Plumbing Valve FAQ

Common plumbing valves include:

• Ball Valves: Provide quick on/off control with minimal pressure drop
• Gate Valves: Offer full flow but require more turns to operate
• Check Valves: Allow one-way flow, preventing backflow
• Isolation Valves: Shut off water supply to specific fixtures or sections
• Pressure Reducing Valves: Maintain optimal pressure in systems
• Thermostatic Mixing Valves: Control water temperature for safety

Each valve type serves a specific purpose in plumbing systems. Selecting the right valve type ensures optimal system performance and reliability.

Ball valves are the best choice for isolating water supply because they:

• Provide reliable, tight shut-off with minimal leakage
• Operate quickly with a 90-degree handle turn
• Have a full, unobstructed flow path when open
• Are compact and suitable for confined spaces
• Withstand repeated use without degradation

Ball valves are ideal for main isolation points, under-sink valves, and system isolation applications.

Choose Ball Valves when:

• You need quick on/off operation
• Isolation is the primary function
• Space is limited
• Repeated use is expected

Choose Gate Valves when:

• Full-bore flow is essential
• Fine throttling or modulation is required
• The valve will remain mostly open or closed

Ball valves are generally preferred for isolation applications due to superior reliability and performance characteristics.

WRAS (Water Regulations Advisory Scheme) approved valves meet rigorous UK water regulations and safety standards for potable water applications. WRAS approval ensures that:

• Materials are safe for contact with drinking water
• Performance meets UK water supply standards
• The valve prevents backflow and contamination
• Installation complies with Building Regulations

All PlumbingValves.co.uk products suitable for drinking water applications are WRAS approved, ensuring full compliance with UK regulations.

Valve size should match your pipework diameter. Common domestic sizes are:

• 15mm: Radiator isolation, toilet supply
• 22mm: Main water supply, heating circuits
• 28mm: Large diameter supply or return pipes

To determine the correct size:

• Check your existing pipework diameter
• Consult the system designer or installer
• Ensure the valve size matches adjacent pipework

Using the correct size ensures proper flow rates and prevents excessive pressure drop.

Compression Valves:

• Use threaded male connections
• Require a wrench or spanner for installation
• Create permanent, highly reliable seals
• Suitable for all installation types

Push-Fit Valves:

• Feature O-ring seals within the valve body
• Pipes are simply pushed in without tools
• Faster installation
• Better for indoor, permanent installations

Both types offer reliable performance when correctly installed. Choice depends on your preference and application requirements.

While ball valves can be partially closed, they are not designed for continuous throttling (flow modulation). Operating a ball valve in the partially open position can:

• Damage the ball and seat surfaces
• Create cavitation and noise
• Reduce the valve's service life
• Result in leakage over time

For throttling applications, use:

• Globe valves
• Needle valves
• Butterfly valves

These valves are specifically designed for flow control and modulation.

Typical domestic pressure: 3 bar maximum

Most domestic plumbing valves are rated for 16 bar or higher, providing a comfortable safety margin. Common ratings include:

• 10 bar: Lower cost, suitable for standard domestic systems
• 16 bar: Standard rating for most applications
• 25 bar: Used in high-pressure systems or commercial applications

Always verify that your valve pressure rating matches or exceeds your system's maximum operating pressure. This ensures safety and longevity.

A double check valve is a backflow prevention device containing two check valves in series. It allows water flow in one direction only while preventing reverse flow (backflow) that could contaminate the water supply.

When double check valves are required:

• At boiler inlet points
• At hot water cylinder connections
• At irrigation or garden tap connections
• Where contaminated water could enter the supply
• As required by UK water regulations at identified risk points

Double check valve installation ensures compliance with UK water regulations and protects the public water supply from contamination.

Water hammer occurs when moving water is suddenly stopped by valve closure, creating a shock wave. Prevention methods include:

• Use slow-closing valves: Reduces shock impact
• Install expansion vessels: Absorb pressure surges
• Add water hammer arrestors: Contain shock waves effectively
• Ensure adequate pipe support: Reduces vibration transmission
• Select appropriate valve types: Ball valves are less prone to creating hammer than gate valves
• Reduce flow velocity: Use larger diameter pipes where possible

Modern plumbing systems should incorporate these measures at the design stage to prevent water hammer issues.

For potable (drinking) water applications, the best materials are:

• Brass: Excellent corrosion resistance, most common choice
• Stainless Steel: Superior corrosion resistance, premium quality
• Bronze: Good corrosion resistance, used in larger valves

Why these materials:

• Do not contaminate water with harmful substances
• Resist corrosion in aqueous environments
• Approved under WRAS regulations
• Provide long service life

All materials in contact with drinking water must be approved for potable water use.

An isolation valve allows water supply to be cut off to a specific section without shutting down the entire system. This is essential for maintenance and repairs.

Installation locations:

• Main water inlet: Provides complete system isolation
• Hot water cylinder: Allows cylinder servicing
• Before water heater: Enables heater maintenance
• Under sinks and toilets: Isolates fixture supply
• Heating system: At the start of each circuit or zone
• Each floor or section: In larger buildings

Proper isolation valve placement reduces downtime during maintenance and prevents water waste.

Yes, PlumbingValves.co.uk supplies both trade professionals and the general public with high-quality plumbing valves and components.

What we offer:

• Competitive pricing for all customer types
• Stock of commonly used products for quick dispatch
• Technical support and product guidance
• Trade account options for regular buyers
• Flexible order quantities

For trade account enquiries or bulk pricing, contact our sales team at sales@actuation.co.uk or call 0151 547 1221.

Standard delivery: Most in-stock items are dispatched within 1-2 business days.

Delivery times vary depending on:

• Your location within the UK
• Stock availability
• Order size and complexity
• Special or bespoke items

For current stock status and delivery estimates for your specific order, please contact us:

• Email: sales@actuation.co.uk
• Phone: 0151 547 1221

Requesting a quote from PlumbingValves.co.uk is simple and straightforward:

Contact our sales team with:

• Valve type and description
• Size (diameter in mm)
• Material specification
• Quantity required
• Any specific technical requirements
• Delivery timeframe

Contact methods:

• Email: sales@actuation.co.uk
• Phone: 0151 547 1221

Our team will provide competitive pricing and lead times for your specific requirements.