Valve Selection Guide

Whether it’s a need to control the flow of liquid, gas, or steam, Zoro has flow control valves for most any home or light commercial application.

Common Valve Types

A ball valve is a valve with a spherical disc which controls the flow through it. The sphere has a hole, or port, through the middle so that when the port is in line with both ends of the valve, the flow will take place. Often used in residential plumbing or in pneumatic air systems, ball valves are either threaded or soldered and full port or reduced port depending on the valve’s function. The handle, or lever, of the port will be in line with the port position which indicates the flow. To avoid restricting flow in a system, select a ball valve size that is equal to the size of the pipe being installed.

A gate valve, sometimes referred to as a sluice valve, opens by lifting a round or rectangular gate/wedge out of the path of the fluid. Primarily used in residential water, gas, or steam systems to permit or prevent the flow of liquids or gases, gate valves are threaded or soldered and have a distinct feature of sealing the surfaces between the gate and seats evenly. Unless specifically designed for the purpose, gate valves shouldn’t be used for regulating flow. Gate valves are often used when a straight-line flow of fluid and minimum restriction are desired, and it’s important to select one that is equal to the size of the pipe it is being installed on or pressure and flow will be reduced.

A butterfly valve operates similar to a ball valve, providing quick shut off, and can be used for either isolating or regulating flow. The closing mechanism is a disc, and rotating an actuator turns the disc either parallel or perpendicular to the flow. However, unlike a ball valve, the disc is always present within the flow; therefore a pressure drop is always in the flow, regardless of valve position. Like ball valves, butterfly valves are part of the quarter turn family, allowing for easier manual flow functions in slightly higher pressure systems such as pools, agricultural watering, filtration systems, and more. Flange size and the number of bolts to connect the valve will determine which valve to use when you're selecting a butterfly valve.

A globe valve, consisting of a movable disc-type element and a stationary ring seat in a generally circular body, is used for regulating flow in a pipeline. Globe valves are named for their spherical body shape with the two halves of the body being separated by an internal baffle, which has an opening that forms a seat onto which a movable plug can be screwed in to close (or shut) the valve. The plug in the globe is connected to a stem which is operated by screw action using a hand-wheel in manual valves. Globe valve selection is based on the size of the pipe and flow required by an engineer or professional and the number of bolt holes to the connecting flange. It’s important to keep the same size pipe opening to avoid reducing the system flow when the valve is replaced.

It’s easy to keep a steady work “flow” going when you choose one of Zoro’s four most popular valves! And keep us in mind when you need to replace a length of pipe, or need a particular type of pipe cutter or other plumbing accessory.

Product Compliance and Suitability

The product statements contained in this guide are intended for general informational purposes only. Such product statements do not constitute a product recommendation or representation as to the appropriateness, accuracy, completeness, correctness or currentness of the information provided. Information provided in this guide does not replace the use by you of any manufacturer instructions, technical product manual, or other professional resource or adviser available to you. Always read, understand and follow all manufacturer instructions.