Rating of the best manufacturers of ball valves for water supply for 2020

Ball valves are one of the types of valves. The role of the closure element in this type of structure is played by a metal ball. The devices have a long service life and do not require regular maintenance.
The main distinguishing feature is the minimum time it takes to shut off water or gas. And due to their small overall dimensions, they are installed in places where the use of standard valves is impossible due to limited space.

Pros and cons of installing ball valves

Shut-off ball valves are reliable and easy to operate. And:

• in case of an urgent need to turn off the water - a matter of a few seconds;
• high indicators of tightness and reliability;
• simple design - a guarantee of long service, since there is simply nothing to break;
• high wear resistance during active operation;
• compactness;
• acceptable cost;
• the design feature allows the device to be used even with a high viscosity of the coolant.

There are few disadvantages of ball valves:

• temperature limits. Products are inapplicable as shut-off valves at a liquid temperature in the pipeline over 200 degrees (for some instances - up to 150 degrees);
• the need for regular "cranking" in order to avoid the appearance of salt deposits "sticking" of the ball;
• high torque for devices with a cantilever handle. This is not very convenient if the pipe is close to the wall. In this case, it is better to choose products with a butterfly handle.

Also, the disadvantages include the occurrence of a water hammer in the heating system when the tap is quickly opened.

Tips for choosing

Since there are a lot of Chinese products in stores, both high-quality and outright fakes, it is worth approaching the choice of valves responsibly.

Before buying, it is worth determining the diameter of the pipe on which the device will be installed and the type of threaded connection (internal or external).

High-quality devices are supplied complete with a passport, which indicates: warranty period, product number, material and installation instructions. Saving on shut-off valves can lead to significantly higher repair costs, for example, if a ball valve fails.

The ball valve should rotate freely enough. If you need to make significant efforts to crank, it is better to refuse the purchase.

Also, do not buy products with a handle made of plastic. With frequent use, over time, the handle will begin to scroll.

Another important point is the conditional and working pressure indicators. The first one should be higher.If equal values ​​are indicated in the technical specifications, serious breakdowns are possible during operation in the event of a sharp jump in pressure in the water supply system.

You should also pay attention to:

Appearance

The metal should have a uniform shine, without drips and sagging. All parts are symmetrical, the coating is free of cracks and chips, the same thickness of the walls of the case. The marking is clear, with easily distinguishable and readable letters. A sign of a fake is a matte or cloudy outer coating.

Metal type

Brass are the most common and affordable. Ideally, brass marking is CW617N. Such products are heavy in weight, the threaded walls are thicker. It is also worth noting that taps made of silumin, an alloy of aluminum and silicon, are much cheaper than their brass counterparts. But at the same time they are distinguished by increased fragility. They quickly collapse from exposure to hot water. They are used as shut-off valves for systems that do not provide for high pressure and only for cold water. You can determine the silumin device by its appearance - poor coating, uneven seams. Silumin products are also distinguished by their characteristic silvery color.

Many people advise this method of checking ball valves: remove the upper nickel layer with any sharp object. The problem is that this can only be done after purchase. After all, it is unlikely that someone in the store will allow you to scratch and spoil the goods. Therefore, you need to purchase shut-off valves from trusted sellers or directly from the manufacturer's official representatives.

Steel - made of carbon steel are distinguished by high performance characteristics, resistance to mechanical stress. For the price - more expensive than brass.

Specifications

Depending on the purpose for which the crane is purchased, pay attention to the manufacturer's recommendations:

• if the water temperature does not exceed 150 degrees, and the pressure is 40 bar, brass devices are suitable;
• at temperatures up to 200 ° C, pressures up to 160 bar - steel;
• for the installation of heating and cold water supply systems - cast iron.

Although lately experts have recommended replacing cast iron fittings with steel ones. Since, at a higher cost, cast iron products do not differ in technical characteristics from their counterparts made of steel.

Ball valve

Should be perfectly smooth, free from scratches and damage. Quality closures are made of brass with subsequent chrome plating.

A fake is easily recognizable by its characteristic matte finish. You can also check metal with a magnet. If it attracts, it means that the manufacturer saved money and used electrical steel, which is prone to corrosion. As a result of constant contact with water, the valve will quickly rust and fail.

Best Plumbing Ball Valve Manufacturers for 2020

To buy a device that will last a long time, sometimes it is not enough just to come to the store and purchase the first model you come across. All ratings and reviews should be examined first. This review is compiled on the basis of expert opinions in the field of installation of shut-off equipment, as well as direct users who have already used ball valves from leading companies in their experience.

RM

The Chinese company for the manufacture of locking mechanisms RM has confidently conquered the Russian market. Ball valves, which differ in budgetary cost, undergo strict control at all stages of production. In particular, this is an electronic check for the detection of defects and compliance with the technical specifications. For the manufacture of parts, only high-quality raw materials are used that meet all the requirements of GOST. Thanks to these measures, RM products serve for a long time and practically do not break.

The advantage of ball valves and fittings from Chinese manufacturers is that they easily fit different types of plumbing systems, so buyers do not have to look for compatible parts for a long time.Thanks to the nickel plating of the brass faucet, repeated shut-off of the water has practically no effect on its condition. The model attracts many consumers by the fact that, in order to close or open the water, you need to turn the tap 180 degrees.

• budgetary cost;
• the product is not subject to corrosion;
• there are models with a flange connection, which are often used for industrial purposes;
• the company manufactures ball valves without thread (they are excellent for welding).

• short service life compared to other manufacturers;
• a small number of models that can be used in everyday life;
• a number of propylene devices are prone to mechanical breakdowns.

Oventrop

Ball valves from the manufacturer Oventop are often singled out as a separate group among locking mechanisms. They are in stable demand in the Russian market. This can be explained by the fact that there are usually no complaints about the quality of German products. Oventop products can meet the highest demands.

The devices from the German manufacturer are distinguished from other companies by the fact that the manufacturing is based on a unique technology of applying a nickel layer, which makes the valve body especially resistant to various damages. Thanks to this, Oventop taps serve for a long time, are characterized by reliable mechanisms and withstand water pressure up to 25 bar. High-quality seals also contribute to perfect tightness and at the same time do not reduce the amplitude of the change in water pressure. The positive characteristics of German ball valves are double-sided thread, long operating time up to 50 thousand cycles and comfort for the consumer.

• there are models with an extended flywheel;
• it is easy to understand in what position the lever is;
• zero probability of rejection allows customers to be confident that they do not have to return products;
• short housing, thanks to which you can install equipment in a hard-to-reach place.

:

• too few turns complicates the process of connecting pipes;
• when the valve is half-open for a long time, dirt accumulates on its ball, and the parts lose their tightness.

Gekon

This company has long established itself as one of the best manufacturers of valves. Gekon factories are based in Russia and Italy, and the joint production allows us to produce goods that meet the highest quality standards.

The enterprises are distinguished by their own research laboratory and high-tech equipment. Thanks to this, the quality of ball valves is constantly improving and always meets the needs of consumers. The Gekon product range is characterized by a wide range of different locking mechanisms, among which you can find ball valves for water supply systems. They have a low price, which makes them incredibly popular among Russian consumers.

Ball valves from a Russian-Italian manufacturer are attractive for their high compatibility with pipes of different diameters. They are also perfect for any heating system. If Gekon products were used during the installation of the water supply system, there is no doubt that it will last a long time without requiring repair. Each model is individually packaged. The warranty period for ball valves from Gekon is also impressive, it is 5 years.

• you can find different models, both with internal and external threads;
• chrome plating contributes to resistance to corrosion and an attractive appearance;
• there are devices with classic pipes, as well as with "American";
• wide application in the production of European technologies.

• high price;
• only one color of the levers is red;
• quality may vary depending on the place of manufacture.

Itap

The Italian company Itap is known for its products in the sanitary ware market. Ball valves of its production withstand increased water pressure and have an increased level of corrosion resistance. All valves and pipeline fittings are made of pressed brass at elevated temperatures - over 700 ° C. This guarantees the exceptional strength of all parts and the preservation of all characteristic qualities over a long service life. The main detail - the shut-off ball is made of chrome-plated brass, the O-rings are made of Teflon. Teflon seals absolutely eliminate leakage and ensure a secure fit.

Itap ball valves are able to withstand temperature fluctuations in the range from minus 20 to 150 degrees and are not afraid of the effects of most chemical compounds. The manufacturer's assortment includes ball valves of various modifications, depending on the field of application. Itap surpasses many similar companies in some respects:

• since 1995, the company's products have been awarded the international quality mark;
• the company's plumbing is sold in more than 100 countries around the world;
• production automation completely excludes the possibility of marriage;
• the company's catalog contains spare parts and components for all types of devices: household and industrial.

• levers are colored only red;
  all products have a small selection of diameters for connecting pipes.

Stout

Stout has many years of experience in the production of sanitary ware. Its products meet the highest consumer requirements, while having democratic prices. Any heating or plumbing system, even of increased complexity, can be assembled using a variety of taps, fittings and other Stout components. All products intended for the arrangement of water heating systems are in accordance with Russian standards and have international certificates.

All ball valves and components have a high level of strength, made of special types of food grade brass, which guarantees the safety of drinking water consumption. The shut-off devices withstand a water pressure of 50 bar and have a guaranteed flawless life of up to 50 years.

• swivel arms in black and red;
• full bore models are presented in the product catalog;
• a wide range of spare parts is offered;
• all handles have devices that allow sealing devices;
• there are angular and straight designs.

• clutch valves too small levers;
• the quality of the product may vary depending on the manufacturer, since the product is also produced outside Italy.

Bugatti

The Italian company Bugatti has been manufacturing pipeline, shut-off and control valves for more than ten years and presents a wide range of sanitary equipment. For the consumer, a well-known manufacturer offers components for installing not only water supply systems, but also heating and gas supply systems. All products of the company are reliable and safe in operation, they have been repeatedly tested, designs are constantly being improved. The products are able to withstand increased water pressure and water hammer.

In order not to fall for the tricks of scammers and not accidentally buy a fake, you need to carefully consider the faucet insert - on branded products it is polished and shines like a mirror. Each part of this manufacturer has a corporate logo and the name of the country of manufacture. The increased demand for all Bugatti products is due to the combination of high quality and price, the ability to resist the corrosion process.

• comfortable wide handles;
• full bore models;
• the presence of the manufacturer's name on all products;
• reliable connection of parts.

• too high cost;
• there are too many counterfeit products.

Honeywell

One of the most popular and demanded manufacturers of sanitary products is Honeywell. Founded back in 1904, today the company has in its assortment a wide selection of water filters, shut-off valves, climate systems. Automatic equipment manufactured by this company is successful in the creation of heating and water supply systems not only in domestic, but also in industrial large-scale projects. Branded plumbing equipment is adapted to various climatic conditions, is reliable and durable. Honeywell products are successfully sold in the Russian market.

For high-quality and long-term operation of plumbing and heating systems, taps, fittings and other components should be purchased only from reliable and proven manufacturers who have been working on the plumbing market for a long time. This will protect against leaks, flooding and other troubles. Automatic water supply through the plumbing system is provided by a ball valve with an electric drive from this manufacturer. All manufactured parts and finished products have a quality guarantee, are protected from water leakage and its consequences.

• ball valves are made of pure brass;
• sealing parts are made of high quality materials;
• the ability to use devices over a wide temperature range
  country of origin - USA.

• limited set of diameters;
• all products have only external threads.

F.I.V.

The Italian manufacturer F.I.V., which manufactures water taps directly in Italy, rightfully ranks among the most reliable. Defects in production are practically excluded, thanks to the complete automation and modernization of all production lines. All the company's products are of very high quality. The company has its own research laboratory, which allows it to constantly improve existing models and release a new product with improved consumer characteristics.

All components for the water supply system, including ball valves, are made of high quality German brass with a small zinc content. This makes the products reliable and safe in operation and serves as a guarantee of a long service life. The Chinese manufacturer often does not provide such guarantees. The originality of the product can be verified by a special branded engraving.

• taps are available with external and internal threads;
• levers are painted in two colors;
• the walls have additional thickening;
• the suburban version of the ball valve has a curved cast gander.

• the range includes only hand-held devices;
• models with "American" are expensive.

FAR

Another Italian manufacturer that is popular in the sanitary ware market. Its range includes a huge selection of components for a wide variety of heating and plumbing systems. FAR maintains strict adherence to all technological processes and controls the testing of finished products. All products of the company comply with international requirements and have appropriate certificates.

Sanitary fittings and ball valves are made from special brass alloys that have passed an independent examination for compliance with USA - NSF 61. All products have a guaranteed long service life.
With a variety of fasteners and fittings, water ball valves are easy to match with standard pipes. In the FAR catalog there are models of valves with built-in filters or thermometers, ideal for any heating system.

• quality control is carried out at all stages of production;
• basic fittings for plumbing systems and premium class are available;
• availability of our own laboratory to create new models;
• certificates confirming the quality of products.

• high price of all products;
• awkward short levers.

Valtec

The Italian company Valtec is relatively young, but has already announced its products. Domestic consumers are happy to use Valtec equipment, thanks to its highest quality. For Russia and other countries of the former Soviet Union, a special product is made, taking into account climatic features. The assortment of the company is quite diverse, the prices are quite democratic, which attracts both owners of private households and an industrial developer.

For the production of its products, the company uses the highest quality materials and the latest technology. The manufacturer gives a 10-year warranty period for ball valves, which once again underlines the reliability of Valtec.

• ball models have a wide range;
• handles are painted in two colors to indicate the direction of the water supply;
• there are corner designs of ball valves;
• polymers with an increased level of wear resistance are used as seals.

• impossibility of replacing the ball and seal in the seat;
• the cost of the company's products is too high.

For high-quality and long-term operation of plumbing and heating systems, taps, fittings and other components should be purchased only from reliable and proven manufacturers who have been working on the plumbing market for a long time. This will protect against leaks, flooding and other troubles.