Ball valves are important in controlling gas and water flow in homes, corporations, or industries. Though gas and water ball valves appear similar at first glance, the two are used for completely different purposes. Choosing the incorrect valve can result in leaks, damage, or other hazardous conditions. So how do you choose among them? We are going to help you sort through these differences. So, let’s jump right into this fun world of gas and water ball valves.
What are Ball Valves?
A ball valve is a type of valve used to control liquid or gas flow in a pipe. Inside the valve is a round ball with a hole bored through it. As you move the handle, the ball inside the valve rotates and allows the flow to pass or stop the flow. These valves are quite easy to use and reliable. Ball valves have many types, but we discuss two of them here. The 2 major types are as follows:
- Gas Ball Valve: It is used to regulate the flow of gas. e.g. natural gas or propane.
- Water Ball Valve: It is used to control the flow of liquid.e.g. water in plumbing and irrigation.
A key difference between Gas Ball Valve Vs. Water Ball Valve
| Features
| Gas Ball Valve
| Water Ball Valve
|
| Material
| Composed of brass, stainless steel, aluminum, and bronze.
| It is made from PVC, stainless steel, and brass.
|
| Size
| ¼ inches to 4 inches. Small sizes are 2-6 inches in length.
| ½ inch to 6 inches. 2.4 inches to 8 inches for the smaller sizes.
|
| Pressure range
| 150-600PSI
| 100-300 PSI
|
| Temperature range
| Extreme hot and cold temperature conditions from -20 to 120◦C. | Operating in a low-temperature range from 0 to 90◦C.
|
| Seal type
| PTEF or Teflon is a special seal to avoid gas leakage at high pressure.
| EPDM and NBR can not do a better seal than you have in a gas ball valve.
|
| longevity
| Depending on the material used, it could live from 8 to 10 years.
| It could also live from 8 to 10 years. PVC material has a shorter lifetime than brass and metal. |
| Color
| Usually yellow color for handles.
| No special colors. Mostly red and blue handle colors for hot and cold water.
|
| Cost
| Most expensive
| Less expensive than a gas ball valve.
|
| Certification
| Certifications such as CSA, EN331, and UL are required.
| Certifications such as ANSI and ASME B16 .34 are necessary.
|
| Corrosion resistant
| More corrosion resistant.
| Less corrosion resistant.
|
| Installation
| Only a trained professional can install it. It is important for safety purposes. | It is easy to install and anyone can install it.
|
| Thread type
| NPT, BSPT, BSP
| NPT, BSPP, BSPT, G-thread, washer, or O-ring sealer.
|
| Weight
| Heavier (200g-400g)
| Lighter (100g-250g)
|
| Durability
| Built to last longer
| It may wear out faster
|
| Connection type
| Secure and tight-fitting threaded or flanged ends.
| Threaded, compression, slip, or flanged.
|
| Safety component | The safety component is an anti-static, fire-safe design and uses a locking mechanism to reduce hazard occurrences.
| Lack of safety components/features. |
| Maintenance | It requires regular checking on leakage. | It needs occasional checking for corrosion. |
Resemblance of gas ball valve and water ball valve
There are similarities between gas ball valves and water ball valves, including the following.
- Both have a quarter-turn mechanism for operation and, as such, can be used to open or shut rapidly.
- Besides, there are full-bore types in both types that allow for the free flow of the material.
- These are famous for their rugged design, small dimensions, and power.
- Additionally, both types can be operated manually or automatically, extending the versatility.
How do you select the right ball valve?
This article aims to identify ways by which the right ball valve can be chosen.
- First, determine if the application is for water or gas.
- The next step is to verify the materials’ compatibility, pressure, temperature rating, and important certificates.
- Also, appreciate the connections or links’ nature, type, and size.
Mistakes to avoid:
- Using a water ball valve on a gas system causes a hazardous situation.
- Deciding on the wrong size or pressure rating of the system.
- Lack of adherence to certifications, safety procedures, and measures.
Gas ball valves for water, and vice versa?
Just imagine putting a water ball valve on a gas tube. While it might work for a while, it certainly won’t for long. It means that a water ball valve cannot seal the gas at below ½ Psi pressure. A minor gas leak can escalate into a major issue and lead to a fire or an explosion. On the other hand, a gas ball valve put into a water system could be a harmless but extremely pricey error. This blog post is not about the valves but is for your safety, efficiency, reliability, and peace of mind.
Conclusion
Choosing between a gas and a water ball valve is not just a technical decision. These differences are important to know whether you are a DIYer getting a start on what may (or may not) be your first project or are a rock star getting ready to pour concrete on your 15th home. The differences matter, and not knowing them can lead to costly blunders. While a valve may seem small, it significantly impacts your system.
When you select the correct valve for your application, remember that your system should be safe and efficient. The next time you struggle to decide, tell yourself the truth: is this valve worthy of your project? You can also reach out to us for any advice and solutions.
