About Ball Valves
Our large inventory of brass ball valves includes Everhot, Webstone and Wright Valve brands in a variety of sizes and connection options. These valves feature a heavy-duty, full port design, 1/4-turn steel handle (reversible) and are available in both regular and Lead-Free brass. Many models replace similar products from Watts, Apollo (Conbraco), Nibco, Matco-Norca and other manufacturers.
Threaded valve ends meet ANSI B2.1;
Sweat valve ends meet ANSI B16.18;
PEX valve ends meet ASTM F1807/F877;
What is a ball valve?
A typical, 2-way brass ball valve is a quarter-turn, shut-off type, non-balancing valve with a stainless steel or chrome plated brass ball inside it. The ball is positioned in the center of the valve body, connected to the lever and has a hole in it to allow the liquid or gas to pass through. In an open position, the hole is in-line with the pipe. By turning the lever 90 degrees, the ball rotates 90 degrees on a central axis and the opening becomes perpendicular to the pipe, shutting off the flow. Teflon or PTFE seat which surrounds the ball ensures smooth and leak-free operation, even after years of being unused. Since the lever can be only in (2) positions – open (level in line with the pipe) and closed (lever is perpendicular to the pipe), it is easy to determine whether the valve is open or closed.
Due to the nature of their design, ball valves are not intended for flow regulation and balancing applications. Instead, they are used solely for shutoff (2-way valves) and/or diverting (3-way and 4-way valves) applications and are considered to be the most reliable type for the job.
Types:
The most common valves used in plumbing and heating applications can be categorized into the following types:
By port:
Full port ball valves are designed in a manner, where the internal passageway of the valve corresponds to the size of the piping connected to it. This construction allows for optimal flow with minimal restrictions and pressure drop. Standard port valves are much less common and are generally used where pressure drop is of no significance.
By number of inlets/outlets:
The most popular valve type is a 2-way valve, with a single inlet and outlet - these are widely used in all types of plumbing and heating installations, from residential, to commercial, municipal and industrial. 3-way and 4-way ball valves have a similar construction, but the drilled channel in the ball can be “L” or “T” shaped to accommodate required flow patterns.
Models with a drain valve have an additional side outlet valve on the body for purging or filling purposes.
By construction:
Body of a common ball valve used in plumbing and heating installations has a 2-piece construction, permanently screwed together at the factory. 3-piece valves are more common for commercial and industrial applications which require higher pressure ratings and may need periodic maintenance/cleaning of the valve. Unlike a 2-piece construction, the three body parts of the 3-way valves are connected with threaded rods which can be removed if needed and allow to replace the valve without removing it from the pipe.
By material:
Among material types, brass and
lead-free brass are by far the most widespread and accepted alloys in the building industry used for the body of the ball valve. Other materials include stainless steel, bronze and polymer (plastic) - these are application specific and are used when pressure ratings and corrosion resistance of the brass do not meet the desired criteria.
By connection:
The most common connection types include
Threaded (NPT, sometimes confused with IPS),
Sweat (also called Solder or Copper),
Union (on one or both sides) and
PEX (crimp style). Press type connections are also growing in popularity. There are many others - such as PEX, push-fit, flared, flanged, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What is the actual lead content in valves labeled as "lead-free".
A: According to the new law, maximum permitted amount of lead has to be less then 0.25% of the wetted surface area.
Q: What does 600 WOG/CWP, 150 SWP mean?
A: 600 WOG indicates that the valve is rated at 600 psi pressure for cold Water (W), Oil (O), & Gas (G) in ambient temperature. 150 SWP indicates the maximum working pressure for Steam applications. CWP means Cold Working Pressure.
Q: What type of thread is on these valves?
A: Regular NPT on all the threaded models. There's often a confusion between IPS and NPT, so to put it in simple terms - Wright Valves have a US standard thread compatible with the threaded pipe, fittings and nipples sold in home improvement stores and plumbing supplies across the nation. We do not sell BSP (European type) threaded pipe or fittings.
Q: Does this valve have a packing nut?
A: Yes, all models of Wright Valves come with a packing nut.
Q: Some of the valve models, such as BVT034D come with "waste". What is it?
A: It is a small drain outlet with a cap which allows to bleed the air/fluid from the system.
Q: I need to sweat the valve, but afraid to damage the Teflon seats inside it. Should i take the valve apart and solder the parts to the pipe separately?
A: Do not take the valve apart. These valves are designed to withstand the high temperatures during the soldering process. However, if you want to prevent the seats from overheating, simply wrap a wet rag over the remaining portion of the valve.
Q: What kind of handle do these valves have?
A: All of them are 1/4-turn, steel, rubber coated handles.
Q: Which applications can I use these valves for?
A: Lead-free valves for Plumbing & Heating (Hot/Cold water), Gas, Oil and Steam. Regular brass (non lead-free) - for non-potable water applications only.
