PVC valves are an important component in the piping industry. They help control the rate of flow of liquids by creating a watertight seal. These valves are made from Polyvinyl Chloride, hence the name PVC. They come in various sizes according to their intended use. Here are different types of PVC valves to help you understand them better.
Saddle Valve
Saddle valves provide an easy, quick, and secure way of adding water lines, minus the hassle of compromising the integrity of the other pipes. It is generally U-shaped with a provision for screws or nails to ensure the pipe remains rooted in place.
When dealing with heavy pipes, two-way valve clamps provide maximum structural integrity. Half saddle valves also help to secure pipes by interlocking them when only one screw passes through both holes.
Snap Valve
A snap valve is another type of PVC valve. It is a stretched out clamp that opens in two along its length in order for it to fit onto a pipe. It connects the pipe in use to other components of the system made of entirely different materials. It is, therefore, used mostly in the outdoor shade industry and particularly areas with high winds.
Tee Valve
The Tee valve is a basic valve that has a general shape of the letter âTâ. The top of the valve forming the T junction is the inlet/outlet and is often the same diameter as the pipe it fits on to.
Tee valves are used when the water coming from a single pipe is needed in two opposite directions. It joins pipes that cut across each other at a right angle. The simplicity of the Tee valve has made it one of the most common valves in the piping industry.
Elbow Valves
Elbow valves are components that allow you to change the general direction of your pipe. They allow you to turn the pipes into their threaded area and join it with another pipe at its other end, connecting them at an angle. This allows you to fit your pipes in limited spaces and also saves you the costs of purchasing and operating a pipe bender.
Elbow valves come in different angles, diameters, and sizes, according to their intended area of use. There are however three common angles; 90 degrees, 45 degrees, and street elbow.
Butterfly Valve
This kind of valve is used when isolating the flow of fluids through a pipe. Butterfly clamps are cheaper and lighter than most other types of valves, making them a favorite among many. They come in a wide variety according to their uses. Some examples are the tri-centric butterfly valve and the resilient butterfly clamp.
Y-Connector Pipe Valve
Y-connector pipe valves come in handy when connecting pipes at an angle. This is especially useful when piping around corners as they enable the pipes to join at an angle smaller than 90 degrees. They are very similar to Tee valves, but have the general appearance of the letter âYâ, hence the name.
Final Thoughts
When choosing a PCV valve for your pipes, it is important to consider the quality and certification of the manufacturer. Ensure that the PVC valves you get for your piping system are long-lasting and of high quality. The right type of valve will ensure the smooth and efficient operation of your piping structure.