How To Choose A Water Valve And A Gas Valve?

In this blog post, you’ll read:If you're like most people, you may not know the difference between a water valve and a gas valve. Both valves are used to control the flow of liquid or gas, but they serve different purposes. Here's a look at the differences between water valves and gas valves.
Table of Contents

Gas valves:

Gas valves control and regulate the flow of gases, including liquid petroleum, oxygen, and natural gas. These valves are made from various plastic and metal alloys, copper, and other materials. The material must be suitable for the pressure and media requirements. After confirmation of the system type, the capacity is also determined. The valve usage frequency determines the difference between a typical open and a closed gas valve. It is available in a variety of shapes and sizes. Includes ball, butterfly, plug, needle, and check valves. They’re used in various industrial, commercial, and residential applications. Most applications are on/off, modulating, and controlling functions.

Most gas fittings have a counter-clockwise thread. Any other type of fitting is opposite to this one. Thread design aims to keep a dangerous gas valve out of a line. A steel shutoff valve for water might ignite when it is near the line. The ignition causes an explosion. This sort of problem is often avoided by employing a particular gas-fitting thread. Before installing a new gas valve or fitting, it is wise to recommend a bubble test using a soap-water solution. The bubble test is a mixture of soap and water and applies to all gas lines. If any gas leaks, a bubble will appear in the soapy water. If bubbles are present, then tightening or fixing is always recommended. A good connection will usually need the application of a Teflon liquid or tape sealer on the threads.

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Gas valves used on main supply lines have a locking lug. Utilizing the locking lug fashioned into the valve, we may secure it with a padlock. This lock keeps the valve closed until removed by the person who installed it. It is a safety device that prevents tampering or accidental gas flow into an open line, resulting in an explosion or poisoning of surrounding people. Many gas valve designs need the user to press the valve down and maintain it to start a heater or furnace. Another safety feature makes the accidental igniting of the gas more difficult. Adding such safety elements to the gas valve prevents accidental fires and deaths.

Residential gas valve energy meters row supply plumbing
Residential gas valve energy meters row supply plumbing

Types of gas valves: 

Plug or stop-cock: 

These valves support both on/off and throttling actions.

Needle valves: 

At the end of a valve stem, needle valves feature a narrow, tapering tip.

Metering and mixing valves: 

In specialized applications, metering and mixing valves work.

Globe and pinch:

Linear motion devices such as globe and pinch valves are also available.

Gate or knife valves: 

Gate valves are linear motion valves that shut off a stream by sliding a closure element into the flow.

Drain valves:

A drain valve is used to get rid of excess media.

Diverter valves: 

Diverter valves reroute gas flow as well.

Directional valves: 

Directional valves direct the flow through unavoidable passageways.

Valves for block-and-bleed, blow-off, cartridge, check, and control are all prevalent.

Butterfly valves:

They only allow flow in one direction.

Ball valves:

They are suitable for tight shutoffs but unsuitable for hygienic applications.

Balancing valves :

They keep the temperature constant and compensate for pressure drops.

Angle valves:

They provide for most flow by admitting gases at an angle.

Diaphragm valves:

Diaphragm valves separate the gas flow from the closing device.

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Water valves:

Water valves regulate and stop the flow of water. All types of water valves have their own set of benefits and drawbacks and applications for which it is best suited—most water valves in a home’s plumbing system control pressurized water flow. The pressurized water is sometimes from a public water supply or then a private well. Depending on the valve’s design, it may be best suited for primary ON-OFF water flow control. It is also better used for water flow volume regulation.

Types of water valves:

Following are the basic types of water valve.

ball valve protection
ball valve protection

Gate valves:

Gate valves are one of the most prevalent types of water control valves. It controls water flow and makes water flexible, raising or lowering an internal gate. The gate uses a twist-type lever or knob at the valve’s top. Gate valves are never used for regulating flow volume. They might be open (allowing full flow) or completely closed (preventing full flow). When used to control water flow, these valves might wear out. The gate valve is often used as the main and branch water supply line cutoff. These valves are dependable for shutting off the water supply. A gate valve can be either in the ON or OFF state. They’re particularly prevalent in situations where the water is only turned off.

gate valve
Gate valve

Globe valve:

Globe valves regulate or throttle the flow of water. This name is due to the bulge in the body of this valve. A globe valve’s handle is often a twist knob. Globe valves are often used when the flow of water needs regulation. Also, when it needs modifications. The twist knob on a valve raises and lowers a stopper on the end of the valve stem. It is one of the internal design characteristics. The water flow completely stops when the stem presses the inner valve seat stopper. The valve stem can move away from the valve seat to control the volume of water flowing through it. Outdoor faucets and similar utility faucets use globe valves. This is because they are effective at controlling flow.


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Butterfly valves:

From the exterior, butterfly valves appear to be ball valves. A similar look is due to the lever-type handle that opens and closes the valve. A revolving metal disc on the interior controls the water flow. When the valve is open, the water flow is in a restricted position. A butterfly valve can vary the flow quantity because it passes through the disc in the center. The gasket within a butterfly valve may cause maintenance issues after a few years.

Water pressure-reduction valves:

Water pressure reduction valves bring the water pressure down to a safe level. Valves are often used. The spring and diaphragm control a particular limit. It depends on the pressure of the water supply. The pressure-reducing valves lower the total water pressure rather than open or restrict the water flow. They’re used in residences with high-pressure water from the municipal water supply where the pressure might damage pipes and appliances.

butterfly ball valve
butterfly ball valve

Check Valve

A check valve is a type of water non-return valve that enables water to flow in only one direction. It prevents water flow in the opposite. Most check valves are not functional and don’t have a control handle. Back-flow stoppers are a type of check valve that is commonly seen on outdoor faucets. Check valves can have a variety of inner mechanics, Including ball-check and diaphragm-check designs. A stop-check check valve is an active form of a check valve. It stops all water flow in both directions.

swing check valve
Swing check valve

Fixture shutdown valves:

Fixture shutdown valves are tiny valves with little twist handles. A knob is also used to regulate water flow in faucets and toilets. There are straight versions that are at a 90-degree. Cutoff valves allow us to turn on a tap without turning off the water supply to the entire house.

On the exterior, fixture shutdown valves resemble tiny gate valves. It has a small knob or wheel that opens and shuts the valve. On the inside, Fixture shutdown valves are available in various configurations. A compression washer opens and closes against the valve seat by twisting the handle. Others use a diaphragm. It involves the valve stem to control a flexible diaphragm. It is pressing against a valve seat opening to stop the water flow. Some use a basic compression washer. When operated by the valve handle, the washer opens and closes against a valve seat.

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