Your shopping cart is currently empty.
Sign in and join Kleen Rite rewards to earn points and redeem rewards
Ball valves are widely used on-off devices that serve a critical role in controlling the flow of fluids in various plumbing systems. Characterized by their simple design, ball valves use a spherical-shaped closure unit to block or allow flow through the valve when rotated. Easier to operate versus a more traditional gate valve, ball valves have a lever handle that can be easily turned by hand with no tools required. A quarter-turn, typically, is all it takes to shift from a fully closed shutoff to a fully open position, which makes them incredibly efficient and easy to operate compared to other valve types.
These shut-off valves boast durable construction, often using materials like brass, stainless steel, or PVC, makes them suitable for both high-pressure industrial applications and low-pressure residential setups. This adaptability underscores their universal presence in residential plumbing, car washes, liquid chemical processing, and even oil and gas industries. Furthermore, ball valves are known for their exceptional sealing capabilities with quality O-rings and valve seats. This ensures reliability and minimal leakage over time, a crucial feature in preventing unwanted spills or discharges. We have plenty of options including various threaded pipe end connections, numerous material construction choices, and handle types. Plus, you can find one-piece, two-piece, three-piece, and 3-way ball valves within our selection.
Ball valves and regular valves, which encompass a variety of other valve types such as gate, globe, and butterfly valves, differ significantly in design and functionality. A ball valve utilizes a spherical disc, the ball, to control flow through the valve, offering a simple yet effective on-off mechanism with a quick quarter-turn action. This design contrasts with gate valves, which use a wedge-shaped disc and require multiple turns to fully open or close, making ball valves much faster and easier to operate.
Additionally, ball valves provide a tight seal even after long periods of disuse, thanks to their minimal wear design and high-quality sealing components, whereas regular valves like globe valves might require maintenance to ensure a proper seal. Another key difference is their flow characteristics; ball valves offer minimal resistance and turbulence, ideal for full-flow applications, whereas globe valves are better suited for throttling capabilities, providing greater control over the flow rate. These distinctions make ball valves especially suitable for applications requiring reliable sealing and rapid actuation, broadening their appeal across various industries.