When an apartment is being repaired or replaced with a plumbing and heating system, it becomes necessary to purchase and install various taps and valves. Not only the convenience of their use depends on how high-quality the choice of these elements will be, but also the safety of the neighbors living below, because there is always a possibility of their flooding.
In order to avoid mistakes and unnecessary costs, you first need to understand the design of these plumbing devices. All of them perform a specific function, for example, Ball Valves for plumbing, they are responsible for the supply of water and its regulation in the kitchen and in the bathroom.
Features of ball valves
Today, ball valves are considered the most reliable and widespread type used to regulate the plumbing. This explains their widespread use. They are also used in oil pipelines, gas pipelines and water pipelines. for various purposes. Due to their versatility, they are gradually replacing types of valves such as cylindrical and conical, as well as wedge gate valves.
The base of the ball valve consists of a rotating element with a rotation of 90 degrees, and the ball itself acts as a fitting that cuts off the flow of water. If you turn the handle, the working mechanism will move. Accordingly, the hole will also shift, as a result, the water supply stops. Such a device has found application in mixers when supplying hot and cold water, as well as in the heating system of multi-storey buildings.
Modern ball valves provide reliable performance for many years, especially if it is a branded product. Thanks to the advent of new technologies, modern materials and alloys, ball devices, combining simplicity and reliability, have become the most popular.
Types of cranes
When buying a faucet, a consumer can be confused by the wide variety of these devices. Therefore, it is difficult to choose the right suitable product. For the sake of clarity, these plumbing fixtures divided into three groups:
Ball valve design
Main details such a plumbing device are:
- unscrewed part of the body;
- rubber stem seals;
- rotary lever;
- screw made of galvanized steel;
- swivel ball made of chrome-plated brass;
- teflon sealant of the ball part;
- stock.
The simplest in design are household ball valves designed for cold water. Coupling types are able to withstand pretty big load so they are used for hot water. These products have a lot in common, only the shape of the crane can be different, depending on their purpose. The flow of water in varieties of ball valves is carried out through the hole, and it is blocked by turning the lever 90 degrees.
Advantages of ball valves for water pipelines
Such a device has become popular not only because of its ergonomic design and ease of use. He has many other advantages:
Device disadvantages
The ball valve for water supply, unfortunately, also has disadvantages.
With poor water quality the ball starts to sag. If the tap long time do not turn, especially if it is used for hot water, then after a while the device starts to act up, and then it becomes impossible to open it. Therefore, for prevention, it is recommended to turn it every two months to knock off all salt deposits from it.
If the water passing through the tap contains rust, then during the opening and closing of the device, its surface is damaged by scale and sand. All this leads to the fact that in the closed position the ball valve begins to pickle.
If the plumbing fixture average quality, then in some cases a leak occurs from under the stuffing box. The valve in this situation can be tightened, but often the nut that tightens the gland begins to spin along with the lever and the flow cannot be stopped. And in some models there is no gland at all, and therefore, if a leak occurs, the tap is simply thrown out and a new one is installed.
Another drawback is that the ball valve should only be installed in a room where the temperature does not drop below zero degrees. Otherwise, the water will freeze and break the device.
How to choose a quality product
Before visiting a store to purchase a plumbing fixture, measure the size of a water pipe. This is important, because its cross section and the dimensions of the holes of the ball must match.
The prices for such devices are best studied in advance in any online store. All information should be obtained directly from hardware store from a sales consultant. The product must be visually evaluated from all sides, because it is impossible to qualitatively evaluate the product from the picture on the site.
Quality products must be trademark, certificate, detailed instructions and marking. The main instructions should have a translation into Russian - this is typical for a licensed imported product. Illegal products usually have sloppy translations, distortions in logos and inscriptions, the name of the country of origin and the release date are missing. No one will be responsible for such a product.
It is necessary to carefully inspect the product for the presence of sags, cracks, chips, bumps, peeling paint on the swing arm. Quality products have the same wall thickness of the case.
Ideally, the ball should be made of brass, but for a fake it is steel. In addition, poor quality goods mirror surface dull.
The body must also be made of brass, except for chrome ball mixers. A fake is usually made of silumin or galvanized. Protective covering often scratched. The inner metal should be light yellow.
When purchasing a crane, do not pay attention to goods with a low price. A quality licensed product is never cheap. When making a purchase, the seller is obliged to issue a check that gives the right to exchange in case of purchase of a defective crane. Better if there is a warranty card. It is never given for counterfeit goods. You also need to check for detailed instructions.
Increased demand for quality ball valves spawned counterfeiting, outwardly very similar, but spoiling the reputation of trusted manufacturers. They quickly begin to break or leak. There were cases when a plumbing fixture purchased on the market cracked and fell apart right during installation. Verified goods are best purchased from official distributors.
Conclusion
The ball valve for water pipes should only be made of quality material from a reliable manufacturer with a mandatory warranty card. Installing a fake can lead to adverse consequences. Despite the fact that the product has minor drawbacks, it has quite significant advantages.
It is known that a drop hollows out a stone not by force, but by frequent falling. And if the water flows in a thin stream, then in an hour it will fill a 300-liter container. So that the water does not gouge all the plumbing in the house and does not bankrupt its owners, you need to choose the right faucet. Not only the peace of the inhabitants of the apartment depends on this, but also the safety of the neighbors. One of the most reliable and practical in everyday life are ball valves for plumbing. They are installed on hot and cold water supply in apartments and houses. What is the secret of the popularity of these devices?
You can block or redirect the flow of water through pipes using several types of valves: valve, lever or ball. Previously, plumbers always used valves, but in Lately ball valves are especially popular. They are easy to install, durable and reliable.
Application area
Ball valves are widely used in various industries and areas:
- water supply and heating
- transportation of petroleum products, oils, chemical substances, food solutions pipeline in the industry
- pumping gas in a gas pipeline
- connection household appliances- washing, dishwashers, water filters, etc.
- fire hydrants, sewage disposal.
Ball valves are indispensable in the oil and gas industry
Operating principle
The design of the ball valve has been known for over a hundred years and has been actively used in Europe. At the heart of this locking mechanism is a ball with a hole that blocks the working flow. Turning 90 degrees regulates the supply and shut-off of water. If through hole turns parallel to the pipe, then water is supplied, and if it is perpendicular, the tap is closed. The hole inside the ball can be rectangular, oval, round, and the size directly depends on the purpose of the valve and the diameter of the pipe.
The locking element (ball) can be placed in two ways:
- V big cranes on special supports;
- in conventional small-sized devices - floating.
Advantages
Choosing a ball valve for water supply or heating in the house, you will not lose, as they have a number of significant advantages:
- compact design, its reliability
- ease of operation (turn the handle 90o)
- installation can be done by hand
- strength and corrosion resistance (can be used in the chemical industry)
- economy (does not pass water)
- high wear resistance, tightness.
Varieties of cranes
In order not to dry your head for a long time over the question of which ball valves are best for plumbing, consider their types. They depend on how they are installed on the pipe.
The coupling ball valve is used for pipes with a diameter of up to 45 mm. He small size, convenient and reliable for water supply, gas pipeline, heating systems.
Water supply to coupling valve is regulated by the position of the ball, which is located inside the structure.
Flanged ball valve is required for large pipelines where the pipe diameter is greater than 45mm. When installing them on overall systems, sealing gaskets are required, which increase the tightness and strength of the connection between the valve and the pipe. This type of crane is able to withstand high pressure, they are more often used in systems for pumping gas or oil products.
The choke ball valve is convenient in that it can be dismantled several times, it is indispensable in the chemical, Food Industry and other industries.
The welded ball valve is called so because it is attached to the pipe by welding. It will no longer be possible to dismantle such a crane; it is most often used in the construction industry.
Ball valve operation
It is known that a competent installation and correct operation any equipment will be able to extend its service life, ensure its safe operation. Ball valves are no exception. It is important to follow some tips and avoid mistakes in the operation of ball valves.
- Do not extend the handle to open and close the water, use only the factory handle.
- The thread on the pipe must match the thread on the faucet, and threaded connection must not be overtightened so as not to break the body of the locking device.
- If the valve is used in an environment that contains contaminants or solid particles, be sure to install a strainer in front of it.
Installation process
The ball valve can be installed by hand. To do this, you need to do the following step by step instructions:
How to disassemble the crane
Since nothing is eternal in nature, taps can also sometimes leak. In this case, you need to know how to disassemble the ball water faucet to troubleshoot. They occur if the rubber seals wear out or the space between the ball and the rubber seals becomes clogged. So let's get started:
- turn off the water and unscrew the screw holding the rotary handle
- remove the swing arm
- unscrew the threaded part of the tap with a screwdriver clockwise
- pliers remove the dome of the crane, remove plastic element
- inspect and clean from grains of sand or limescale sealant
- inspect the ball and if it is damaged, change it to a new one
- if necessary, change deformed gaskets
- in the reverse order, we assemble the plumbing fixture, not forgetting to lubricate all the parts with a layer of grease.
By installing on water pipe repaired ball valve, do not forget to check its tightness.
If the locking device does not allow water to pass through, regulates the flow of water normally, then you did everything right! Ready!
Most of us do not pay attention to how ball valves for plumbing affect our health. For someone, the price is of great importance, someone cares, first of all, about their own health and therefore pays Special attention crane quality.
About which ball valves are best for plumbing
What should be a ball valve?
In order to get an answer to the question posed, it is necessary to initially study the assortment available in the markets and in stores.
A fairly common situation is when, among the huge selection of cranes, it is impossible to choose suitable option. This is due big difference in price. Moreover, even the sellers themselves cannot explain what is the difference between a cheap crane and an expensive one. In fact, the price depends entirely on the material from which the faucet is actually made. After all, the reliability of the design and human health depend on the raw materials used.
Having bought an expensive ball valve, no one is immune from its breakdown. This is due to the fact that a huge number of counterfeit goods are currently presented in the markets and in stores. Hence, main task the buyer is to purchase a ball valve from a trusted manufacturer.
Manufacturers
Proven companies, in most cases, use nickel-plated brass in the manufacturing process of the faucet. It is worth saying that the ball itself is made of chrome-plated brass. Italian companies GIACOMINI, STC, RASTELLI monitor the quality of their products and try to do everything to make the consumer satisfied.
High quality brass is used in the manufacturing process.
Separately, it should be noted that the wall thickness of a high-quality faucet should not be less than 2 mm.
What other materials are ball valves made of?
- Nickel-plated brass or zinc body. The ball itself is made of chrome iron. The examination showed that this type of product does not meet European standards. This is due to the fact that such brass contains an increased amount of lead and iron. Plus, the wall thickness does not exceed 1 mm.
- Zinc faucets are considered the most harmful and unreliable. During the operation of the tap, zinc, along with water, enters the human body, which leads to quite serious diseases.
Summing up, we can say that in order to purchase high-quality ball valves for water pipes, you need to be guided not only by its price, but also by what material the product is made of. When buying products even from well-known manufacturers, it is necessary to pay attention to whether the proposed ball valve complies with accepted world standards.
The ball valve rotates smoothly, which allows you to change its position, adjust the volume of the passage to move the liquid medium. Ball valves are used everywhere - wherever it is necessary to regulate hot or cold water supply systems, heating gas pipelines. Structurally, there are several types of ball valves for water. All options are presented in the catalog of our store. You can buy items for affordable prices. Our store is located in Moscow, but we work with clients all over Russia, we provide prompt delivery and order processing.
Ball valves for water have different types threads, for example:
- external thread
- internal
- combined thread.
Additionally, the use of other elements such as holes is provided, where the sensor is mounted to release air or drain water. The ball shape provides a tight seal.
Our company has been operating in this market segment since 1999. More than 3,000 clients from 120 Russian cities applied to us, and their number is constantly growing. In total, about 8,000 items of goods are presented in warehouses, and products are supplied from 10 countries. Our experts give advice on payment terms, technical and operational characteristics of products.
Can you imagine installing plumbing in multi-storey buildings or in the private sector, connecting a boiler, washing machine or counter without stop valves? To date, ball valves for water supply are the most reliable shut-off elements in systems that use water transportation. The name of the valve comes from its locking device (the movable part of the shutter in the form of a ball), when moving around its axis, it opens / closes the device. To do right choice crane, it is necessary to take into account its purpose, material of manufacture and diameter. Now about all this in more detail.
Brass valves are most often used for living conditions. If you wish to purchase ball valve for water that will last for many years, pay attention to high-quality branded products:
- — Giacomini;
- — Itap;
- — Remer;
- — Bossini and others.
The fact is that Italian manufacturers(supply ball valves to the world market up to 70% of all products) in the face of fierce competition, they constantly improve their products, and strictly monitor quality control. Unlike Chinese fakes, and Polish and Turkish counterparts, original branded products are made of forged brass, taking into account chemical composition meeting European national standards. So, for example, according to these standards, the composition of brass provides for the following composition:
- - copper 55-60%;
- — zinc 40%;
- - lead - which gives hardness to the brass surface - no more than 0.8-2.2%.
Manufacturers - falsifiers hide behind brands of well-known brands in order to create an analogue - a fake at a minimum level of cost. Lead is added up to 7% to make the product heavier, thereby undermining the health of customers (its high level harmful to humans). Or, in general, zinc or silumin are used in the manufacture of the case ( Aluminium alloy), making the faucet brittle and ready to crack from any mechanical impact.
The composition of the ball valve for water
The original ball valve for water has the following device:
- - a brass body made by hot pressing, and a wall thickness of 2 mm (for fakes 1-0.5 mm, it is made by casting);
- - perforated ball valve made of polished brass - Chinese fakes have steel;
- - comfortable handle (butterfly or lever, depending on the model and diameter);
- - housing / adjusting nut;
- — Teflon saddle seal;
- - washer for sealing;
- - rubber stem seal;
- - a rod inserted inside the body (material of manufacture is brass).
Types of ball valves for water supply
The ball valve for water supply can be coupling and combined. Sleeve valves have the following differences:
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- diameter from ½ inch to 4 "inch - 1" inch is often used to connect risers in multi-storey buildings and to connect water pumping stations, and half an inch for connecting water meters (to cut off the water supply to the apartment), dishwashers or boilers;
- thread type - internal / internal, internal / external, external / external;
- working pressure of at least 16 atmospheres (PN16) - 40;
- limit maximum temperature up to +200C Celsius.
The coupling ball valve, having small dimensions, is very practical to use and easy to install.
A combination faucet differs or is classified by the number of nozzles:
- angle tap with the same inch external threads on both sides (instrument type) - used to connect plumbing fixtures: dishwasher, faucet or toilet;
- angle valve on one side, ½ thread on the other ¾, both external - applicable for connecting a washing machine;
- three-way ball valve - has threads with a diameter of ½ in n 1/4 n, will allow for quick installation and dismantling washing machines, and will protect devices from water hammer during long periods of inactivity.
Combination faucets are made of brass and plated with nickel. The handle has a compact appearance without going beyond the fitting edges. Compact butterfly and nickel-plated surface will allow you to place it in the bathroom, where it is made designer finish. It is recommended to connect the device using a flexible hose with union nuts.
This device can be used in cold / hot water supply systems, with a range of (-10) to +90 degrees Celsius, and a maximum pressure inside the pipe of 10 bar.
This model has a certain number of closing-opening cycles, this level is at least 4000 times. Most Recommended trade marks combined valves - ARCO (Spain), ITAP (Italy) and VALTEC.
Professionals choose steel ball valves
Steel taps for water supply have universal design, which does not have a bolted connector, due to which water can flow, as a result of dynamic loads in pipelines. The design of the steel valve consists of a cylindrical end pipe and a welded spherical body, having a minimum wall thickness and light weight, while it can withstand maximum loads and pressures. All elements of the steel valve are tested for strength / tightness by water pressure, and by air pressure for tightness.
steel pipe fittings used when temperature conditions, which vary from -60C to +200C Celsius, where the working pressure of the liquid medium ranges up to 4.0 MPa. According to the type of connection, steel locking devices are divided:
- - on flanged;
- - welded.
Flanged steel cranes put on pipelines with a diameter of more than 50mm (up to 500mm), distinguished by their compactness, durability and ease of installation and operation. The tightness and strength of the ball flanged shut-off valves are ensured by sealing gaskets, allowing them to withstand a significant load.
Flanged ball valves are collapsible (the body consists of two halves, in case of damage it can be easily disassembled) and non-separable with a cast body (in case of breakage it requires a complete replacement).
Steel ball valves for water for welding are installed on pipelines with a hard-to-reach area or a place with a complete lack of dismantling. They are mounted by welding, so it is best if they are installed by qualified professionals. Welded ball valves are most often used in housing and communal services, for the construction building structure, in the food and oil industries. In order to open and close the device, there is a special handle, and you can also control the crane using a gearbox.
Polyethylene ball valve
Polyethylene ball valves for water are the latest development of plastic valves for modern polyethylene HDPE pipes, and are widely used in the drinking water supply system, irrigation systems, for construction of the pool, for a supply of cold technical waters in city and private constructions.
The polyethylene valve is attached to PVC pipes using a compression coupling (collet connection) without requiring any special knowledge or adaptation.
A reliable plastic ball (locking device) is not afraid of frost, and if winter time year, the remaining water freezes (unlike brass and steel taps), neither it, nor the body, or its other components remain unharmed. In the operational process, the compression valve is not exposed to corrosive effects, its patency will not overgrow and will not become unusable.
