Water shut-off valves are designed to control the flow of water. There are a variety of different types of valves, all with a specific purpose. Valves are used to control water flow from your home's water utility. Some valves can be used to adjust the volume of water, and some operate with a basic on/off function. Different valves also use different materials for what best suits your home's plumbing system.
Some types of water shut-off valves we offer for repair and/or replacement include:
- Check Valve: Check valves are generally used to prevent backflow. These are one-way valves, used to allow the flow of water to run freely one way. If the water flow turns, the check valve will close to protect pipes and plumbing. Without a check valve, a water hammer can occur, an extreme force of water which can damage pipelines, for example. These are common in commercial buildings and irrigation systems.
- Butterfly Valve: Butterfly valves employ a flat disc with an attached stem to open or close the path of water flow. Butterfly valves have a slower, rotational activation, tight seal, simple visual checks, and are ideal valve operations for slurries and suspended solids.
- Stop Valve: Stop valves control the flow to individual plumbing fixtures, such as faucets and toilets. These valves allow you to shut off water lines without having to shut off the water supply to the entire house.
- Gate Valve: Gate valves are one of the most commonly used main water shut-off valves. These have a twisted handle and are used to shut off water supply entirely. Though long-lasting and reliable, they can get stuck in the on/off position. Gate valves are best for situations where the water lines need to be shut off infrequently. Most older main water shut off valves are gate valves.
- Ball Valve: Ball valves utilize a ball and stem mechanism, where the stem is attached to a ball that allows water to flow through it when open, but the sides of the ball block flow when turned off. Most new main shut off valves are ball valves.
- Saddle Valve: Saddle valves are less common in modern homes, but you may still encounter them in older homes. Needle valves are used to connect water to appliances like fridges and water filters. It has a small port and needle-like threader. It allows only precise regulation of flow and its flow rates are quite low. It's best to replace this older mechanism as it can cause problems due to its age and ease of wear.
If you suspect your water shut-off valve might be malfunctioning, be on the lookout for these common signs and call us for a repair or replacement right away:
- Water that runs after the valve is closed or shut off
- Dripping or leaking valves
- Excessively noisy water flow
- A water valve handle that leaks
- Rust or corrosion around the valve
- The valve is difficult to turn off or seized completely
Whatever the issue, you can trust our experienced plumber to complete your Edmonton water valve repair carefully and efficiently.
