Plumbing may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of home comfort, but it is the unsung hero that allows your life to function effortlessly each day. Each time you turn on a tap, flush a toilet, or step into a shower, you are relying on an invisible network of pipes and fittings. At the centre of that invisible network is a small but mighty component called a water valve. Many of these valves are tucked away behind drywall or under sinks. Although they are not visible during everyday use and maintenance, water valves serve as the silent protectors of your plumbing system. Without them, the tiniest leak can quickly become a disaster. Water valves ensure that a home can operate efficiently by controlling, regulating, or stopping the water flow.
This article will cover information on how water valves protect our homes from unwanted flow, and we will touch on angle valves, types of angle valves, materials, uses, and a look into some of the innovative fittings, such as the 2-in-1 angle valve, that ensure convenience and efficiency for today's modern households.
What is an angle valve?
An angle valve (sometimes called an angle stop valve) is a type of water valve that has the shape of a 90-degree turn. The advantage of an angle valve is that it is compact, which is essential for installing valves in spaces that otherwise would not allow a straight valve, e.g., tight spaces like a toilet or sink under the counter.
An angle valve's primary function is to connect the primary water supply to one or more individual fixtures, such as a toilet, washbasin, geyser, washing machine, and so on. Angle valves let you turn the water supply to one fixture (on or off) without affecting the full water supply to the whole house. For example, suppose you have a problem with your basin tap and need to conduct a minor repair. Simply by closing the angle valve for the basin tap, you can still have a water supply to the other areas of your home without stopping the entire home water supply. Angle valves are vital for ease of operation and isolating fittings for maintenance or repair jobs.
Applications of Angle Valves in Plumbing
Angle valves have many different uses and applications throughout your plumbing system. Here are the most typical applications:
Basin Inlet Connection Valve
You can use it for basins, geysers, or hand showers.
This valve can efficiently control the water supply to each fixture, which reduces wastage.
Flush Valve
Functions as a urinal or toilet flush valve.
Manages water flow into flush tanks for proper waste removal.
Concealed Stop Valve
Excellent for hidden water pipes.
Enables you to repair particular areas without turning off the water to the entire house.
Shower Mixer Valve (for Single Lever Diverter Systems)
Functions as a shower mixer with temperature and flow control.
Allows you to easily switch between body jets, hand showers, and overhead showers.
By installing these valves strategically, you gain complete control over your home’s water usage and system maintenance.
Materials Used in Angle Valve Taps
The durability of any valve is determined largely by the material of its manufacture. Angle valve taps are predominantly made from brass, which is typically considered the best material. Brass can be plated with chrome, which will prevent corrosion and maintain its shine for many years.
Why brass? Brass is strong; it can withstand high pressure and changes in temperature. For example, flush valves, basin inlets and geyser connections. As a homeowner, this means durability, less maintenance and peace of mind.
The Types of Plumbing Valves
A modern plumbing installation will need different types of valves for different situations. Knowing what the valves do will help you decide on the appropriate fittings to use in your home.
1-Way Valve: Sometimes referred to as a 'one-way valve'. This valve will prevent the backflow of water. You will usually encounter one-way valves in concealed stop or flush valve systems.
2-Way Valve: Commonly known as a two-way valve. This can allow for the free flow of water in two different directions, providing you greater control.
2-in-1 Angle Valve: A modern solution that combines two outlets in one valve. Designed to allow for limited space in compact bathrooms. For example, a 2-in-1 angle valve can easily let you connect both a hand shower and a faucet from a single inlet. This particular valve will reduce your fittings while working efficiently.
The Importance of Water Valves in Your Home
The water valves may not be seen, but they perform a critical function to mitigate leaks, damage and wasting of water in your home. With a simple turn of the valve handle, you may be able to stop the water supply for maintenance or during an emergency, which may prevent larger issues from happening. Additionally, fittings such as angle valves can give homeowners control to stop water from an individual fixture. Technically, plumbing can be smart and convenient.
Essco by Jaquar Group is a leader in producing high-quality water valves and angle valves. Each of these choices will ensure that you are installing long-lasting, high-performance valves for a reliable plumbing system with no nasty surprises.
FAQs
What is an angle valve used for?
An angle valve is used mainly to control or shut off the water supply to a particular fixture, like a basin, toilet, geyser, or washing machine. This makes it easier to do maintenance or repairs without disrupting the water supply in the rest of the house, and it helps to eliminate unnecessary water waste.
What size angle valve should be in your plumbing system?
Angle valves come in standard sizes of 15 mm, 20 mm, and 25 mm, based on plumbing requirements. Smaller angle valves are best for small bathroom fixtures, while the larger angle valves can be used for geysers or appliances that draw a higher flow of water from the mains supply. The proper angle valve ensures efficiency.
What is another name for an angle valve?
An angle valve is often called an angle stop valve. Sometimes you might hear it referred to as a 'pipe valve' because it's used as the connector between a fixture and the mains supply pipe.
What is a water valve?
A water valve is any piece of equipment that is used to stop, direct, or regulate the flow of water within a plumbing system. Ranging from basic shut-off valves that you may find under your sink to angled valves and speciality 2-in-1 angle valve taps, many kinds of valves play a part in managing the movement of water.
What type of valve is used in water taps?
Water taps typically use ball valves. This type of valve allows you to easily control the on and off functional aspects of the tap with little more than a lever or knob. The construction allows for simple and easy operation; it is highly durable and also has the ability to handle increased velocities from high water pumping applications.
What types of valves are there in plumbing?
In plumbing, the most successful types of valve constructions are the 1-way and the 2-way. A one-way valve is designed to manage backflow, and a two-way valve permits flow in both directions. For example, a common advancement is the 2-in-1 angle valve. A 2-in-1 angle valve provides greater options in usage by grouping two outlets into a single fitting.
