The shut-off valve is the most important part of your house including Toilets and Kitchens because it controls the water flow.
Even if you are facing a clogging issue, you can get it fixed if you know about the functioning of this valve. You might don’t know but these valves are of different types and each one differs in working.
Hence, it is important to acknowledge toilet shut off valve types and understand how they work so that you can operate them yourself in the future. In this article, we will thoroughly explain each type of shut valve along with its work for everyone’s better understanding. Let’s get started.
Toilet Shut Off Valve Types – Explained in Detail
You can find a wide range of types of water shut-off valves commonly installed in different households in Kitchens and washrooms. A few water valve types are similar so you won’t be able to differentiate between them.
Keep reading this guide to know what each type is and how it controls the flow of water. The types of water valves include:
1. Compression Fit Shut-Off Valves
Here comes the first type i.e Compression Fit Shut-Off Valves. It is one of the easiest valves to install and can be done at home without any professional’s need with the right tools and equipment. They are well-suited with a few plastic pipes and copper pipes.
A few tools that require in installing this type of valve are Deburring tool, Adjustable wrenches, Pasco compression sleeve puller, ironclad gloves, etc.
Within 5 minutes, you can get that work done if you are following the right instructions. If your old Compression fit shut-off valve is giving you a tough time or has become damaged, replace it as soon as possible before it starts creating other issues.
2. Push-On Shut-Off Valves
Push-on is the most modern type of valve that is normally used in toilets that are designed in a modern way. The best thing about this valve is that they’re well suited to numerous pipes so you will not face any compatibility problems.
As far as the installation process is concerned, you can save on the cost by doing it yourself. Moreover, you do not need any tool to install them. Push the valve into the pipe and you are all done.
Another advantage you will get after installing this type of valve is a quick repair. In an emergency, you can do its mending instead of waiting for a plumber.
3. Three-Way Stop Valve
They are not commonly used because of the complexity it brings. However, people consider them to place in kitchen sinks that have both cold and hot water supplies. The main purpose of installing this type of pipe is to shut off the flow of fluid in one pipe and open the flow of fluid in another pipe.
It is best to install in case you have a complex piping mechanism. However, for installation, you need a professional because it is tough to do it yourself at home.
4. Sweat-Fitting Shut-Off Valves
If you have installed this type of valve or planning to purchase it for your kitchen sinks or bathroom toilets, go ahead so that you can enjoy numerous advantages. They last for a maximum of years so that you can get facilitated with them for a long.
Moreover, if you are looking for cheap or cost-effective valves, it is a must-try. However, it also contains some cons among which the most common and significant one is difficulty in removing this valve. They are tightly installed so it is not easy to reattach them for which you have to call someone.
Moreover, you can only install them if you have copper piping. They are not compatible with any other piping which is the biggest turn-off.
5. PEX Push-On Shut-Off Valves
It is another valve type that is commonly found in bathrooms and kitchens due to the numerous advantages it provides you with. The first and the most likable feature is its affordability. They are friendly to pockets that’s why commonly used everywhere.
Moreover, the installation is not complicated and can be done at home without anyone’s need. Other than that, they are compatible with different types of pipes so you do not need to worry about the compatibility. Whether you have metallic pipes or copper pipes in your bathroom, go ahead with the PEX Push-on valve.
6. Iron Pipe Stop Valve
Let’s have a look at the next type of valve i.e Iron pipe stop. They are screwed into the pipes of water by using male threads. If the pipes are properly fitted, you can use this type of valve anywhere be it copper piping or metallic pipe.
The best thing about this vale is its durability. They are extremely durable and don’t break off easily. However, the installation is tough and you need someone for this work.
Special types of tools and equipment should be available at home but still, it will be difficult for you to get your hands on this work alone. Better hire someone so that the work is done accurately.
7. CPVC Stop Valve
A special type of cement is used in this type of valve which is known as glue. They are also compatible with a common type of plastic piping i.e Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride.
The plastic that is sued to make this valve is highly durable so never worry about any damage. Moreover, the installation is simple and straightforward and can be done at home. However, the leakage issue is commonly found in this valve by numerous customers.
Apart from this problem, you won’t find any other inconvenience. They are cost-effective and a great idea to have them for your washroom sinks or kitchen sinks.
8. Quarter-Turn Shut-Off Valves
After the compression valve, the quarter turns shut-off valve came into being. It is one of the simplest and easy-to-use valves that you can normally find in every next household. For installation, simply quarter-turn one side of the valve in order to have control over the flow of water, and you are all done.
It is quite similar to a multi-turn shut-off valve. The similarities both shares make it difficult for anyone to acknowledge the difference. Both are easy to use, operate and install and both are highly used everywhere. Hence, you can consider this type as well.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions regarding Water Shut-Off Valves or toilet shut-off valve types that might be still confusing you. Let’s have a look at those queries below.
What Kind of Shut-Off Valve Do I Need for a Toilet?
There are different Toilet Water Shut Off Valves Types that you can consider for your toilets including Compression Fit Shut-Off Valves, CPVC Stop valves, Quarter-Turn Shut-Off Valves, etc. All serve different advantages however do not forget to keep an eye on the disadvantages each type offers.
How Many Types of Shut-Off Valves are There?
There are different types of shut-off valves among which a few are quite similar while a few are different from each other. The most commonly used shut-off valves are mentioned in this article.
How Do I Identify a Shut-Off Valve?
Normally the valves are placed under the water heater or a few can also be found under the kitchen sink. However, you never know because they can be placed anywhere. A professional can better guide you or give you a clear idea about the location of your shut-off valve.
What Do S and O Mean on a Water Valve?
The S stands for shut and O stands for open. If you want to shut off the valve for the toilet, press ‘S’, and if you want to open it, go for ‘O’.
What is the Difference Between a Gate Valve and a Ball Valve?
Ball valves that are also known as rotational valves contain a ball and stem that rotates horizontally. On the other hand, a gate valve is open when you lift the rectangular or round gate. The only difference you can find in both valves is the quality.
Final Thoughts
I hope now you are clear regarding various toilet shut off valve types and how each one operates. The main purpose of these valves is to control the water flow whether they are installed in washrooms or kitchens.
Hence, they should be properly installed to avoid any issues. If the installation is tough, better ask a professional instead of doing it wrong.
Before buying any valve, ensure it is compatible with the pipes already installed in your house otherwise, it won’t be able to work properly. I have mentioned different types of valves in this article so that you get an idea of which one would be better for your house.
Leave a Reply