Ball valves have taken the plumbing world by storm, becoming an indispensable component in our daily lives. With countless options available, it can be overwhelming to select the right one. Fear not, for we bring you the ultimate ball valve guide on the internet. It's your ticket to making an informed decision tailored to your preferences.
Choosing the right ball valve can be a daunting task, especially if you're unsure about what to look for. Our comprehensive guide is here to equip you with all the knowledge you need before making your purchase.
Our Choice of Best Ball Valve
Our Top Picks at a glance-
- SharkBite Ball Water Valve 22185-0000LFA
- Homewerks Premium Gas Ball Valve Female VGV1LHB3B
- Dixon Brass Ball Valve Female FBVG75
- Supply Giant Brass Ball Valve VQCW34
- XFITTING Full Port Brass Ball Valve
- NIGO Industrial Co. 3-Way (L-Port) Forged Brass Ball Valve 180SS Series
- HYDROSEAL Kaplan 1’’ PVC True Union Ball Valve ASTM F1970
- Mueller ProLine Heavy Ball Valve 107-824NL
- Midwest Control Male And Female Ball Valve MBB-75
- SHEKUSU SKS-MBV-01 Showerhead Mini Ball Valve
Best Ball Valve Guide Reviews
Every customer has unique demands and expectations when it comes to their chosen products. We understand the importance of fulfilling these demands. Join us on this journey as we meticulously handpick and analyze each valve, matching them against your specific requirements. Let us assist you in finding the perfect ball valve that seamlessly fits your pipes and meets your preferences. Remember, a shower valve and a ball valve are not the same—let us guide you to the ideal choice.
SharkBite Ball Water Valve 22185-0000LFA
If we had to describe this in one word, we’d choose ‘easy’. Why? Because it requires almost little to no effort for both installation and operation.
Be it copper, CPVC, or HDPE pipe; this thing fits it all. The compatibility factor paired with zero leaks will definitely make your life a whole lot easier.
And if you don’t want to spend a lot of time on installation, then this thing is for you. Any plumbing skill level is enough to set up the equipment to the pipes and get rid of leaks. However, don’t purchase this valve if you are looking for something with no wobble.
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Homewerks Premium Gas Ball Valve Female VGV1LHB3B
The primary purpose of this valve is to work as an on-off switch for gas lines. However, you can also use this as a flow-regulator.
Don’t mistake this gas ball valve as just another indoor valve only, as it’ll work perfectly fine outdoors. The smooth turning valve makes the operation easy.
With this valve, you can finally say goodbye to filling tanks. Homewerks have designed the valve ergonomically for running gas between your generator/gas drill to your house or fireplace as well. But before you go for the purchase, keep in mind that it doesn’t accept the ½ flare fittings.
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Dixon Brass Ball Valve Female FBVG75
We all know how troublesome it is to deal with rusting valves. Those frequent replacements and trips to the hardware store eventually start to grow on every plumber’s nerves.
But with this valve, you can stop worrying about the corrosion. Moreover, they aren’t heavy on your pockets at all!
Due to being inexpensive and affordable to everyone, they are quite popular in the market. However, they do seem to lack durability and temperature management. So if you’re going to buy this valve, we recommend buying more than one.
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Supply Giant Brass Ball Valve VQCW34
Weighing a little below a pound, this valve is perfect for emergency replacements. Say you’ve got a squirting pipeline with a damaged valve.
All you need to is hold off the flow for the time being and promptly cut and attach this thing. Next, shut the flow off, and you can get back to your business in no time.
The entire procedure is going to take you no more than 20 minutes. Not many products from our list offer similar setup convenience. This makes it one of the most reputed valves in the community. But remember that it has PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) on the side and threaded pipe on the other.
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XFITTING Full Port Brass Ball Valve
The best thing about this valve is that they have ½ inch PEX pipe connections on either side.
Even though some people mistake the whole valve to be made out of PEX, that’s really not the case. Despite being so efficient at their work, these will only cost you 1/3rd of the high-end ones.
As for the handles, you sometimes won’t receive the same color as displayed in the photographs. As long as aesthetics isn’t a factor to you, you shall face no problem whatsoever installing and using the thing. Moreover, the sturdy build quality will be your cherry on top as you start using this!
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NIGO Industrial Co. 3-Way (L-Port) Forged Brass Ball Valve 180SS Series
The reason why this valve ranks high in the competition is due to its 3-way L port feature. Since it’s made out of brass, therefore, the chances of rusting are fairly low.
In other words, not only is it convenient in terms of use, but it’s easy to maintain also.
And the 3-way feature will allow you to use it as a switch between two services. For instance, if you want a quick switch between hot and cold water, this should be your pick. Just in case you’re facing some problem with the ¾” threaded adapters, a little extra Teflon tape will do the job. Perfect for both light and frequent use.
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HYDROSEAL Kaplan 1’’ PVC True Union Ball Valve ASTM F1970
Need a good valve fitment for your pool, tank, or pipeline? All you need to get is this Hydroseal valve and some strong glue.
Yes, you read that right. Just a little adhesive gets the job done, making it one of the easiest valve setups in the market.
The only effort you’ll have to put in is when you cut the pipes to the right size. Once that’s done, you can simply follow the instructions on the manual to get yourself a well-fit valve.
Since the valve doesn’t require any soldering, therefore we recommend not putting it to heavy use.
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Mueller ProLine Heavy Ball Valve 107-824NL
This valve is equipped with a -20 to 300-degree temperature range, making it one of the most appropriate valves for outdoor use.
To top that off, the full port will always provide the best flow rate it has to offer.
Looking for a cutoff for the lawn water line or pool tap? This thing has got your back. Even though it doesn’t weigh a lot, you will still be able to use it for several heavy-duty works.
Both professionals and amateur highly recommend the product because of their hassle-free fitting procedure. Just in case you don’t feel like calling in the plumber, you can take care of the valve’s installation and repair all by yourself.
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Midwest Control Male And Female Ball Valve MBB-75
This valve is reputed for its well-built body and minimal leakage issue. If you have Teflon tapes and the necessary installation (basic) tools, then the installation should be nothing short of a fun DIY project for you.
Unfortunately, the valve doesn’t come with a washer inside it, so you might have to buy one separately.
However, if you want to connect a ¾” water hose to it, you will need a GHC2 connector. The valve can also be used for low-pressure natural gas. Although that’s doable, it may be detrimental to overall valve health.
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SHEKUSU SKS-MBV-01 Showerhead Mini Ball Valve
No other product from our list controls water flow like this bad boy does, causing it to rank high on our list. To top that off, you also get a completely stainless steel handle that looks and feels premium.
This valve also comes with a large orifice in the ball, so it’s a gushing flow every time you open it.
They are both great flow regulators and shutoff devices. But if you want a valve that completely stops the flow of water, then you should consider other products from our list.
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A Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Perfect Ball Valve
Embarking on a valve shopping spree without understanding the key elements of a good valve is an unwise move. Fear not, as this section is crafted to enlighten you on how to select the ideal valve for your specific needs.
Define Your Purpose
What is the intended use of the valve? Ball valves offer versatility beyond measure. Delve into the details of your task to ascertain whether the valve is meant for pressure and flow regulation or if its purpose is to halt the flow completely on command. Additionally, consider the media involved in your application.
WOG Rating
One of the most crucial factors to consider is the pressure limitations of the valve. How much pressure can it withstand? And how effectively does it deliver? These aspects are encompassed by the WOG (water, oil, gas) rating, typically measured in lbs/inch.
Working Mechanism
To make a perfect selection, examine the operational mechanism of the valve. Some valves are automatic and require no human intervention for activation, while others necessitate a manual quarter-turn. Keep in mind that this factor significantly influences the price of the valve.
Installation Ease
If you're a beginner, opt for a valve that doesn't require welding. However, if you possess at least a year of experience in pipe installations, you should be able to secure those easy-fit pipes within 20 minutes. In general, valves that take longer to install tend to offer greater reliability.
Structure and Build
What materials compose the ball valve? How precise is the fitting? The use of stainless steel materials and the overall construction greatly impact the valve's performance. Typically, the valves you'll encounter will range from ½ to 2 inches in IPS (international pipe size).
Port Selection
Before venturing to the market, determine whether you prefer a standard port or a full port. Ports refer to the passages where the pipe connects to the valve. Half ports impose slight restrictions on media flow, while full ports allow fluid or gas to flow freely.
Final Words
For those with a substantial budget, the Sharkbite Ball Water Valve or the SHEKUSU SKS-MBV-01 are excellent choices. If your requirements are modest and straightforward, the Hydroseal Kaplan is a perfect fit. However, if you seek the best of both worlds, the NIGO Industrial Co. 3-Way valve will undoubtedly meet your expectations.
Equip yourself with this knowledge and embark on your valve selection journey with confidence.
