The ball valves in our domestic water heating systems are normally fitted with a 3-inch ball valve stem. This is the case for most water heaters, but there are one or two exceptions, mainly where the system has a capacity lower than the maximum capacity. When such a situation arises then the water heater automatically stops its heating process and thus any leakage is detected, either by an alarm or a warning light. The best way to deal with this situation is to check the size of your ball valve correctly and get a replacement part.
There are basically three types of ball valves: a 3 inch cast iron ball valve, an insulated flange mounted ball valve and a threaded pipe valve. If the system uses a cast iron ball then it's strongly recommended that you get a professional repairman to perform the task because otherwise they will only terminate the flow of water and not correct the problem. Cast iron is a very difficult material to work with, not to mention extremely heavy so it's obvious why this system uses skilled tradesmen to do the task instead of 'average' people. An insulated flange ball valve is just as strong and works on the same principle as the cast iron ones except these can be installed using ordinary threaded pipe.
On the downside, the price of this type of ball valve is slightly more expensive than the other two. They also tend to have a shorter working life. In order to extend the life of the ball valve, it's recommended to use a silicone caulk after fixing the flange valve to the wall. Should you liked this information in addition to you want to get details about visit the following internet site i implore you to check out the page. Once the caulk is dried and stripped, it's time to install the new ball valve. It's important to make sure that the valve seat screws are screwed into the seat groove of the flange valve otherwise the valve will not be seated properly and the seal will be lost very quickly.
This brings us to the third type, which is a threaded pipe and a flexible seat. The advantage of threaded pipe is that it comes with a seat that is pre-attached and this makes tightening the ball valve much easier. This type also has a short working life, although if you care for your ball valve properly it should last you for many years. The disadvantage of this type is that it does require skill in installation.
The last type, we'll discuss is the flexible ball valve. The advantage of using this is that it comes with a seat that is easily attached or removed. Unlike the flexible pipe, this type requires the use of a ratchet or tightening device in order to tighten the ball valve. Once it's installed, it's recommended that you wipe the seat with a soft damp cloth in order to remove any residual wax. Once you've wiped it down, you can install the ball valve by screwing it onto the flange and then installing the hose.
These are the three different types of ball valves that you can purchase. Before you install your ball valve, ensure that you follow all of the instructions carefully and that you're using the appropriate fittings. If you have any questions, you can visit your local plumbing supply store and they will be happy to assist you.