Best Plumbing Ball Valve Manufacturers for 2020

Heating and water supply networks of industrial and civil buildings today are unthinkable without such a simple and reliable shut-off valve, which is a ball valve. His invention, without any exaggeration, can be attributed to the most important achievements of engineering thought of the 20th century. Today on sale you can find products from numerous manufacturers, made of different materials, familiar shapes and stylish designs, simple and with unexpected functionality. Making the right choice can be tricky. The editorial staff of the site "bestx.htgetrid.com/en/" offers an overview of "The best manufacturers of ball valves for water supply in 2020", compiled according to the opinion of buyers and experts.

A bit of history

Centralized water supply was familiar in ancient Egypt, Hellas, and the Roman Empire. Roman aqueducts are still preserved in Italy, Spain and Germany.

Interesting! The aqueduct is the name of the oldest colossal stone structures for supplying water to major cities in Europe, built during the Roman Empire.

Some of them are still used for their intended purpose today. Such a mass of water supplied to the ancient cities had to be controlled. This is how the first samples of shut-off and water-folding fittings appeared. On the island of Capri, archaeologists have discovered ancient brass and bronze cork closures. These are the very first valves in the world, the predecessors of valves, ball and water taps.

The next impetus to the rapid development of gates and valves was the invention of the steam engine. The need for water control and steam control has led to reliable plugs and adjustable spring loaded safety valves.

Some technical solutions have not lost their relevance in our time. In the twentieth century, utilities began to be equipped with butterfly valves, diaphragm valves and ball valves. Today, the development of valves is moving in several main directions:

• durability;
• reliability;
• manufacturability;
• cost reduction.

Ball valve prototypes

The cork crane was known to the ancient Egyptians. Simple and reliable, these devices are still used today. Let's recall the most famous options for their use:

1. Samovar. The same one with which tea has always been poured from samovars, both the most ancient and modern electric ones.
2. Bath. KrB is still used in the washing departments of public baths, for which it received its official name.
3. Gas. Familiar to everyone who uses a gas stove, water heater or natural gas heating boiler.

How a plug valve works

The simplest device is the samovar version. There are two components: a body and a cone - a plug with a rectangular cut and a fixed handle. The body follows the shape of the cork and has the same internal dimensions. By turning the plug by 90 degrees, the slot of the plug is set along the axis of the product, opening the passage for water.The flow is shut off by turning the plug 90 degrees in the opposite direction. The position of the integral handle indicates the position "Open" if it is parallel to the axis of the "spout", and "closed" if the handle becomes perpendicular to the axis of the shut-off valve. In this part, cork and ball devices are very similar. The difference is in the shut-off organ: a cone in a cork, and a sphere in a ball device. The difference is visible when it comes to the seal between the closure and the product body.

To prevent leaks, the plugs made of soft brass or copper were rubbed against the bodies until the gap was completely eliminated by repeated twisting in the fit. Gas and bath models are more complicated, since they work under pressure, and in the case of the gas version, the slightest leak of the working medium will cause an explosion and fire. These models have a closed bottom, a gland with a threaded cover. In ball locks, lapping will not help. Spherical polymer seals are used here.

Who invented the ball valve

Complicated story. There is evidence that the first such device was first used in the fuel lines of airliners somewhere in the middle of the last century.

On a note! According to some sources, a patent for it was issued in 1954 to the American inventor Howard Freeman.

The product did not provide complete tightness and was not widely used in those days. A quantum leap took place later, with the invention of polymeric materials.

The problem was that, unlike the cork, the shut-off element of the new device was a steel ball with a hole in the center. It was difficult to provide a reliable seal between it and the walls of the structure without an elastic and at the same time resistant to abrasion material. The task was brilliantly solved with the advent of Teflon, and later, fluoroplastic. From that moment on, the ball valve quickly conquered the global shut-off valve market. Today, dozens of inventors own patents for various types of such devices.

What are ball valves

Differences in case material

The operating mode and technical characteristics of the working and environment depend on it.

Brass products

Versatile, environmentally friendly and durable material, equally suitable for joining steel, polypropylene or copper pipes. Does not corrode. It works perfectly in hot water supply systems, heating, drinking water, gas and pneumatic pipelines. The disadvantages include the high cost and the impossibility of connection or repair by welding.

Stainless steel

They are cheaper than brass ones. They are more convenient when repairing pipelines, as they can be welded to the pipeline or welded holes and cracks. Heavy. In terms of the number of models, they are significantly inferior to brass ones, and the cost is slightly less.

Polypropylene

They are lightweight and affordable. The disadvantage is the ability to operate only with polypropylene pipes.
All of these materials are used for the manufacture of both industrial and household models.

Bandwidth

An important characteristic. Distinguish between full bore and partial bore models. The first ones are called so because the diameter of the ball hole coincides with the diameter of the pipeline, and their capacity is 100%. This also includes gates with a throughput characteristic in the range from 90 to 99%.

Partial bores are called:

• semi-bore, the diameter of the hole of which is one size smaller than the diameter of the pipe, and the throughput varies from 70 to 90%;
• partial bore - used to reduce water consumption, since they pass from 40 to 70% of the total flow.

By way of joining

This parameter is distinguished:

1. Welded models. They are connected to pipelines by electric welding. It is secure and sealed. However, it is difficult to remove for replacement. We'll have to cut the pipe.This method is used in the construction of industrial facilities where all other methods are unprofitable or impossible for safety reasons.
2. Flanged. They are produced with inlet and outlet flanges and are connected to the counter flanges on the pipeline. Typically used when laying pipelines with a diameter of two inches or more. The connection is simple and sufficiently tight. If necessary, it can be quickly disassembled and assembled.
3. Wafer. Like the previous version, it is mounted to the counter flanges. The difference is that the product itself does not have flanges, but is simply installed between the pipeline flanges and tightened with bolts or studs. There is a so-called. hairpin models. They are fastened with bolts that are inserted into the holes of the pipeline flanges and screwed into the holes with an internal thread in the body of the structure.
4. Coupling. They are joined on the thread. The advantages include ease of installation and dismantling. Suitable for use on pipelines with a diameter of two inches or less. Often used in household utilities. There is only one drawback, the lack of professionalism of the installer when sealing the connection will certainly lead to the formation of a leak.
5. Combined option. Combinations of the listed options: inlet flange and outlet threads, or threads on one side and welded end on the other.

The method of connecting the reinforcement is determined at the stage of project development. In this case, the decision on one or another method of installation of valves is made taking into account the diameter and material of the pipeline.

Top manufacturers

If you buy good-quality things, then you should choose the best manufacturers who value the company's reputation and customer confidence. Branded models are expensive, but who said cheap is the best! We represent several companies, the popularity of models of which is explained by decades of production of high-quality products with excellent consumer characteristics.

Bison

Well-known domestic manufacturer. The main area of ​​activity is shut-off and control valves for industrial pipelines. Produces affordable models of various types of network connection using corrosion-resistant materials: brass and stainless steel.

Gekon

Russian trade mark. Production facilities with the most modern equipment are located in Russia and Italy. The quality of the goods is confirmed by domestic and European certificates. Popular brand models are in constant demand from specialists. The prices are affordable.

Valtec

Russian - Italian company, founded in 2002. One of the most common brands sold in the domestic market for valves. The products are of high quality and relatively inexpensive, they satisfy all the peculiarities of domestic engineering networks. The lineup is wide enough.

Honeywell

American manufacturer of high quality valves and fittings. The company's production facilities are located in the United States and are fully automated. The brand's products are full bore, made of hardened brass, withstand pressures up to 16 bar. Honeywell devices are equipped with a wide and comfortable handle that does not cause discomfort to the user, which compares favorably with products from other companies. Devices with compact electric drives are in high demand. Such models are widely used in industrial circuits with automatic control of temperature and pressure of the working environment, to protect against water leaks in Smart Home systems, etc.

Bugatti

Another Italian brand with more than a hundred high-quality products with various functionalities in the model line. Particularly popular are two and three-way devices used to work with instrumentation showing pressure and temperature in several circuits at the same time, or hot water systems with automatic mixing of cold water.To increase the working life, the surface of the shut-off body (steel apple) is thoroughly grinded with diamond paste. This treatment protects the Teflon seals from destruction. Bugatti products are stylishly designed.

Oventrop

One of the oldest companies in Europe. Founded in Germany in the middle of the 19th century. Initially, the main direction of her activity was the production of furniture fittings. One hundred years later, the company entered the production of components for fuel systems. Production of sanitary fittings was mastered by the company in the 80s of the last century. The Oventrop product range includes over 400 units and this is not the limit. The fittings of the German manufacturer are distinguished by their reliability, increased working life, stylish design and adequate prices.

Stout

The brand and capital are Russian, production in Italy from Italian and European components. The final product is adapted to the operating conditions of Russian engineering networks. The quality corresponds to the domestic GOST and is confirmed by European certificates. The products can be operated at ambient temperatures ranging from -50 ° C to + 150 ° C.
The bodies are made of high quality brass, the stuffing box seals are made of fluorocarbon rubber.

Interesting! Fluoroelastomer is a polymer belonging to the group of elastomers. Possesses unique physical properties: high strength, elasticity and temperature resistance. Resistant to aggressive environments.

Particularly popular are corner models, often used to connect washing machines and dishwashers to water. Among the new products are the patented models with a built-in filter.

F.I.V.

And again a manufacturer from Italy. On the market since 1984. The main activity is the manufacture of shut-off and control valves, warm floors. High-quality German brass of German production was selected as raw material for manufacturing. The company's products cannot be confused with other brands. All of them have a proprietary engraving on the surface. The production process is automated. To facilitate installation, the products are sold complete with American connecting elements. The handles are made of aluminum alloy to reduce overall weight and protect against rust.

ITAP

One of the leading Italian companies for the production of valves. On the market for over 50 years. Has a lot of patents for its innovative models. More than 100 countries are among the consumers. Coupling models are available with external and internal threads. Quality brass cases are nickel plated. All products, regardless of where they are produced, are pre-tested. According to buyers, products with the ITAP brand are among the most reliable in the world.

FAR

Italian brand. Founded in 1974. Manufactures components for engineering networks: gearboxes, measuring instruments, filters, thermostats and fittings. For automated industrial engineering networks and household energy-saving systems such as "Smart Home", the company has mastered the production of electric ball valves. Products are made only on the territory of the Italian republic from components produced by the EU countries. The high quality of the company's products is confirmed by certificates ISI, ENI, UNI. In addition to basic fittings, the company manufactures De Luxe quality products.

Danfoss

International manufacturer of household and industrial equipment for heating, refrigeration, ventilation automated systems, headquartered in Norborg, Denmark. More than a third of the components for such systems sold on the domestic market are branded by this company. On the market for over 70 years, it has its offices in more than 100 countries around the world. Owns a large number of assembly shops with the strictest quality control at the output. Ball valves, manual and electric, from Danfoss - a guarantee of long-term trouble-free operation of engineering systems.

Royal Thermo

The best-selling Russian manufacturer in the territory of the former USSR.It specializes in the production of components for water supply and heating systems: boilers, radiators, fittings and shut-off and control valves. The production facilities are equipped with equipment from leading European brands: ABB, Marconi. A distinctive feature of the Royal Thermo valves is the size of the faces of the inlet and outlet internal threads, allowing them to be gripped with an open-end wrench.

This is not a complete list of brands whose products can be purchased with your eyes closed. It is up to you which company to buy the goods. In any case, you should listen to the advice of specialists in the installation of equipment, get the recommendations of consultants in a specialized store, study the description of the product, its characteristics, clarify how much the selected model costs and make the right choice.

How to choose a ball valve

To purchase a suitable model, you should understand some of the criteria for choosing shut-off valves:

1. The diameter of the control elements of engineering networks must correspond to the diameter of the pipeline. On the side surface, the parameter is necessarily indicated in inches, for example, Dn1 ", or millimeters (25 mm).
2. When choosing shut-off valves, check the pressure of the working medium in the pipeline and choose a valve with a "margin" of pressure. The value of the parameter in bars is applied to the surface of the product after the designation, for example, Pn 16 bar.
3. Brass products have the greatest work resource. Samples made of stainless steel are cheaper, but they have a greater weight.
4. For underground or underwater communications, it is better to choose welded models.
5. When installing a drinking water supply system from polypropylene pipes, only plastic taps are used.
6. Heating pipelines with high pressure of steam or water and with a diameter of 50 mm and more are better equipped with flange fittings.

What else to pay attention to

1. Silumin shut-off valves are distinguished by a modest price and increased fragility. Buying a silumin crane is a waste of money.
2. When installing the pipeline close to the wall, you should select shut-off valves with a butterfly handle. Unlike a long lever, it will not hit the wall and will not interfere with device control.
3. If it is necessary to control the pressure of the pipeline using an indicating manometer, two or three-way ball valves are used, which make it possible to increase the life of the manometer, since the medium pressure is supplied to the device only when it is necessary to make the next observation.
4. Before paying for the purchase, open and close the shutter several times, check how easy the apple walks. The tight movement of the shut-off element complicates the normal operation of the device.
5. Better to choose an option. It has an extended set of functions: a built-in filter, a pile with a built-in thermometer or a drainage pipe for draining water in the winter (if it is a watering tap).
6. For watering the garden, it is better to choose a corner hose tap. A special nozzle - a ruff, allows you to easily attach a rubber-fabric or plastic sleeve to the nozzle and secure it with a clamp. The same option will be ideal when tying a washing machine.

Where can I buy

It is best to do this in a specialized store. There is an opportunity to see and touch the product with your own hands and talk to a sales assistant. If this is not possible, you can order the product online in the online store.

Rating of quality ball valves from the best manufacturers

10. Bugatti New Jersey 915

The review opens the New Jersey 915 model of the Italian company Bugatti. The photo shows a sample with a diameter of 1/2 ", full bore, sleeve. Products are made of CW 617 N brass produced in Europe. It is operated by a lever handle, which can be replaced with a butterfly handle if necessary. The working pressure must not exceed 50 bar. Connecting thread BP / HP (internal on one side and external on the other). The average cost is 300 rubles.

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9. F.I.V. 1/2 "gas

Sample from the Italian brand F.I.V. full bore, half-inch, designed for operation on gas pipelines, as evidenced by the yellow color of the handle. Coupling, with BP / BP thread. Material - chrome plated brass. Designed to operate under 40 bar pressure. Average cost: 389 rubles.

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8.Bison 51216-3 / 4-3 / 4 for hose

A sample of Russian production in a brass case, 20mm or 3/4 inch in diameter. Designed for watering. Equipped with a removable nozzle - a brush for connecting the garden hose. The control is carried out by a convenient lever handle. The device is designed for operation with a working pressure of no more than 25 bar. Average cost: 426 rubles.

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7.Gekon 551 1 coupling

Water shutter from a Russian brand, made in Italy. Full bore brass valve with half-inch connection thread. The control is performed by a butterfly handle. Average price: 584 rubles.

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6.Royal Thermo Optimal 1 1/4 “

Goods from a domestic producer. Full bore version with 1 ¼ ”or 32 mm connection, internal threads. Brass body with protective coating (nickel plated). Design pressure does not exceed 40 bar. The comfortable butterfly handle allows you to open and close the bolt effortlessly. Average price: 731 rubles.

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5.Oventrop Optiflox KFE, DN-15, 1,2H

The product is from the oldest German manufacturer. Manufactured in a brass body with BP / HP threads with a half-inch diameter. Controlled by a flag handle. Complete with a removable nozzle - a ruff made of durable plastic for connecting a garden hose and a brass plug. The device is versatile because it can be installed in a pipeline or used as a watering tap. Average cost: 867 rubles.

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4.Valtec 1 ”with American

Water shutter from the famous Italian manufacturer. Made in brass body with protective coating (nickel plated), full bore with inch B / H threads. Design pressure 40 bar. Equipped with an American woman. Average cost: 1074 rubles.

On a note! American is a quick-disconnect connection consisting of two threaded bushings and a union nut, which makes it possible to install shut-off and control valves into the pipeline without the use of welding.

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3. Stout SVB - 0001 - 000050

Russian-Italian locking device for heating and plumbing systems. The photo shows a two-inch sample with a brass body and a stainless steel apple, designed to work with a pressure not exceeding 32 bar. For control, a comfortable lever handle is provided, which allows you to perform manipulations without much effort. The inlet and outlet threads are internal. Average cost: 1918 rubles.

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2.ITAP 138 1 ”built-in

This Italian device for controlling the pressure of water in water supply and heating systems receives the best reviews. Designed for concealed installation with the handle leading to the surface, lined with decorative material: ceramic tiles, MDF or plastic panels, etc. Brass body with half-inch female threads, rated for a maximum pressure of 25 bar. It differs from standard options in an elongated stem, the presence of a decorative stainless steel cover. The handle is a chrome-plated brass flag. Average cost: 3658 rubles.

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1. Honeywell HA 20

A product of a well-known American company in a brass case with a stainless steel shut-off body. Connecting threads BP / HP, diameter 20 mm (3/4 inch). The maximum water pressure must not exceed 16 bar. The electric drive is protected from external influences according to the IP44 class and can be mounted in rooms with high humidity. The drive receives power from the 220V network via a two-meter cord (supplied in the kit).

In everyday life, the device is integrated into the "Smart Home" systems. Its unique functionality allows it to be used as a means of emergency shutdown of the water supply system at the signal of the water leakage sensor. In this case, the owner receives an SMS message about the accident on the water supply.

An electric actuator with a positioner allows you to regulate the water supply. This function is used in the heating system, allowing you to adjust the economical mode of the heat carrier flow during periods of a long absence of the owners. The average cost is 9203 rubles.

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Buying a ball valve can seem like a daunting task, even for an uninformed buyer. As a result, the purchased device may become covered with cracks along the body or stop hermetically blocking the flow a week after the start of operation. This happens when the buyer chased after cheapness and ran into a cheap Chinese fake. It may also happen that the buyer "dumps" a lot of money for a branded device, when it was possible to purchase an equally reliable option and pay a third less.

We hope that we managed to acquaint a potential buyer with the best manufacturers of such devices and highlight all the questions that arise when buying ball valves with manual or automatic control, so as not to make mistakes when choosing.