Figure 1: Ball valve
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Knowing how to install a ball valve can help prevent leaks and troubleshoot other issues to avoid water damage at home. It is essential to consider the valve orientation and the type of ball valve selected to install the valve correctly. This article discusses how to install a 2-way manual ball valve to a water line made of copper, a common application. However, the same principles apply to other ball valve installations too.
Ball valves allow water supply lines to be connected to industrial and residential applications, like toilets and sinks at home. A leak within the pipe after the mainline can be shut off effectively using a ball valve; Hence the section can be isolated, drained, and investigated for the leak. The ball valves can be connected to the pipe via solder, threads, push to connect fittings or compression fittings. Read our article on electric ball valve installation for more details on how to install ball valves with electric actuators.
2-way ball valves are bidirectional valves; hence the flow direction is not crucial, and these valves can be installed in horizontal or vertical pipe sections. But the best method is to set up the valve handle to point in the flow direction (when it is open) as it eliminates possible confusion regarding the flow direction in the future. The orientation of the valve stem is not critical, but the optimal way is to set it up vertically for ease of use. Installing it upside down can cause the accumulation of dirt and other sediments on the stem packing. Install the ball valve with the valve stem facing upwards wherever possible.
A copper pipe carries the main water supply, to which the inlet port of the valve is to be connected. Preparing the pipe before installing the ball valve is crucial; else, it can lead to dirt accumulation within the valve during usage. If cutting the pipe is needed, read our article on cutting pipes for more details on how to cut a pipe section effectively.
Clean the pipe with a sand cloth and ensure a clean pipe for installation.
Slide the compression nut over the copper supply pipe as far as it goes. This gives ample space to work. Then place the compression ring over the end of the supply pipe. Ensure that the compression ring covers the end of the supply pipe completely.
Remove any existing thread seal tape on the pipe and clean the pipe thoroughly using a wire brush. Ensure that the pipe connection is threaded properly and free of foreign materials for threaded valves. Also, wrap the valve's threads using a thread seal tape or pipe thread compound.
Figure 2: Copper pipe plumbing system
This step includes connecting the input port of the ball valve to the copper pipe that supplies water. Ball valves can be installed in any orientation or position, provided there is enough space left for the quarter-turn operation of the lever for valve operation. Turn off the main water supply during the installation process.
Note: If the pipe support system cannot support the entire pipe and valve fittings from a weight perspective, it can lead to structural and property damage that can void the product warranty.
Figure 3: Installing a ball valve to the copper pipe: ball valve (A), valve port to attach supply lines to the equipment like sink or toilet (B), and copper pipe (C)
Figure 4: Tightening a ball valve with a grip pliers
Once the ball valve is installed onto the copper pipe, connect the valve&#;s output port to the necessary equipment via copper pipes. Turn on the water supply and check for any leaks. Open the newly installed ball valve by turning the valve handle slowly by 90 degrees. The valve is closed when the handle is perpendicular to the pipe (fluid flow) and opened when it is parallel to the pipe. If the valve leaks when turned on, close the valve by giving a quarter-turn to the handle and retighten the connections as needed. All completed systems should be tested thoroughly upon completion for any leaks or loose connections.
Regular maintenance is the most efficient method of ensuring long uninterrupted operational efficiency. Inspect the valve for any possible leaks within the first year of operation and carry out a complete maneuver cycle (moving the handle to open and close the valve) every three months to check the valve for any leaks or corrosion and prevent the formation of scales. Scales are the solid deposits that grow over time through valves and pipelines, causing a significant reduction in the production rates and equipment damage. Check the valve more frequently if it is working in extreme conditions. Read our article on ball valve leakage troubleshooting for more details on troubleshooting a leaking ball valve.
A slip ball valve is an innovative valve that favors a &#;slip&#; connection allowing easy connection of the ball valves to tubes and pipes. The slip fitting is the best choice to repair a broken pipe or replace a leaky valve. The pipe is cut by a few inches and slid into the &#;slip&#; end (marked on the fitting) as far as it goes. The fittings are then released using a disconnect tool (a pair of tongs sold separately). These fittings then slide back onto the other end of the pipe for a successful installation and repair of leaks. Hence, no glue or solder is required for the installation, ensuring easy and fast installation.
Figure 5: Slip ball valve
A standard ball valve installation typically requires multiple steps like cleaning and cutting a portion of the pipe, unscrewing the nuts and sliding the valve into the pipe, and soldering the ends. The steps vary from one ball valve type to the other depending on whether the valve is solder-type, flanged, or compression-type. The process takes more time, and the complexity involved may cause errors during installation.
A slip ball valve allows the copper pipe to be cut out of an existing line and connected back together using a disconnect tool. The tool helps slide the fitting back to the pipe&#;s other end. The push-to-connect feature helps for quick and easy installation, and the design comes in handy during emergency repairs. A slip ball valve is ideal for use in tight spaces where installing a conventional ball valve can be difficult. Faster installation time and ease of use reduce the errors caused during the installation process.
A slip ball valve allows cutting a portion of the installation pipe and inserting the valve, which can then be clipped onto the pipe, ensuring an easy installation process.
The best way to install a ball valve is to install the valve with the valve stem facing upwards. Connecting the valve in any other way may cause dirt buildup within the valve stem and is not recommended.
Most ball valves are bidirectional and contain two floating or fixed seats on the upstream and downstream sides.
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There are different kinds of ball valves according to the ball valve direction of flow. Some are unidirectional, while some are bidirectional. It is important to know the kind of valve you need for your usage and purchase the valve according to your specifications.
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Know you required ball valve flow direction when choosing the right ball valve. A unidirectional valve only allows one direction of flow, while a 2 piece ball valve flow direction is both from inlet to outlet and vice versa.
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In the ball valve installation, knowing the direction of the flow is crucial especially for unidirectional flow since it is best to set-up the handle to point to the direction of the flow when open.
There are ball valves that are multi-directional but not all of them are, it depends on the number of seats and ports.
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Unidirectional forged ball valves allow the medium to flow to only one direction. This direction is indicated by an arrow outside the ball valve body and points to where the contents flow to. The ball shutter prevents the medium from flowing when the valve is shut.
Single-seat valves like the C and V port ball valve, as well as, some double-seat ball valves are unidirectional or designed for single flow. The seats are usually on the upstream side of the valve.
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The bidirectional cryogenic ball valve or the two-way ball valve are ball valves that have identical seats on both sides of the ball. These correspond to the upstream and downstream flow of the medium. This double-seat design creates a tight seal in both directions.
Installation of this type of ball valve is less particular since it can be installed in either direction since neither directions affect its sealing capacity.
If the ball valve is bidirectional then it may be oriented in either direction, but if it is unidirectional , then the water flow direction in the ball valve arrow must be followed.
The ball valve flow direction standard is indicated by an arrow outside the ball valve body. Furthermore, the lever of the ball valve usually point to the direction of the flow.
Ball valves are quarter-turn valves that are easy to maneuver whether it be opening or closing the valve.
When the handle is turned clockwise, it closes the valve, and opens the valve when turned counterclockwise, the easiest valve to open and close.
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The lever or handle of the ball valve usually faces the side when closed. Turn the lever towards the flow of the medium or towards the arrow, this is usually done in a counterclockwise turn.
Ball valves are closed when the its lever or handle faces the side. Turn the lever a half turn clockwise to close the valve and stop the flow of medium.
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The Two piece ball valve is a bidirectional or two-way ball valve that allows flow from either direction.
The arrow that is written or cast on a valve indicates the ideal direction of flow for the valve.
Technically, it can be partially opened but users are discouraged to do so since the pressure may be distributed incorrectly and can damage the ball valve seats.
Essentially, it can be installed in any direction but any installation that is not the recommended usual way of installation may have effects on the way pressure is handled in the ball valve mechanism.
Yes, the handle can be changed. It can be replaced for a quick fix if it is damaged. You may also opt to swap it with a higher quality material even prior to any damage.
There are other valve types that have valve direction of flow similar to the ball valve. Globe valves, especially the large ones, have the flow direction cast or embossed on its body. Check valves are unidirectional and prevent flow of medium back to its origin direction. Gate valves, on the other hand, are bidirectional or two-way flow and can be shut-off in either direction. While butterfly valves, are essentially bidirectional but have a preferred flow direction indicated in its body.
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Flow to open or FTO flow direction is when a medium or fluid passes through the plug causing the plug to open. Control valves with the FTO flow direction are more common than the flow to close or FTC mechanism. The former is only employed in special uses while the FTO is usually used in more general applications.
Flow to close or FTC is the opposite of the FTO in the sense that the fluid opens the plug when it passes it. This flow direction is usually used in low pressure usage and applications and is less popular than the flow to open flow direction. It is also referred to as reverse flow.
Learning the ball valve flow direction is essential to get the most out of your ball valve and to determine which kind of ball valve flow direction you may need for your specific requirement. The ball valve flow direction is also important when installing your ball valve.
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