shipping in Northeast. Used Ace Hardware as typical local store but here some locals are even higher.
$3.18 https://www.supplyhouse.com/Bluefin-...-Valve-Solvent
$5 https://www.homedepot.com/p/ProLine-...C/100145648?ME
$9 https://www.acehardware.com/departme...valves/4560033
Last edited by doughess; 01-26-22 at 02:55 PM.
#11
01-26-22, 06:57 PM
Good stuff. So after some research these are some products that seem to fit my needs:
- Ball Valves: Hydroseal Kaplan 3/4" PVC True Union Ball (Amazon) $12.50
- Gate Valves: PVC Gate Valve, Slip (Savko) $14.33
- Ball Valves: Hydroseal Kaplan 3/4" PVC True Union Ball (Amazon) $12.50
- Gate Valves: PVC Gate Valve, Slip (Savko) $14.33
#13
01-30-22, 11:15 PM
I use silicone grease on all ball valves, plastic or stainless. It is inert and does not degrade plastic (pvc).
