Which is better ball valve or gate valve?

Gate Valves

Want more information on ball valve cover? Feel free to contact us.

Gate valves, also called sluice valves, are more likely to be found in older houses. Their mechanism usually involves a knob that, when turned, lowers or raises an internal gate or wedge to control the water flow rate. The familiar outdoor spigot for a garden hose is a good example of a gate valve. 

Gate valves allow you to control the rate of the flow of water, from a slow trickle to a full flow, but don’t provide an immediate stop. They are usually controlled by a manual handwheel that requires more than a 360-degree turn to change the gate’s position. 

Tip: Some areas require the use of gate valves placed before and after the water meter in certain systems. This makes it easier for your water department to swap out the meter if needed. 

As we mentioned, ball valves operate by rotating a ball 90° while gate valves are controlled by moving a gate up or down. Because of their design, ball valves can perform an almost immediate shutoff, whereas gate valves are not able to act as quickly. This makes ball valves a better choice for applications where fast cycle speed is desired.

For more customized ball valveinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.

The 90° operation of ball valves makes them faster to cycle, both manually and with an actuator. This is a benefit in most instances but can potentially cause water hammer in high-pressure applications. If the pressure is high enough, the pipe could weaken or even break, which is why users of manual ball valves should turn the levers slowly to avoid water hammer.

Applications & Use Cases

• Wastewater Plants
• Power Plants
• Mining
• Process Plants
• Large Water Supply Lines

Gate valves are commonly found in older home plumbing systems.

• Oil & Gas
• Food & Beverage Equipment
• Automotive
• Vehicle Wash Systems
• Power Processing
• Pharmaceutical
• Chemical Admixtures & Treatment
• Irrigation & Water Treatment Equipment
• Manufacturing Facilities

Ball valves are also found in newer home plumbing systems.

Cost

In the gate valve vs. ball valve debate, cost is a major differentiating factor. Up front, gate valves are less expensive than ball valves, but they can be more susceptible to corrosion which means they will need repairs and replacement more frequently. Ball valves have a higher initial cost, but they are the better choice for longevity since they are more durable and highly effective at forming tight seals.

Maintenance

As we just discussed, gate valves are, in general, less durable than ball valves. In moderate or high cycle applications, gate valves will require routine maintenance or replacement. Most ball valves are designed to be maintenance-free and should be replaced rather than repaired. Three-piece ball valves, however, are designed so that the valve seats and seals can be easily replaced without removing the valve from service. This is why 3-piece ball valves are often used in high cycle or high pressure applications where valve seal failure is likely to occur more quickly. However, 3-piece ball valves typically come with a higher up-front cost than the more popular 1-piece or 2-piece body constructions.

The company is the world’s best custom ball valve sleeves supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.