When it comes to plumbing systems in a home, many different types of valves are commonly used. Each type has its own unique properties and is used in certain plumbing situations. It is important to make sure you use the correct type of valve for your home plumbing. While not widely used in residential/home applications, gate valves can be found in households in some cases, such as main water systems or irrigation systems.

Where households use gate valves
In the home, gate valves such as these are not commonly used. They are more common in industry. However, gate valves are occasionally seen in a home’s main water shutoff valve or outdoor faucet.

Main water shut-off valve
In older homes, it is common to find a gate valve as the main water shut-off valve. These valves control the flow of water in your home, and when the valve is moved to the “off” position, the flow of water through the valve is completely shut off by the valve. This type of valve is great for slowly reducing the flow of water rather than closing immediately.

It is important to note that these types of valves can be both open and closed and should not be used to regulate the pressure of the water flow as they will wear out quickly in any partially open or closed position. Since these valves are often stuck in the “on” or “off” position, they are best used in applications where water is not shut off frequently, such as main shut-off valves.

If you live in a newer home, your main shutoff valve is most likely a ball valve rather than a gate valve. Another full-flow valve system, ball valves are typically found in homes with plastic or copper mains. Ball valves are designed as quarter turn valves. This means that turning the handle a quarter turn clockwise will close the valve. When the handle is parallel to the pipe, the valve is “open”. Closing it just requires a quarter turn to the right.

Faucet
Another plumbing area that may have a domestic gate valve is an outdoor faucet. These valves are ideal for residential irrigation systems because they slowly shut off water to control pressure when opened or closed. The most common type of gate valve used for faucets is a gate valve made of stainless steel, such as this, or a gate valve made of brass, such as this. Read on to learn how to care for your stainless steel gate valve.

How to care for your stainless steel gate valve
Stainless steel gate valve with red wheel handle

To ensure your gate valve opens and closes properly, it’s important to keep up with some simple maintenance tasks. The first is to wrap the threads of the valve with plumber’s tape, which is made of silicone and is designed to help protect and maintain the seal around the threads of the valve, which is considered a weak point in the connection. Plumber’s tape should be changed annually to ensure a tight seal.

Next, it’s a good idea to use lubrication inside the valve, as gate valves that are used for extended periods of time on residential plumbing can become stuck. To prevent sticking, occasionally lubricate the valve wheel post with a spray lubricant. It is especially important to lubricate the valve in winter.

In addition to threaded tape and lubrication, use the following best practices to maintain your gate valve. Regularly inspect outdoor valves for rust. A wire brush can quickly remove small amounts of rust that may form on the valve. Another option is to paint the valve to help prevent rust. Opening and closing the valve regularly helps ensure that the valve is working properly and does not become stuck. It is also a good idea to tighten the nuts on the valve every year. This helps maintain pressure within the system.

Gate Valves for Home Projects
While gate valves are not usually found in homes, they can be used to control a house’s main water supply, as well as in irrigation systems. When choosing a valve for your home, consider gate valves for applications where you need to turn the water on or off infrequently. If these valves are fully opened or closed for extended periods of time, they will last longer. However, if you have stainless steel gate valves, don’t ignore them completely. Be sure to follow our guidelines above for maintaining your gate valve.

With so many different options when it comes to which valve to use, it can be difficult to make the right choice. If you are not sure which valves to use in your home or when to use a gate valve, contact us today for answers.