Valves are the unsung heroes of your home’s plumbing system. While often hidden behind walls, under sinks, or in utility areas, these essential devices give you control over the flow of water and gas, allowing you to turn things on, turn them off, or even regulate their pressure. Without them, even a minor leak could quickly escalate into a major disaster.
At Winstar Hardware, we believe that understanding the various types of valves in your home is crucial for every homeowner. This knowledge can save you from costly repairs, empower you to perform basic maintenance, and ensure your home’s systems run smoothly. This comprehensive guide will demystify the common types of valves you’ll encounter, explaining their functions, ideal uses, and where to find them.
Why Understanding Your Home’s Valves Matters
Before we delve into the specific types of valves, let’s quickly underscore why this information is vital:
- Emergency Shut-Off: Knowing where your main water shut-off valve is can prevent catastrophic water damage during a burst pipe or major leak.
- Maintenance & Repairs: To replace a faucet, fix a toilet, or work on an appliance, you need to know how to isolate the water supply using local shut-off valves.
- Safety: Gas valves are critical safety components.
- Efficiency: Some valves help regulate pressure or prevent backflow, contributing to system efficiency and safety.
Primary Types of Valves Based on Function
Valves can broadly be categorized by their primary function:
- Stop/Start Flow (On-Off Valves): These are designed to either fully open or fully close a pipeline. They are not meant for partially restricting flow. Examples: Gate Valves, Ball Valves.
- Regulate Flow (Throttling Valves): These can be set to any position between fully open and fully closed to control the volume or pressure of the fluid. Examples: Globe Valves, Needle Valves, Pressure Reducing Valves.
- Prevent Backflow (One-Way Valves): These allow fluid to flow in only one direction, preventing reversal of flow. Example: Check Valves.
Now, let’s explore the most common types of valves you’ll find in and around your home.
Common Types of Valves You’ll Find in Your Home
1. Gate Valves
- Description: Gate valves are one of the most common types of valves used for completely shutting off or fully opening the flow of water. Inside, a wedge-shaped “gate” moves up or down perpendicular to the flow path. When the handwheel is turned, the gate lifts to allow flow or lowers to block it.
- Mechanism: Non-rising stem (stem rotates but doesn’t lift) or rising stem (stem lifts as valve opens).
Pros:
- Full Flow: When fully open, they offer minimal resistance to flow (low pressure drop).
- Durable: Built for infrequent use but robust for long-term reliability.
- Bi-directional: Can be installed to allow flow in either direction.
Cons:
- Not for Throttling: They are not designed to partially restrict flow; doing so can damage the gate and seat, leading to leaks.
- Slow Operation: Takes multiple turns of the handwheel to fully open or close.
Where You’ll Find Them:
- Main Water Shut-Off: Often used as the main shut-off valve for the entire house, usually found near the water meter.
- Branch Line Shut-Offs: Sometimes used to isolate major sections of plumbing (e.g., to the water heater or an entire bathroom).
Winstar Hardware Insight: While still found, many new installations now favour ball valves for main shut-off due to their quicker operation.
2. Ball Valves
- Description: Ball valves are incredibly popular due to their simple operation and reliable shut-off. Inside, a spherical ball with a hole through its center rotates to control flow. A quarter-turn of the lever handle completely opens or closes the valve. These are among the most user-friendly types of valves.
- Mechanism: A perforated pivoting ball acts as a gate.
Pros:
- Quick Operation: A simple 90-degree turn of the handle (quarter-turn) fully opens or closes the valve.
- Tight Seal: Provides a very reliable, leak-proof shut-off.
- Durable: Less prone to wear than gate valves when used correctly.
- Full Flow: Offers minimal pressure drop when fully open.
Cons:
- Not for Throttling: Similar to gate valves, they are generally not designed for precise flow regulation.
- Can Cause Water Hammer: Rapid closure can sometimes lead to water hammer (a banging noise in pipes).
Where You’ll Find Them:
- Main Water Shut-Off: Increasingly common as the main shut-off valve for the house.
- Individual Appliance Shut-Offs: Behind washing machines, water heaters, and outdoor hose bibs.
- Gas Lines: Crucial for quickly shutting off gas to appliances.
Winstar Hardware Insight: For high-traffic shut-off points, the quarter-turn convenience of a brass ball valve is often preferred.
3. Globe Valves
- Description: Unlike gate or ball valves, globe valves are specifically designed for regulating or throttling fluid flow. They have a globe-shaped body with an internal baffle and a movable disc that seats against an opening. Turning the handwheel gradually moves the disc, allowing for precise control of flow.
- Mechanism: A movable disc that seats against a body opening.
Pros:
- Excellent for Throttling: Ideal for precise flow and pressure regulation.
- Good Shut-Off: Can provide a tight shut-off.
Cons:
- High Pressure Drop: The convoluted flow path inside causes significant pressure loss, even when fully open.
- Slow Operation: Requires multiple turns to adjust flow.
Where You’ll Find Them:
- Outdoor Faucets/Hose Bibs: Sometimes used where you want to control the water flow for gardening.
- Water Heater Inlet: To regulate the flow into the water heater.
- Industrial Applications: More common in industrial settings where precise flow control is critical.
4. Check Valves
- Description: Check valves are unique among the types of valves because they operate automatically without a handle. Their sole purpose is to prevent backflow, allowing fluid to flow in only one direction. If the flow tries to reverse, the valve automatically closes.
- Mechanism: Various designs exist (swing, lift, spring-loaded) but all rely on pressure differential to open or close.
Pros:
- Automatic Backflow Prevention: Crucial for preventing contamination or system damage from reverse flow.
- Simple Operation: No manual intervention required.
Cons:
- Can Fail Over Time: Internal components can wear or get stuck.
- Slight Pressure Drop: There is always some minor pressure loss across a check valve.
Where You’ll Find Them:
- Sump Pump Discharge: Prevents water from flowing back into the sump pit after the pump turns off.
- Water Heater Cold Water Inlet: To prevent hot water from backing up into the cold water supply.
- Irrigation Systems: To prevent contaminated water from siphoning back into the main supply.
5. Pressure Reducing Valves (PRVs)
- Description: A specialized type of valve designed to reduce and stabilize high incoming water pressure from the municipal supply to a safer and more manageable level for your home’s plumbing system. These are crucial for protecting appliances and preventing leaks.
- Mechanism: An internal diaphragm and spring system adjusts to maintain a consistent downstream pressure.
Pros:
- Protects Plumbing: Prevents damage to pipes, fixtures, and appliances from excessive water pressure.
- Reduces Water Hammer: Helps to minimize banging pipes.
- Water Conservation: Reduces the amount of water wasted by high pressure.
Cons:
- Can Fail/Need Adjustment: May require occasional adjustment or replacement over time.
- Initial Cost: An additional upfront cost for installation.
Where You’ll Find Them:
- Main Water Service Line: Typically located near the main water shut-off valve, after the water meter.
Winstar Hardware Insight: If your home experiences consistently high water pressure (above 80 psi), a PRV is a wise investment.
For more information, check out this resource on the mechanism and benefits of a PRV.
6. Stopcock / Angle Stop Valves (Fixture Shut-Offs)
- Description: These small, often chrome-plated, types of valves are found under sinks and behind toilets. They provide a localized shut-off point for individual fixtures. An angle stop has the inlet on one end and the outlet at a 90-degree angle, while a straight stop has both in line.
- Mechanism: Can be compression, quarter-turn (ball-type), or ceramic disc.
Pros:
- Localized Control: Allows you to turn off water to one fixture without affecting the rest of the house.
- Easy Access: Convenient for minor repairs or replacements (e.g., changing a faucet or toilet fill valve).
Cons:
- Can Seize: Older compression-style stops can seize up if not operated regularly.
Where You’ll Find Them:
- Under Sinks: For faucets.
- Behind Toilets: For the toilet fill valve.
- Behind Dishwashers/Refrigerators: For water lines.
7. Mixing Valves (Thermostatic & Anti-Scald)
- Description: These types of valves are designed to blend hot and cold water to deliver water at a specific, safe temperature.
- Thermostatic Mixing Valves (TMVs): Automatically adjust the mix of hot and cold water to maintain a constant, pre-set output temperature, even if incoming water temperatures or pressures fluctuate.
- Anti-Scald (Pressure Balancing) Valves: React to sudden changes in hot or cold water pressure to maintain a relatively consistent temperature, preventing scalding or sudden cold shocks.
Pros:
- Safety: Crucial for preventing scalding, especially for children and the elderly.
- Comfort: Ensures a consistent water temperature during showers.
Cons:
- Cost: Adds to the cost of shower or water heater installation.
- Maintenance: May require periodic calibration or cleaning.
Where You’ll Find Them:
- Showers: Integrated into shower valves.
- Water Heater Outlet: TMVs can be installed here to provide tempered water to the entire house, allowing the water heater to store water at a higher, bacteria-killing temperature.
Less Common, But Still Important Types of Valves
8. Air Admittance Valves (AAVs)
- Description: Sometimes called a “studor vent” or “cheater vent,” an AAV is a one-way valve that allows air to enter the plumbing drainage system when negative pressure (suction) occurs. This equalizes pressure and prevents siphonage of water from P-traps, without requiring a direct connection to a roof vent.
Pros:
- Cost-Effective Venting: Offers a solution for venting fixtures where traditional venting is impossible or impractical.
- Prevents Odors: By maintaining trap seals, it stops sewer gas from entering the home.
Cons:
- Not Permitted Everywhere: Some local plumbing codes restrict or do not allow AAVs as a substitute for traditional venting.
- Can Fail: Can eventually fail and get stuck open (allowing odors) or closed (causing slow drains/siphoning).
Where You’ll Find Them:
- Under Sinks: Often found beneath island sinks or other fixtures far from a main vent stack.
9. Saddle Valves (Avoid if Possible)
- Description: These types of valves are designed to tap into an existing water line (often for ice makers or humidifiers) by clamping onto the pipe and piercing a hole.
Pros:
- Easy (but often problematic) Installation: Designed for quick, non-invasive installation.
Cons:
- Prone to Leaks: The piercing mechanism often creates a weak point in the pipe that can leak over time.
- Reduces Flow: The small hole significantly restricts water flow.
- Often Against Code: Many plumbing codes no longer permit their use.
Where You’ll Find Them:
- Water Lines to Ice Makers, Humidifiers, or RO Systems.
Winstar Hardware Insight: We strongly recommend avoiding saddle valves due to their high failure rate. Opt for a proper tee fitting with a dedicated shut-off valve for a reliable connection.
Table: Quick Reference of Common Household Valves
| Valve Type | Primary Function | Best Use Case | Not For (Warning) | Where You’ll Find It (Examples) |
| Gate Valve | Full On/Off Flow | Main water shut-off | Throttling | Main water line, branch lines |
| Ball Valve | Quick On/Off Flow | Main water shut-off, appliance shut-offs | Throttling | Main water, washing machine, gas lines |
| Globe Valve | Regulate/Throttle Flow | Outdoor faucets, water heater inlets | Full flow (high pressure drop) | Specific flow control points |
| Check Valve | Prevent Backflow (one-way) | Sump pump discharge, water heaters | Flow regulation | Sump pumps, water heaters, irrigation |
| Pressure Reducing Valve | Reduce/Stabilize Pressure | Whole-house water service | Shut-off (primary function) | After water meter |
| Angle/Stop Valve | Local On/Off Flow | Individual fixture isolation | Throttling | Under sinks, behind toilets |
| Mixing Valve | Blend Temps (Anti-Scald) | Showers, water heater tempering | Shut-off (primary function) | Showers, water heater outlet |
| Air Admittance Valve | Air Intake (Venting) | Fixture venting where traditional vent is hard | Primary venting for whole house | Under island sinks, remote fixtures |
| Saddle Valve | Puncture Pipe for Branch | (Avoid if possible) | Reliable connection | Old ice maker lines (use caution) |
Conclusion: Empowering Your Plumbing Knowledge with Winstar Hardware
Understanding the different types of valves in your home empowers you to take control of your plumbing system. Whether it’s knowing how to quickly shut off your water in an emergency, or simply isolating a fixture for a minor repair, this knowledge is invaluable.
At Winstar Hardware, we stock a comprehensive range of high-quality valves for every application, from robust brass ball valves to essential pressure-reducing units. Our expert team is always available to help you identify the right valves for your needs, explain their functions, and guide you through safe operation.
Don’t wait for a plumbing emergency to get acquainted with your valves. Take a tour of your home’s plumbing today, identify these crucial components, and equip yourself with the knowledge to maintain a safe and efficient home. Visit Winstar Hardware, your trusted partner for all plumbing solutions in Kenya!
