Need a valve? Find it here --> Valve Handbook. 3rd Edition
There are many types of plumbing valves that can be used for various purposes in different areas of the house. The purpose of a valve is to control the amount of water that flows through a pipe. Valves can be made of bronze, copper, or brass, and they are sold online and in hardware stores and home improvement stores. The finish on plumbing valves or faucets is very important to the total look of a kitchen or bathroom. Newer quality styles are often satin nickel that is easy to keep clean because it does not streak or spot like chrome or brass. More bronze, especially oil-rubbed bronze, is also becoming more popular for faucets for these rooms. The finish on the valve or faucets is not only important for its looks, but also because a quality finish on the fixture will not peel or wear off. Modern plumbing valves are made to last, and their finishes need to be durable as well.
Shower valves can be either thermostatic valves or pressure balancing valves. The pressure balancing valve balances the water use in the house so if someone is taking a shower, and another person turns the water on in a sink or elsewhere in the house, the person in the shower will still have a steady temperature of water. Thermostatic valves do the same job, but they are more accurate in keeping a steady temperature in the shower. There are luxury designer shower faucets that enhance the beauty of the shower. They may be made of brass, chrome, or gold-plated, depending on their style. There are also simple basic shower valves that are usually chrome that cost less, but do the same job.
Laundry valves are another common valve that is used in homes. These allow water to flow in and out of a washing machine, and most modern styles automatically turn on and off when the washing machine is turned on or off. These valves are not seen, so there is no need for attractive styles, but as with all plumbing valves, they should primarily be functional and durable. Buying from a reputable company who makes the top quality valves is the best way to be sure that they will work well and last for many years. Gate valves are another common valve that is used outside of the house. A hose can be attached to the valve, and the water flow is adjusted by how far the valve handle is turned to open it.
The types of valves that are normally used at sinks with two handles are compression valves. The cold water valve controls the amount of cold water that flows from the faucet, while the hot water valve controls the hot water flow. Most modern kitchen faucets have washerless valves with a single handle that controls the water temperature and flow from the valve. Many kitchen valves are made of stainless steel, which is preferred for its durability, because it is easy to keep clean-looking, and because it matches the popular stainless steel appliances that many homes have.
Sprinklers and sprinkler systems for watering lawns can use different types of valves to function properly. They allow an amount of water to flow to the sprinklers, depending on how they are adjusted. There are in-line jar top, in-line automatic, and anti-siphon jar top sprinkler valves made by top companies that produce long-lasting valves. It is best to buy valves with a warranty to ensure that they will last, whether they are for outdoor sprinkler systems or indoor plumbing. It is important to tape the receipt to the literature that comes with the plumbing valve in case it needs to be replaced.