Each apartment has a water supply system. To ensure normal supply and mixing of hot and cold flow, a ball valve or valve is used. When properly installed and maintained, they can prevent water loss so you don't have to worry about flooding your neighbors while you're away.
Ball valves
What is this? Ball valves for water were invented over a century ago in Europe and have been used in Russia for quite a long time. The design of the valve is based on the flow locking mechanism using a sphere located inside the body, in the body of which there is a through hole. When the clearance is rotated perpendicular to the movement of water, the ball closes it, and when the hole is set parallel to the movement, the movement opens.
Ball valves, which are quite large, imply the installation of a locking mechanism on special supports. In comparatively small faucets, the sphere is installed in a floating manner.
Ball valves have a number of advantages thatprovide them with wide application in different areas of consumption:
- comparatively small size does not interfere with being reliable when operating in various conditions;
- easy design and easy installation;
- virtually do not corrode;
- completely prevent water leakage;
- significant durability.
Views
Ball valves, depending on the method of installation and fastening, are divided into several types:
- For pipes with a diameter of less than 4.5 cm (gas pipeline, water supply and heating), coupling valves are used.
- In the oil industry, large-diameter systems are used to transport raw materials. Here, valves with a flange type of connection are used as shutoff valves. Installation of such a device requires the use of gasket materials to achieve the required tightness.
- In-line models are very convenient. They are used in pipelines where they have to be removed and installed frequently.
- In places where it is not possible to install removable taps, a welded valve is mounted by welding.
Mounting Features
By adhering to a number of rules when installing ball valves, you can avoid unpleasant breakdowns during operation. First of all, experts advise choosing the right place for installing the crane. At the same time, it should not interfere, and it is also worth considering the free play of the handle. The diameters of the device and the pipes to be connected must be identical.
It is necessary to install the valve, always focusing on the direction of movement of the liquid or gas flow (it is indicated by an arrow on the body of the valve). After installation, make sure there are no leaks. To do this, wipe the joints with a dry cloth and apply water. When the liquid flows, a dry hand is passed through all the joints - if there is no leak, the tap is closed.
Rules of application
Like any other equipment, with care and proper operation, the ball valve can last for quite a long time. When using such taps, in order to increase the service life, some nuances should be observed:
- the design of the device has already been calculated in terms of all parameters and characteristics, so you should not lengthen or shorten the handles, or make other changes;
- the size of the thread on the tap and on the connected pipes must be the same;
- when tightening, it is forbidden to apply too much pressure, as cracks may appear in the system case;
Experts recommend installing an additional mechanical filter in the form of a mesh during installation - it will help to avoid failure of taps and measuring instruments used when debris enters the pipeline.
