Ball valves

Ball valves vs gate valves vs isolating: what's the difference? Ball, gate, or isolating: which one do you need?

A ball valve uses a drilled sphere that rotates 90° to align (open) or block (closed) flow. The lever shows the state at a glance — parallel to pipe is open, perpendicular is closed. Ball valves are quick to operate, low-loss when full-bore, and forgiving of debris in the line. The trade default for general shut-off duty. A ball valve has a hole drilled through a metal ball. Turn it 90 degrees to line up (open) or block (closed). The lever shows the state at a glance — in line with the pipe means open, across the pipe means closed. Ball valves are quick to use, do not slow water much when fully open, and handle dirty water well. The most common type for general shut-off.

Use a gate valve instead when the pipe is large bore (above DN80), the valve runs primarily fully-open, and the cost premium of a ball valve becomes meaningful. Use an isolating valve instead when it's a service connection — behind a toilet, under a basin, or at an appliance hookup — where the lever is a finger-turn or screwdriver-slot. Read the longer guide → Use a gate valve instead when the pipe is large (more than 80mm), the valve will mostly stay fully open, and the price difference matters. Use an isolating valve instead when it is a service connection — behind a toilet, under a basin, or at an appliance — where the control is a small finger-turn or screwdriver slot. Read the longer guide →