How To Close Or Open A Valve For A Water Service Line – Ball Valves

Components of a ball valve

When it comes to operating a ball valve on a water main service line observing a few simple rules when opening and closing the ball valve can prevent damage and unnecessary repair work. In addition operating it correctly will add years of service life.

Opening or closing a ball valve

To open or close a ball type valve on a water line requires only a quarter of one turn. Typically there will be an arrow on the handle to indicate which direction to turn the handle for the desired affect. When opening or closing a ball valve do so slowly as abrupt rushes of water through a plumbing system can cause damage and leaks. Always have a faucet on a top floor of the building open to monitor water flow and let air escape when water is being introduced back into the plumbing system.

Helpful tip: If a ball valve is not ‘exercised‘¬† once in awhile (opened and closed) it may become frozen in place and hard to move. Never try to force the handle to move, or apply jolting force. If some extra leverage is needed place an ‘extension’ on the handle and apply steady even pressure – An extension on the handle should open the valve safely and easily. Many item can be used as an extension such as a short piece of 1 1/2″ or 2″ pipe placed directly over and around the handle.

Helpful tip #2: Most times when a ball valve for a water line is damaged it is caused by over-turning the handle. Never turn the valve handle more than 1/4 of a turn- If exceptional resistance is met you are probably turning the handle in the wrong direction!

About ball valves

‘Full port‘ ball valves should used at all times – this means that the opening inside the body is the full size of the valve inlet and outlet so there is no reduction in the flow of water. A ball valve is much more dependable than a gate type valve and fool-proof. In addition is is rated higher and able to withstand much greater pressures. Because there is no ‘stem’ inside the valve raising or lowering a ‘valve gate’ it is very unlikely to ever fail or break. Most NYC water main contractors prefer to use a ball valve as the main control valve on all domestic water service lines up to 2″ in diameter.

Joseph L. Balkan, Inc. | Sewer and Water Main Specialists
130-01 Jamaica Avenue Richmond Hill, NY 11418
Phone: (718) 849-0900 | Espanol (718) 943-5720 | Fax: (718) 849-9570

This article was written by David Balkan as a helpful guide and is the sole property of Joseph L. Balkan Inc.