Good Ball valve

[Victoria M]

My Lowes ball valve has become impossible to turn and I would like to just redo my new saltwater container plumbing. Any recommendations for a good valve brand to use with standard pvc plumbing?

 

[sherb]

Spears gate valves will be way better than hardware store ball valves. For example...

 

[Victoria M]

Spears gate valves will be way better than hardware store ball valves. For example...

Thank you very much!

 

[redfishbluefish]

Your other option is a True Union Ball valve. The potential problem with "standard" ball valves is that the ball is installed in place....MIP (Molded In Place). This makes them potentially problematic when put into use. On the other hand, True Union valves are adjustable (and rebuildable), so that if they get tight, you can adjust to open up the ball a bit. The only issue with True Unions is that they are a bit more pricey.

 

[sherb]

True unions are definitely another option - probably a bit cheaper than Spears gate valves.

At least on my build, there's one place the valve quality really makes a difference, and that's on the plumbing from my tank's external overflow box to the sump. I used a true union there, and it's just okay - better than a cheap ball valve, but it doesn't offer the fine-grain control that a Spears provides. That's important to me when matching the drain flow to my return pump - when they match I don't have any gurgle noise. The TU is a bit fussy when making very small adjustments.

 

[jwilliams860]

I have used asahi ball valves for years and they last forever under normal saltwater use

 

[jwilliams860]

You said in your saltwater mixing container?

Generally ball valves are best for on/off applications, suck as a mixing station. I like gate valves when you're trying to control the amount of water good through said pipe.