High quality ball and gate valves?

[d2mini]

Just wondering if the Sch 80 Cepex ball valves and gate valves like found at BRS are necessary? Or are there other/better options? White, gray, whatever... doesn't matter. I'd like to hear what 4 out of 5 dentists (or reefers ) agree on.

Last time I did my tank plumbing it was all done in Sch 80. I realize this is overkill and will use Sch 40 the next time. But still curious what to use for the valves.

Thanks!

 

[ipKonfig]

I like using the high quality stuff for a couple reasons. 1.) They are usually MUCH easier to turn and make fine adjustments than anything I've found at a big box. 2.) It's worth it to me to spend a few extra bucks on a part that could potentially damage your tank or home.

 

[msderganc]

I've found that as long as you buy decent valves, there's no difference in performance between sch 40 and 80, other than the increased flow from 40. Sch 80 is way overkill.

I've found some nice sch 40 valves that are just as easy to turn and just as well built, only rated for less pressure.

 

[SeedlessOne]

I was in the same boat as you. Spent a fortune on my last tank plumbing everything with high cost sch 80.

This time I went with sch 40 and saved a bunch. I went with gate valves from ZoroTools and they are great quality. Super easy to turn and well built.

 

[Dino]

Necessary? Not really, but a worthwhile investment. Last time I plumbed my tank I bought good valves from Savko, totally worth it to me. Its amazing how much smoother and easier they are to use than the cheapo ones from the local hardware store.

 

[d2mini]

I like using the high quality stuff for a couple reasons. 1.) They are usually MUCH easier to turn and make fine adjustments than anything I've found at a big box. 2.) It's worth it to me to spend a few extra bucks on a part that could potentially damage your tank or home.

Exactly how i feel.

Which is why I'm wondering....

I've found that as long as you buy decent valves, there's no difference in performance between sch 40 and 80, other than the increased flow from 40. Sch 80 is way overkill.

I've found some nice sch 40 valves that are just as easy to turn and just as well built, only rated for less pressure.

Which valves would these be? Do you have a link or any more info?

 

[d2mini]

I was in the same boat as you. Spent a fortune on my last tank plumbing everything with high cost sch 80.

This time I went with sch 40 and saved a bunch. I went with gate valves from ZoroTools and they are great quality. Super easy to turn and well built.

I will look that up. Thank you.

edit: Just did. Which brand did you go with? True unions?

 

[iced98lx]

Interested as well, I bought a nice gate valve for the main drain (BA system) but now I'm putting together pumps and mixing station and dont' want to spend $50/valve.

 

[SeedlessOne]

I will look that up. Thank you.

edit: Just did. Which brand did you go with? True unions?

I used the brand Flow Control.

Here is a link to the item via their ebay store

http://www.ebay.com/itm/FLO-CONTROL...024?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3393b838d8


I also own quite a few True Union valves and I would put Flow Control right up there in terms of quality.

 

[d2mini]

I also own quite a few True Union valves and I would put Flow Control right up there in terms of quality.

True union means there is a union on both sides so it can be disconnected from the system.

 

[SeedlessOne]

True union means there is a union on both sides so it can be disconnected from the system.

Bam, knowledge dropped today. I was under the impression the brand was "True Union". Thanks for clearing that up.

So to answer that, no I didn't go with True Union gate valves this go around.

And to re-word my original statement. I would consider the Flow Control gate valve right up there with the BRS True Union valves that I own.

 

[d2mini]

heh heh, thanks.

 

[d2mini]

Anyone else?
One vote for Flow Control but I don't even see options for true union.

I was looking here and see that Cepex has most of the cheapest options! Egads.
http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/default.aspx?catid=853&parentcatid=870

Anyone ever try these?
http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/item.aspx?itemid=75974&catid=853

 

[msderganc]

I've used that exact valve that you linked. It's a great valve.

Contrary to conventional wisdom, I've seen the recommendation to use as few unions as possible due to leak potential.

 

[shaggss]

Hi Dennis

I have these but still in the planning stages so not setup yet. I'll take a closer look at them and get back to you.

 

[d2mini]

Hi Dennis

I have these but still in the planning stages so not setup yet. I'll take a closer look at them and get back to you.

Thanks, Shaggss!
That's the other one I was looking at. It's available in many more sizes.
Lemme know!

 

[tkeracer619]

http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/item.aspx?itemid=23429&catid=853

I've used a bunch of these. Can't say I ever recall a leak. They are more expensive but they are durable.

 

[d2mini]

http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/item.aspx?itemid=23429&catid=853

I've used a bunch of these. Can't say I ever recall a leak. They are more expensive but they are durable.

That's what I use now, same as the BRS ones.
But they are twice the price as some of these others. When you are working with 1.5" plumbing, it really ads up! :uhoh3: They seem to be a bit overkill for our application.

 

[swk]

In my experience for ball valves, it's true union or nothing. The cheap ones just become impossible to turn and seal poorly leading to water dripping when the system is disassembled for maintenance.

At my local hardware store I can get white, sch 40 gate valves that work very well and are under 10 bucks for 1" and under in size.

 

[tkeracer619]

yeah I know but... overkill is sometimes the name of the game