Chances are you have a variety of plumbing valves around your home. For instance, there are valves under your bathroom sink controlling the water supply. When working on a project, professional plumbers choose a valve based on its specific function. A gate valve is a typical choice for plumbers working on repairs and installation projects in a home.
What Is a Plumbing Gate Valve and Where Is It Used?
A plumbing gate valve usually has a circular handle that looks like a small wheel. This design makes it easy to grasp. The handle controls the position of a gate (partition) inside the pipe. Slowly turning the handle counterclockwise lifts the gate, allowing water access through the pipe. Turning the handle clockwise lowers the gate to block the flow of water. Gate valves control main water lines, outdoor spigots, washing machine water lines, and water heaters, just to name a few.
Why Do Plumbers Use Gate Valves?
Plumbers use gate valves because they’re excellent at slowly shutting off or releasing a supply of water inside a pipe. It usually takes several turns of the handle to completely raise or lower the gate. This is different from another type called a ball valve. Opening a ball valve requires giving its lever a one-quarter turn so that it ends up at a 90-degree angle.
At Gibson Plumbing & Mechanical, we’ve been serving our neighbors in Sparks and the surrounding area since 2000. Our team of qualified plumbers stands ready to perform the plumbing work you need, including installing a gate valve. We are experts at both repairing and replacing faucets and toilets, as well as installing water heaters. If you need a new water heater, we are happy to explain all of the benefits of a tankless model. In addition, our family-owned business provides expert heating and cooling repairs, installation, and maintenance services. We install radiant heating systems, too.
To arrange for professional plumbing work in your home, contact our friendly team at Gibson Plumbing & Mechanical today!
