Collister and Glover
£0.00 0

Basket

No products in the basket.

Collister and Glover
£0.00 0

Basket

No products in the basket.

Continue shopping

The Most Common Valve Types and Where to Use Them

Valves are essential components in any plumbing or heating system. They control the flow of liquids and gases, regulate pressure, and ensure the safe operation of pipes and equipment.

Understanding the different types of valves and their applications can help you select the right one for your project, whether you’re working on domestic plumbing, commercial installations, or industrial systems.

Valves

Ball Valves

Ball valves are one of the most widely used types of valves. They feature a spherical disc that rotates to open or close the flow of water or gas.

Where to Use Them:

  • Ideal for on/off applications where a quick shut-off is needed.

  • Commonly used in domestic water systems, gas pipelines, and heating systems.

  • Suitable for high-pressure systems due to their robust design.

Gate Valves

Gate valves use a sliding gate to control flow. When the gate is lifted, fluid passes through; when it is lowered, flow stops completely.

Where to Use Them:

  • Best for applications where valves remain fully open or fully closed, not for regulating flow.

  • Often used in water mains, wastewater systems, and large pipeline systems.

  • Not recommended for throttling, as partial opening can damage the gate.

Globe Valves

Globe valves are designed with a movable disc and a stationary ring seat, making them perfect for regulating flow.

Where to Use Them:

  • Ideal for throttling applications where precise flow control is required.

  • Commonly used in heating systems, water treatment plants, and cooling circuits.

  • Offer better flow regulation than gate valves but are less suited for full on/off applications.

Check Valves

Check valves allow fluid to flow in only one direction, preventing backflow that could damage equipment or contaminate water supplies.

Where to Use Them:

  • Essential in pump systems to prevent reverse flow.

  • Used in heating systems, water supply lines, and chemical processing.

  • Can be swing check valves, lift check valves, or diaphragm check valves depending on the application.

Butterfly Valves

Butterfly valves have a disc that rotates to control the flow. They are lightweight, cost-effective, and easy to install.

Where to Use Them:

  • Suitable for large pipe diameters where space is limited.

  • Common in water distribution, wastewater treatment, and HVAC systems.

  • Good for on/off control and moderate flow regulation.

Pressure Relief Valves

Pressure relief valves protect systems from excessive pressure, which can cause pipe bursts or equipment failure.

Where to Use Them:

  • Critical for boilers, pressure vessels, and industrial systems.

  • Automatically release pressure when it exceeds a set limit.

  • Ensure compliance with safety regulations and prevent costly damage.

Choosing the Right Valve

When selecting a valve, consider:

  • Flow requirements: Do you need on/off control or precise regulation?

  • Pressure and temperature: Ensure the valve can withstand the system’s conditions.

  • Pipe size: Some valves are better suited for large diameters.

  • Maintenance and durability: Think about long-term reliability and ease of servicing.

Understanding the strengths and limitations of each valve type will help you design efficient, safe, and reliable systems. For more detailed guidance or to explore our full range of valves, click here.

Newsletter Signup.
Name(Required)