Every plumbing system, whether it is related to industrial setups or residential places, involves the use of valves. Among multiple valve options, the most common are threaded ball valves that allow smooth flow and blockage with their holes and handles.
However, the installation process is the most critical. At Plumberstar, we will guide you through all the steps to install them. We will also point out important factors to consider for suitable valve selection for water or gas pipelines. So, stay with us.
Steps to Install Threaded Ball Valves
For these valves to work effectively, you must be careful when installing them correctly. Follow these steps to avoid leakage problems:
Step 1: Check out the valve’s inner sides to find any debris. Clear it before installation. Pay special attention to the seating layers, threads, and ports.
Step 2: Check the valve in both on and off positions.
Step 3: Inspect the pipe connection where you want to install the valve. It should also be free of accumulated debris or dust.
Step 4: Use any authentic pipe thread sealing tape recommended by the water valve manufacturers for better sealing. This way, you will not face any leakage problems.
Step 5:
By connecting them in parallel, you must avoid cross-threading of the valve and the pipelines. This means the tapped hole’s axis should parallel the male-threaded connection. In this way, water, gas, or diesel will not exert extra pressure on the valve.
Important Note: Remember to use pipe supports that are durable and strong and can accommodate valves, pipes, and fittings at a time.
Step 6:
Use two wrenches to connect pipes with the valves for a 2 threaded ball valve consisting of two components. You must use one wrench on the valve endpoint close to the pipeline joint. Place the second one on the pipe to stop torque from spreading towards the joint points or tail part.
This is also important to avoid any leakage problem from the joints. Remember to use smooth wrenches in case of using bronze or brass valves and put them on the valve endpoint while making the connection.
Step 7:
Tighten the valve into the pipeline with a wrench until you feel it fits enough properly. Keep tightening until you can feel the joint is in the correct alignment of the valve and the pipe by exerting more pressure. When a joint sound is heard, and there are no further movements, this means you perfectly connect the valve by reaching its stop level.
Once you finish all the above steps, say well done to you. You have done a great job! Now read on to learn the recommended installation of threaded ball valves by our specialist ball valve manufacturers.
Recommended Installation of Threaded Ball Valves
The best way to connect 1 threaded ball valve with pipelines is in a position where the stem is upward. A ball valve supplier does not recommend connecting in the downward direction, as this position will result in aggregated dirt that may result in blockage. Moreover, they are easy to install on vertical and horizontal fluid systems.
For the best mechanism and control, install it upward so that the valve handle is parallel to the flow direction. This way, the life span of these valves is increased significantly, and the speed of wear and tear gets slow. After learning the installation process, our threaded ball valve distributors want to teach you how to choose the best-threaded ball valve.
Let’s have a look!
Buyer Guide for Efficient Selection of Threaded Ball Valve
These valves regulate the flow and allow blockage when required in any fluid conveyance system. The ball-shaped handle creates a barrier for blockage purposes with its 90-angle-degree rotation. The hole enables the flow, and the handle, when rotated, causes a barrier in between.
However, the proper functioning of this valve depends upon several factors.
Whether your system needs a 2” threaded ball valve or a ¾ threaded ball valve, its performance depends upon various factors. Let’s check them one by one:
1. Material Selection
Just like any other plumbing part, threaded ball valves come in different materials like brass, bronze, stainless steel, etc. They differentiate from one another on the basis of their properties. You need to select the one according to your pipeline system.
Brass ones are suitable for compressed air pipelines, diesel, fuel, etc., as they can hold pressure without leakage. They are also budget-friendly and available at lower prices than other materials. On the other hand, carbon steel valves are sensitive to temperature and are best for water pipelines.
Likewise, stainless steel valves are best for high-pressure capacity as they can bear 2000 psi pressure. They are also durable but put a burden on the pocket. However, gas pipelines requiring high security to prevent leakage work effectively with solid seals and control.
Comparison between all these materials indicates that every material has some limitations. You must decide your budget and system requirements before making any final decisions.
2. Configuration Setup
Are 3-way diversion valves better or 4-way diversion ones? The configuration setups depend upon the shape of the valves and their routes. With the right option, you will experience smooth flow mechanisms.
3. Port Connection Options
The threaded ball valve may connect with a pipe, tube, or machinery component. So, its port connection must be suitable for the particular connectivity. Some popular and commonly used port options available in these valves are
- BSPP female/male threads
- NPT female/male threads
- A solder end
- A straight thread o-ring
4. Types of Seals
These valves have various types of seals protecting against leakage. You can go for EPDM, FKM, or Fluorocarbon seals, depending on the pressure and the temperature of the pipelines. Some seals are suitable only for low pressure, while others may accommodate high temperatures and pressure.
You can also consult the experts at Plumberstar to make the best decision for the threaded ball valve‘s seal. Its leak-proof performance depends on the seal quality.
5. Handle Options
Handles of the valves also come in various styles like short-lever handles, padlocking handles, etc. You need to choose the suitable one according to the available space. Or, you can select the one you find suitable for your system in style or shape.
6. Venting Ability
Some valves need venting regularly to reduce the pressure inside the pipelines. In the market, they are available in both vented and non-vented options. In the case of high-pressure plumbing systems, vented valves are always used to avoid fracture or leakage.
Once you are done with your installation it does not mean your job is over. Along with installation, you should also maintain your ball valves for their long-life functioning and durability. Here we have collected some important tips to make your task easy for you.
Maintenance Tips for Threaded Ball Valve
For better performance of a 1 ½ threaded ball valve or any other size for an extended period, you need to follow these maintenance tips:
- You need to check the movement of the ball handle in both open and closed positions at regular intervals for uninterrupted working mechanisms.
- In case of wear and tear of the stem, you need to fasten the packing nut forcefully in a clockwise direction. This way, you can stop any leakage.
- Don’t tighten the nuts, as this will stress the valve parts, increase their wear and tear, or result in fractures in the inside structures.
- Firstly, tighten the valve by hand and then use the wrench for further tightening.
- For Smaller sizes like a ½” threaded ball valve, practice 1-½ to 3 turns complete for tightening. For bigger sizes that are more than one inch, practice 1 to 2-½” turns complete.
- The average thread engagement is between 3 and 1/2. Try to remain inside this range to avoid over-tightening or loosening the connection.
Remember that a 1” threaded ball valve works in fully open and closed situations. It can’t control the flow in a low or medium manner. If you use them to throttle the flow, this situation may lead to leakage problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the Best Options for Users in Threaded Valves?
On the base of styles, these valves have the following types:
- Single body
- Split body
- Welded
- Top entry
Q: What are the Available Sizes of Threaded Ball Valves for Homes?
Usually, homes have red and white valves that are ¼ inches to 8 inches wide, depending on the water flow and pressure. Size matters a lot in having enough strength against pressure and temperature.
Q: What Should be the criteria for Choosing Suitable Threaded Ball Valve Sizes?
These valves are available in the market in various sizes depending on the plumbing requirements and pipeline width. A ½ threaded ball valve is suitable for low water flow and narrow pipelines in a kitchen or bathroom as it can bear low pressure. With more width, the capacity of the valve towards pressure increases.
Bottom Line
The threaded ball valve is an essential component of water pipelines. It plays a vital role in maintaining or blocking the flow with a ball-shaped handle. Always go for an authentic ball valve wholesaler or supplier for getting 1-inch threaded ball valve or any other size.
One of the reliable names in the market is Plumber Star. With premium material and flawless manufacturing, you can use our valves for a maximum of years without any repair requirements. Moreover, with a comprehensive collection of these valves, we ultimately render parts for commercial and residential fluid management systems.