The plumber told me which faucet is better (ball, valve or gate valve). Weak points of valves

When installing a water supply system, shut-off valves are used. With its help, the water supply is shut off. Some people ask which of the 3 options is better: ball, valve or valve gate valve?

Of course, a lot depends on the operation and the system. Each species is good and bad in its own way. But let's try to find the best one.

Crane gate valve

They are distinguished by their simplicity of design. The shutter is located inside the body, rotates at right angles. The main material for the gate valve: steel, as well as cast iron, stainless steel.

The shutter is only in 2 positions: "Closed", "open". If installed in an intermediate position, it can damage the mechanism. The half open / closed device is exposed to abrasive substances in the water. Scratches and other minor breakages appear. Term of use from 10 years or 2000 cycle.

Weak spots: Water begins to ooze from under the stem. The problem is solved by tightening the nut or replacing the gasket. Another disadvantage: significant height and clogging of the shutter. But you can clean it and use it again.

There are special gate valves with rubber wedge. The valve body is marked (P). The valve has significant advantages: elimination of leaks, the valve does not jam, protection against corrosion, double spindle seal.

Serves as a crane up to 50 liters. However, such valves are produced for pipes with a large diameter. For household use, locks are made of brass.

Valve

This locking mechanism is similar to the previous version (valve).

By turning the handwheel, the spindle rotates in the housing. It is displaced and the spool is lowered into the so-called seat, while blocking the flow of fluid.

pros: maintainability, the ability to adjust the flow. The spool gasket is often changed and the oil seal gaskets are tightened. There are fewer rubbing elements in the valve, compared to the gate valve. Term: from 20 liters. or 8000 cycles. work.

Minuses valve: hydraulic resistance. In some zones, various impurities accumulate, leading to corrosion. Drying or sticking of the spool gasket will result in poor valve performance.

Available for sale straight-through valve. In it, the spindle is tilted. At the same time, a plus: the hydraulic resistance is less than in a conventional valve.

Ball valve

The shut-off element is located inside in the form of a ball with a hole. Full bore is the main advantage of some devices.

When the valve is opened, the flow area is equal to the pipe diameter. There are also partial bore (reduced) models.

Ball valves are versatile, compact, reliable, and sealed. Efficiency of control (one turn) is their distinctive "horse". Life time up to 50 liters. or 25 thousand cycles.

Minuses: This valve is only used in 2 positions. There is no way to regulate the water flow. Low frost resistance. Water can freeze in the tap and rupture the body. Valves and gate valves are better in this regard. The crane is not repaired and, if it breaks down, is immediately replaced with a new one. For domestic purposes, the ball valve is undoubtedly the leader.