Union Ball Valves (1 Viewer)

[chriskb3]

Does anyone know of any local stores that carry union ball valves (in 1.25" - 1.5")? I'm looking for higher quality ones than HD carries. Ordering online is my next option, but I'm too impatient to wait for delivery

Thanks
Chris

 

[tedu]

I've been pretty happy with the ones I've picked up at Lowe's, not sure I've seen the same ones available at HD.

Did you try any of our local sponsors? Some of them carry a limited selection of this type of plumbing supplies.

 

[chriskb3]

The ones at HD are the standard white PVC with red handle which are quite hard to turn, and only get worse as time goes on. I've read that the ones you can order from places like savko that cost around $20 a piece turn much easier/smoother and stay that way. I'll have to check out Lowes to see what they have. I went to Fish Gallery a few days ago and they were out. I live on the NW side so its hard to find a time to go to the SW side to visit T&T/Fish Land/ect.

 

[tedu]

Well, the Lowes valves may be the same ones but I had no issues with them.

I've also sourced valves from savko and aquatic ecosystems and there's definitely a range of quality available.

 

[chriskb3]

I've got nothing against the normal valves for regular plumbing, but I had them on my old tank plumbing, I was scared I would break a bulkhead, or crack the glass around it, while trying to turn the valves.

Yeah, they can get quite expensive, luckily I'll only need a couple of them.

 

[MarkieB]

I was scared I would break a bulkhead, or crack the glass around it, while trying to turn the valves.

Perhaps you should consider gate valves then.
There is no resistance at all on them.

 

[Guest]

+1 Gate Valves. The price of a gate-valve locally might be better than the price of a high-quality ball-valve online with shipping.

 

[chriskb3]

Thanks for the input guys. I ended up checking out Lowes last night and picked up a couple of their union ball valves per tedu's recommendation. They seem to be built quite a bit better than the one HD sells, turn much easier, and the balls are serviceable.

Also, just for info: I got 1.5" valves for my 1" piping to minimize restrictions of flow because size of the hole through the ball inside the 1" valves reduces quite a bit. These particular ball valves are uni-directional, meaning the flow has to be going a certain direction, that is marked on the body, for it to operate correctly.

Thanks again

 

[aggie4231]

All valves are actually uni-directional. Although in theory, you can use them in either direction.

Your still going to have flow restrictions with the 1.5" to 1" bushings/adapters, especially if you incorporate right by the the valve.

I personally don't care for any of the Spears brand of valves. IF you can afford and find, I would recommend either HAyward brand or Nibco's Chemtrol Valves.

 

[txfatcat]

try pvcfittings.com


I just came across the site the other day