Are you confused about whether to go for a gate or check valve? Well, look no further! I’m here. I’ve cleared all of your doubts. Choosing between these valves can be a hassle if you’re not the business. But I have you covered! 

I have thoroughly compared gate valves and check valves in terms of their functioning, applications, pros & cons, pricing, and more. By the end of this comparison, you’ll know which one is right for you. So read on! 

What are Gate Valves?

Owing to their name, these valves use a gate or a wedge to block and open the media flow inside the pipes. When the gate disc is lowered into the seat, the flow of the media is completely blocked. When it is lifted, the valve is opened. You can manually operate them with a hand wheel or an actuator. These valves can’t be able to regulate the flow of the medium. 

Thanks to the versatility of building materials, gate valves can be used in high-pressure and low-pressure pipelines. Gate valves have two common types: One with the rising stem (a stem that moves alongside the gate for stability) and one without the rising stem. 

What are Check Valves?

A check valve, often called a cut-off valve or one-way valve, allows the direction of the medium in only one direction. If the medium starts to move backward in the pipeline, these valves are automatically closed by the force of the flow. They are mainly used to prevent backflow in the pipelines. 

Check valves have various designs, including a rubber ball check, swing check, lift check, rubber disc check, etc. All these valves have different working mechanisms for blocking the backflow in pipelines. 

Applications Difference between Gate Valve Vs. Check Valve

Check Valve 

Check valves have their use in almost every industry. They are used in manufacturing home appliances like washing machines, sewer lines, and dishwashers. You’ll use them on furnaces, boilers, and vacuum systems for industrial purposes. 

They are also commonly used on water and CO2 lines and are fish tanks. Let’s look at some more applications of check valves: 

• In protecting downstream equipment in case of backflow
• For a tight vacuum seal 
• To prevent contamination resulting in a backflow
• To avoid siphoning

Gate Valve

Gate valves are commonly used in power plants and pipelines where straight-through flow paths, tight shut-off, and high flow capacity are needed. Usually, they are used in oil and gas pipelines, chemical processing units, and water treatment plants. 

They are designed to work with pipelines with large diameters. In these pipelines, gate valves have minimal pressure drop, providing full flow. Their robust design makes them suitable for high-temperature and pressure applications.

Types of Check Valves vs. Gate Valves:

Gate valves

There are a lot of types of gate valves. They include Rising Stem Gate Valves (most common in water and gas pipelines), Non-Rising Stem Gate Valve (best for small spaces and underground uses), Wedge Gate Valve (for high-pressure applications), Parallel Slide Gate Valve (designed for high temperature and pressure situations), and Knife Gate Valve (used in industries).  

Check Valves  

The same goes for check valves, which have many different types. Check valve types include Swing Check Valves (primarily used in sewerage and water pipelines) and Spring check valves. Lift Check Valve (suitable for high-pressure pipelines with vertical flow), Ball Check Valve (used for low-pressure applications for lesser noise), and Piston Check Valve (for high-pressure systems). 

Raw Material Comparison: Check Valves vs. Gate Valves

The materials used to make check valves and gate valves are similar. You can have cast iron, ductile iron, carbon steel, stainless steel, bronze, and brass valves. Now, let’s decide which one is better for your needs. It would be best to consider factors like pressure & temperature endurance, corrosion resistance, and durability.

For high pressure & temperature needs, you should go for ductile iron or carbon steel. For highly corrosive environments, we recommend stainless steel or bronze. Brass is the way to go if you need a valve for low-pressure or residential pipelines. 

Size Comparison between Check Valves and Gate Valves

Gate valves and check valves are in various sizes for specific uses. The size of gate valves starts from 1/2 inch (12 mm) to as large as 60 inches (1500 mm) in diameter. At the same time, the check valve sizes range from 1/2 inch (12 mm) to 48 inches (1200 mm) in diameter. 

Generally, gate valves are larger (in face-to-face length and height) than check valves. So, if space is a problem, we recommend you go with the check valves. 

Gate Valve Vs. Check Valve: Advantages and Disadvantages

Now, let’s see some of the advantages and disadvantages of both these valves:

 Advantages of Gate Valve 

• They have low flow resistance
• Less torque is needed for opening and closing
• A simpler design with a better manufacturing process
• They are comparatively shorter in face-to-face length 
• They can work with a ring network pipeline (with multidirectional flow)

 Disadvantages of Gate Valve 

• Take more time for shutting and opening 
• These valves consist of two sealing surfaces, making it hard to process, grind, and maintain
• They can’t be can’t to regulate the flow
• With a larger size, they need more space for installation

 Advantages of Check Valve 

• They help prevent the backflow issue
• Automatic operation, no need for manual handling
• Simple design
• Easier to install 
• Little to no maintenance is needed 
• They can be installed in both horizontal and vertical positions

 Disadvantages of Check Valve 

• Debris can get stuck in the valve
• Risk of water hammer
• They can cause more noise and vibrations in systems with high flow rates
• Only have unidirectional flow

How Check Valves and Gate Valves Are Different In Installation And Maintenance?

Maintenance and upkeep are essential for any valve to keep running longer. You should check the valves for any leaks, corrosion, or wear and tear from time to time. When fixing valves, you should inspect them closely to identify the problem before removing your tools.  

Some common problems with valves include damaged parts, leaks, or wrong valve settings. At the same time, most valve manufacturers provide you with a manual. We suggest calling a professional for assistance if you lack experience.  

Price comparison between Gate Valve Vs. Check Valve 

If we talk about the price, gate valves are pricier. This is because of their more premium build and manual operation. 

The smaller gate valves (1 to ½ inches) range. Meanwhile, at most valve manufacturers, the same-sized check valves will only cost you around $1 to $100. The Gate valve cost depends on quantity if you seek premium valves from renowned brands.

How do you choose between the Gate Valve and the Check Valve? 

When selecting between gate valves and check valves, you should always consider your personal needs and preferences. If you need a valve for industrial purposes, manual operation is required for controlled flow. It would be best if you chose the gate valve. 

However, if you’re looking for a valve to prevent backflow issues and want automatic operations for ease, You’ll be off with a check valve. Another important consideration is the price range. Remember that the gate valves will cost you more than the check valves. You should go for the check valves if you have a lower budget. 

How do you find Reliable Suppliers and Services for Check and Gate Valves?

Choosing the right supplier makes all the difference in making or breaking a deal. So, it is essential to always shop for the best. Here are a few tips to find the best suppliers and services. 

• Before buying from a supplier, always check their reputation and experience.
• Check if the supplier has certifications for their products like ISO, API, or ASME. 
• The supplier should have an excellent technical support team 
• Cross-check prices to find suppliers with the best rate 
• Make sure the supplier offers warranties for their products

BYou’llen if you follow all these guidelines when choosing the best supplier. 

Final Thoughts 

I hope you understand all the differences between the check and gate valves. And you’re, you’re deciding for yourself. Please comment if you still have any doubts or queries, and Plumberstar’s needs team will reply.