14th January 2025

Building service valves are integral components across a variety of applications, providing effective control and regulation of fluids and gases. Choosing the right valve for your project is crucial, as it can greatly affect performance, cost efficiency, and longevity.

This guide will review the most widely used types of building service valves, outlining their strengths and weaknesses, as well as reviewing important considerations before purchasing.

If you have any questions or queries about valves for your project that you can't find the answer to below, please email us through our Contact Us page.

The Most Popular Types of Service Valves & Their Pros and Cons

Each building service valve has advantages and disadvantages depending on the application required. The most popular and widely available valves tend to meet the demands of various building systems, including plumbing, HVAC, fire protection, and industrial, while also retaining high durability, low operational costs, and easy maintenance.

Below is a list of the most common valves, along with their functions, benefits, and considerations.

1. Ball Valves

Ball valves can provide quick, reliable shut off which makes them ideal for fast control of liquid flow in emergencies, and have great versatility when applied in plumbing, heating, and gas lines. 

This is due to the wide range of sizes and materials they are constructed in. They are one of the easiest valves to operate and require minimal maintenance to keep them functional which makes them a very appealing option.

Advantages:

• Quick Operation: Open and close with a simple quarter-turn, making them ideal for quick shutoff and automation.
• Reliable Sealing: When fully closed, they provide a tight seal, reducing leakage.
• Minimal Pressure Drop: When fully open, there is very little resistance to flow, minimizing pressure loss.

Disadvantages:

• Unsuitable for Flow Control: Ball valves are less effective for precise flow regulation or throttling, especially at low flow rates.
• Wear and Tear: Over time, repeated use for throttling can damage their internal components.
• Cost: High-quality ball valves can be more expensive than other types of valve

2. Butterfly Valves

Butterfly valves are another versatile option, deriving their name from the wing-like action on the disc, they are considered more suited for large-diameter piping systems due to the space, weight, and cost considerations.

Like Ball valves, their compact design, cost-effectiveness, and efficiency in larger systems have made them a popular choice, especially with HVAC and water management systems.

Advantages:

• Compact and Lightweight: Butterfly valves are ideal for space-constrained installations, such as in HVAC systems, fire protection, and large pipe systems.
• Quick Operation: Similar to ball valves, they can be quickly opened or closed with a simple quarter-turn, making them suitable for systems requiring fast response times.
• Low-Pressure Drop: When fully open, they provide a low resistance to flow, which minimizes the pressure drop in large piping systems.

Disadvantages:

• Limited Throttling Ability: Though they can be used for flow control, butterfly valves are considered less effective than globe valves for fine flow regulation.
• Sealing Issues: In some designs, they may not seal as tightly as ball valves, potentially leading to leaks.
• Wear: Over time, the disc and sealing components may wear, especially if used frequently in throttling applications.

3. Gate Valves

Gate Valves, like Butterfly, have great synergy with large-scale systems like water mains distribution, especially where the primary requirement is an on/off function.

These valves are commonly used where full flow control is needed and where high-temperature resistance is a requirement. Their efficacy lies in isolating large-diameter pipes, however, more modern systems do favor quicker-acting valves.

Advantages:

• Full Flow: Minimal pressure drop and maximum flow capacity due to unobstruction when fully open.
• Durability: Gate valves are robust and can withstand high pressures and temperatures.
• Long Lifespan: With proper maintenance, these valves can last for many years.

Disadvantages:

• Slow Operation: The turning action to open or close a gate valve is slow, which may not be ideal in situations requiring quick shutoff or regulation.
• Space Requirement: The valve requires more space to operate, as it needs to open fully.
• Not Ideal for Flow Control: They are not suited for throttling or controlling flow, as they can cause excessive wear when partially open.

4. Globe Valves

Globe valves are specialized for finer control and flow regulation in high-pressure systems. HVAC and industrial systems that require precise control would benefit greatly from these valves as their ability to throttle media without significant erosion over time outclasses the other valves already mentioned.

Advantages:

• Excellent Flow Control: Globe valves are specifically designed for throttling and regulating flow, making them ideal for applications where precise control is needed.
• Tight Shutoff: They provide a reliable shutoff when closed, though not as tight as ball valves.
• Versatility: Can handle both high and low pressures with good performance.

Disadvantages:

• Pressure Drop: Globe valves can cause a significant pressure drop because of their restrictive internal geometry, which can lead to inefficiencies in some systems.
• Slower Operation: While not as slow as gate valves, they do require more turns to fully open or close compared to a ball or butterfly.
• More Expensive: Globe valves are generally more expensive than gate or ball.

5. Check Valves

Check Valves are primarily designed to prevent the reverse flow (backflow) of fluids found in a variety of essential systems with applications in plumbing, water supply, HVAC, drainage, and industrial.

They ensure the singular directional flow by autonomously closing when the flow reverses which means no external control or manual action is required. They can protect vital equipment such as pumps or compressors whilst requiring little maintenance in return. 

Advantages:​

• Prevents Backflow A check valve's most significant advantage is its ability to prevent backflow as this can cause damage or even contamination.
• Automatic Operation No manual intervention is required once installed. It operates automatically without the need for external control.
• Energy Efficient By protecting vital systems, check valves retain system efficiency as they reduce the energy needed to pump fluid back in the correct direction.

Disadvantages:

• Pressure Drop Even when check valves are fully open, there is still a small level of resistance to the flow. This has the potential to cause pressure drop, especially in large-scale systems with high flow rates.
• Wear and Tear Seals will wear out over time which will eventually lead to failure, leakage, or malfunction.
• Noise and Vibration Some spring-loaded mechanisms may make clanging or slamming noises when in operation. If the surrounding environment is sensitive to sound, this may cause disruption.

For more common types of valves, visit our Valves & Controls section to learn more.

Key Factors To Consider When Choosing Service Valves

When choosing the right valve for the job, there are a few key factors that will help narrow down the options. Ask yourself the following questions and build a profile of the building service valve you need before making a decision.

What Is Being Transported?

It seems obvious, but considering what's flowing through the valves can make all the difference.

For example, each fluid has its own properties, including viscosity, temperature, and corrosiveness, which will play a significant role in determining the suitable valve type and the materials needed. The valve must have the correct traits to handle any projected issues.

What Size Do You Need?

Over or undersizing your valve can be the difference between smooth operation and inefficiencies with flow control.

Matching the size of the valve to the pipe will ensure system balance with other components such as pumps or pressure regulators and less wear and tear.

What Material Is Best Suited?

Valves can come in a variety of materials to cover many applications. The body can be constructed of carbon steel, stainless steel, cast iron, brass or bronze depending on the strength required whereas the trim, seals, actuator components, and the bonnet can also vary in material depending on the properties of what is being transported, the environment and pressure and temperature controls.

Manufacturers always provide guidance for the relative application.

What Controls Are Needed?

The enviroment around the valve plays an equally important role in determining your selection. Operating pressure, temperature, and the conditions in which the valve will be installed will affect the material and the construction that you choose. It will also determine the durability needed for the valve to operate consistently.

What Industry Certification Is Required?

Valves with industry certification foster confidence in the product. It guarantees that the valve has undergone rigorous testing and meets the expected safety and performance standards.

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) provides guidelines for the design, performance, and testing methods of industrial valves, and the Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS) determines whether or not a product, wholly or partly, complies with the highest standards set out by water regulations. 

What Will It Cost?

A final consideration is the total valuation of each stage of the process. Each stage will have a cost, from the initial purchase of the valve, to it's installation, maintenance, and potential replacement. Any valve with a compelling history of minimal maintenance and a long life span will help save money in the long run.

By evaluating these factors, you can make a well-informed choice when selecting a service valve that aligns with your system's requirements, thereby guaranteeing efficient and dependable performance.

Best Practices for Maintaining Service Valves Following Installation

The upkeep of building service valves is essential for their long-term functionality and to avert expensive repairs or potential damage. The following maintenance recommendations will help ensure that your building service valves remain in optimal condition.

Perform Regular Inspections & Plan Your Next Move

Identifying potential issues early with routine inspections is key to retaining ongoing performance. Look for wear, corrosion, or damage, assess and plan for repairs or replacement.

The best thing you can do is give yourself time to address the issue as neglecting to replace a faulty part quickly could become a major safety concern leading to further damage or potentially a system failure.

Lubricate and Clean When Needed

Valves with moving parts such as Ball and Gate valves crucially require lubrication and regular cleaning to prevent rusting and keep them running smoothly. Consult the manufacturer's instructions to identify the correct lubrication schedules and cleaning methods.

The correct lubricant and non-abrasive cleaning materials can help mitigate friction, prolong the valves' lifespan, and remove the eventual dust, dirt, and mineral buildup created over time.

Evaluate Valve Efficiency

Any deviations of flow control, pressure, or temperatures outside the nominal could signify performance issues. These can be identified during an inspection so address this promptly to maintain optimal system functionaility.

Implement a Routine Preventative Maintenance Schedule

An effective maintenance schedule should include monitoring, regular testing, servicing, and calibration with an emphasis on the manufacturer's recommendations and requirements for that system. Having this in place will help prevent unexpected breakdowns and extend the lifespan of your valves.

Implementing these best practices will optimize the performance and durability of your service valves, which in turn will boost the overall efficiency and reliability of your systems.

In Conclusion

Selecting the right building service valve can significantly impact system efficiency, longevity, and safety. Consider the specific needs of your application, including fluid type, pressure, and operational preferences.

For large-scale systems, butterfly valves may offer a cost-effective solution. Meanwhile, ball valves are perfect for high-pressure, leak-proof systems. Globe valves are ideal for precision control, whereas check valves are essential for preventing backflow.

It also pays to take time to assess and plan post-installation care as this will keep ongoing costs low and systems running optimally.

By understanding and weighing up the benefits of each valve type, you can make an informed decision that meets both functional and budgetary requirements.

Take the next step with Ashworth

Ready to choose your next ideal building service valve for your project? We at Ashworth offer a wide range of high-quality service valves from a selection of the biggest names in the industry, tailored to your specific needs.

Our new Product Portfolio Guide flipbook provides a handy overview of what valves we can supply as well as covers our extensive range of products.

You can also explore our Valves & Controls section on our home page to see a selective range of our most popular lines. Many of our valves have product information including their attributes, features, and benefits, and even data sheets to ensure you shop with confidence.

If you have a Trade Account with us, you can also apply for an online account. This allows you to keep up with what's trending, place online orders, gain access to useful tools, and even view and download copy invoices.