Valves

  • Tips For Soldering Brass Ball Valves

    Brass Ball Valve

    Soldering brass ball valves may seem daunting, but with just a few helpful tips it can be a quick and easy process. In this article, we will go over the basics of soldering brass ball valves, both in the open and closed positions. We will also provide links to some helpful resources that will show you how to solder a brass ball valve in more detail. Follow these tips and you'll be able to solder your brass ball valve like a pro!
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  • Thermostatic Mixing Valves: What You Need to Know

    thermostatic mixing valve

    A thermostatic mixing valve is a type of valve that is used in mixing hot and cold water to get the desired temperature. They are often found in showers, sinks, and other household plumbing fixtures. Different types of thermostatic mixing valves can be purchased for homes or offices. Some are more common than others, but all have their own benefits. The most popular type of thermostatic mixing valve is the 2-handle model which has one handle for hot water and another for cold water. This type of valve tends to be easier to install because there is only one hole needed in the wall instead of two like you would need with a 3-handle model.
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  • How to Install a Mixing Valve on a Water Heater

    I find showers and baths to be most relaxing when the water is maintained at an appropriate temperature, which is what a mixing valve accomplishes when installed, and it's important for new installations. The other thing I recommend installing with any type of mixed-ventilation plumbing installation such as my own was anti-scalding valves; these protect you from burns that result from hot water mixing with colder water that is cooling down too fast!

    Here are the steps for how to install a mixing valve on a water heater. Keep in mind, if you’re not handy or are unsure about any of these steps, it may be best to contact a professional.

    Need a Mixing Valve? Browse our online inventory of mixing valves here.

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  • How to Tell If Your Valve is Open or Closed

    Types of Valves Collage

    One question that plagues both homeowners and professionals alike is: “Is my valve open or closed?” If you have a butterfly or ball valve, the direction of the handle indicates whether the valve is open or closed. If you have a stop or gate valve, it is harder to tell if your valve is open or closed because there are very little to no visual cues, meaning you have to rely on the amount of resistance to determine if your valve is truly closed. Below we’ll walk through four different types of valves, discussing the specifics of determining if the valve is closed or open.

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  • Swing Check Valves: Installation and Maintenance

    Swing Check Valve Installed Horizontally

    Swing check valves are a necessary part of any pipeline where the flow can only go in one direction. In your home, plumbing is a perfect example--unless you want the water that you flush coming back through your faucet! This is a relatively easy process as long as you know a few important details, like how to install swing check valves vertically or horizontally and maintaining your valve.

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  • When to Use a Foot Valve

    black pvc foot valve

    A foot valve is a type of check valve that only allows one-way flow. Use foot valves when you have situations that need a pump, such as when water needs to be extracted from an underground well. Foot valves keep the pump primed, allowing water to flow in, but not letting it flow back out, making them ideal for use in pools, ponds, and wells.

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  • Are Gate Valves Used in the Home?

    gray PVC gate valve with red wheel handle

    When it comes to piping systems within the home, there are a number of different types of valves that are commonly utilized. Each type has its own distinct properties and is used in certain plumbing situations. Ensuring you have the correct type of valve for your home piping is important. Gate Valves, while not used extensively in residential / home applications, are found in homes under certain situations, such as in main water piping systems or irrigation systems.

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  • Swing Check vs. Wafer Check Valves – Understanding the Difference

    Check valves are an important type of valve for many industrial and home projects. This type of valve is designed to help prevent backflow within the system as well as maintain a steady level of pressure. Check valves are commonly used to help regulate the flow of liquids and gases. They are used in a vast number of different industries, including refining, chemical, water, and waste-water management, as well as in manufacturing systems. There are a number of different check valves that are currently available on the market, such as ball, swing, and wafer. Swing check and wafer check valves have the same function but are very different in design. Their differences commonly dictate what type of situations or systems require which type of valve.

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  • Ball Valves: Types and Materials

    Ball valves are straight-through valves that require only a quarter-turn to open or close. Ball valves have a circular closure element that is placed into a seat within the valve. This design permits uniform sealing stress within the valve. Ball valves are named for the ball closing element, which rotates to open and close the valve. Because of the even sealing stress, ball valves are a great option when a tight seal is needed when the valve is closed. They are able to transport matter in all three states (solid, liquid, and gas) as well as slurries (liquids with suspended solids).
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  • Types of Check Valves: Which One is Right for You?

    Check valves, also called non-return valves (NRV), are essential components of any industrial or residential piping system. They are used to prevent backflow, ensuring the proper operation of the system and preventing damage from happening.

    Check valves work fairly simply. Pressure from the liquid that is flowing through a piping system opens the valve while any flow-reversal will close the valve. It allows the fluid to flow fully unobstructed in one direction and automatically closes as the pressure is reduced. While that is pretty straightforward, there are different types of check valves, with varying operations and applications. How do you know which type of check valve to use for your job or project? To help you make the right choice, here are some details about the most common types of check valves.

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