
Water valves are made from a variety of metals and plastics. Metal water valves are typically made from such metals as aluminum, brass, bronze, copper, steel, cast iron, and stainless steel. Plastic water valves are designed from many different plastics including, acetyl polymers and polyvinyl chloride (or PVC).
Water valves have a number of different uses and are therefore subject to different performance specifications. Water valves must be analyzed on their size, pressure ratings, number of ways or ports, temperature, and flow coefficients. Some water valves operate on electric, pneumatic, or electro-hydraulic power, while others are operated manually.
A number of different types of water valves are used for different things. For instance, butterfly valves permit a unidirectional flow. Directional valves steer water through specified passageways. Float valves open and close automatically according to how much water is present. See the articles below to find out more about water valves.