Did you know that check valves are crucial for every water system? You may not think about them much, but they are in everything from simple house sprinklers to complex municipal water pipes.

There are several types of valves, in addition to a check valve. Each one serves a distinct purpose. One of the first things you learn when you start working with plumbing or in other industries using valves, is that different names and terms mean different things.

So, what are the differences between valves? This article will explain what makes a gate, globe, and check valve different, their uses, and where you will often find them. So, read on as we explain how to determine which valve is best for your needs.

What Is a Gate Valve?

The linear valves of the shutdown valve family include gate valves. The gate valve, recognized by its wedge-shaped disc, is often used to isolate media.

Applications requiring a tight seal can use this kind of valve. In thicker mediums with more viscosity, a unique type of gate valve called a knife gate valve is often used.

Gate valves produce minimal pressure drops since there are no obstructions in the path of the media. The gate opens the valve by sliding the gate disc upward.

The disc lowers to touch the seats when it closes. The gate valve’s disc might have a knife or wedge shape.

Gate valves do not control the flow of media, although they have considerable throttling capacity. Due to the thinness of its disc, it might get misaligned from its seat due to media vibration.

Because of this, the life of a gate valve may shorten and suffer degradation with this condition. The gate valve should open or close fully when in operation to increase the valve’s lifespan.

What Is a Globe Valve?

The globe valve is part of the linear motion valve grouping. Its functions include controlling the flow of media as well as halting and starting it. The globe valve offers a tight seal with less opportunity of leaking due to its design.

The globe valve has a fitting name. It gets its name because of its common body form. Modern globe valves, however, may adapt to different body shapes.

A disc that resembles a plug is what regulates the flow of media. Since the gate valve has seats running parallel to the media flow, there is less seat deterioration when the valve is operating.

As a result, the globe valve is a fantastic throttling valve. Its design can result in a high-pressure drop, which is a drawback.

Globe valves are excellent options for applications where leakage and safety are the primary concerns. These valves often have a top-entry construction, which allows access to the interior valve parts from the top. They also ensure flow regulation.

How Do They Work?

The disc in the gate valve working mechanism will lodge between the seats of the valve. In terms of the media flow, its motion is at the right angle.

It offers either a complete flow or none at all. The flow space is equal to the valve cavity’s size when the valve is open, plus a small amount where you find the seats and stem.

On the other hand, the globe valve disc moves along the media flow. The disc just needs to move a little bit from its place when there is a free flow. The design of the globe valve allows throttling and provides a tight cutoff.

What Is a Check Valve?

A check valve, often known as a one-way valve, is a component that only permits one direction for fluid passage. A check valve’s main objective is to keep backflow from occurring in the system. Check valves are simple, cost-efficient, and quick fixes for possible problems.

If the flow gets contaminated and contaminates the media upstream, backflow may result. For instance, a non-return valve installed in a sewer pipe ensures that waste can exit but cannot return to the system from where it originated.

You can find a check valve for whatever application you need. This is due to the variety of designs, sizes, and materials available to you. The use of two-way check valves is common.

Three-way check valves prevent backflow from contaminating the incoming water supply. An existing drain can receive purged water thanks to the atmospheric vent. There is an arrow on the valve’s bonnet where you can check the direction of the check valve’s flow.

Check Valve Uses 

You will find check valves in almost every industry. They are fitted to typical home appliances like washing machines, dishwashers, and sewer lines. You will find them on furnaces, boilers, pumping applications, and gas or vacuum systems for industrial applications.

On water and CO2 lines, they are common and used for aquarium check valves. Also, a tiny check valve is a common option when space is at a premium yet dependable operation is still required.

Water and air applications are two of the most typical uses for check valves. Here are a few more examples of their common applications:

• To protect downstream equipment from damage by backflow
• To stop contamination brought on by a reverse flow
• To keep siphoning from happening
• To ensure a vacuum seal

Check Valves for Water

Check valves, also known as one-way water valves, are commonplace for drinking and wastewater applications. They make sure that no environmental media from the outlet side of the valve can enter the system, keeping dangerous contaminants out of our drinking water.

A foot valve is often used in water-pumping applications to prevent debris from entering the line and to maintain the internal pressure used for priming. Duckbill valves can also be utilized for water line discharges. For sump pumps, a check valve ensures that when the pump is switched off, the water that has been discharged won’t return by gravity to the sump pump.

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