Complete Guide to Ball Valves

Introduction:

This guide has been designed to provide a comprehensive overview of the Stainless Steel Ball Valves available, the associated spare parts as well as their uses. Its Purpose is to provide the necessary information required in order to select the correct ball valve for a particular application.

What is a Ball Valve?

A Ball valve is a type of shut-off valve that is used to control flow where a simple ‘on’ or ‘off’ flow is required. They are easy to operate and can "shut off" or "open" flow with a simple 90-degree turn of the handle. The name is derived from the spherical internal ball that has a hole bored through it, which rotates to open and close the flow. They are versatile, able to transfer liquids and gases in a wide pressure and temperature range. They are reliable and capable of repeating the sealing function well after many cycles, even after extended periods of disuse. They are durable and have a long and predictable service life.

Types of Ball Valves

 

1-Piece Ball Valve

Standard Port

 

2-Piece Ball Valve

Full Port

 

3-Piece Ball Valve

Full Port

 

3-Way Ball Valves

Reduced Port

How Does a Ball Valve Work?

They utilize a hollow ball that rotates, allowing a flow through it when aligned, and stops the flow when it is in a closed position. A quick 90 Degree turn of the handle is all that is needed to fully open or close the valve flow. When the handle is parallel and in line with the pipe, the valve is open. When the handle is perpendicular, i.e., at right angles to the pipe, the valve is closed. It is this 90° turn, either clockwise or anti-clockwise, to open or shut the flow of the valve,that led them to also be known as quarter-turn valves. The valve has an internal rotary ball with a hollow bore running through the center. This Inner ball is connected to the handle via a stem. So by turning the handle, the ball rotates, and when the hollow bore is aligned with the pipe and in the same direction as the flow, then the flow is open, and when the bore is perpendicular to the flow, then the flow is shut off.

Ball Valve Components

Although there are numerous parts making up the valve, the basic components are made up of the following:

● The Valve Body

Also referred to as the valve housing or shell, it contains all the inner components of the valve. Usually composed of a rigid metal, in this case, Stainless Steel, it protects all the internal components and keeps them in the correct position and aligned for proper functioning. It also facilitated access for the external handle to connect with and rotate the internal ball via the stem. The valve body comes in three assembly options: one-piece, two-piece, and three-piece designs.

● The Rotary Ball

This is the part that gave the valve its name. It is a ball with a "flow path," known as a bore, running through the center that allows the medium to flow. The ball is rotated by the stem, which either opens the flow when the bore is in line with the pipe or closes it when the bore is perpendicular to the pipe. There are two types of bore design: Full port and reduced port.

● The Stem

Also referred to as the shaft, it connects the external handle that rotates the inner ball. The Stem has washers and packing rings to ensure a tight seal and to prevent any leaks. The stem is rotated as the handle is turned, which in turn rotates the ball, opening and closing the flow.

● The Seat

The Seat sits between the ball and the valve body and ensures a watertight seal. There are two seats that sit on either side of the ball and are usually composed of Teflon (PTFE).

● The Handle

The handle is also often called the lever. In a standard ball valve, it is the manual way used to turn the ball valve to the open or closed position.

Benefits of using a Ball Valve 

• ● Ease of UseThey open and close quickly using minimal force with a simple 90-degree (quarter-turn) of the handle and require no tools for operation. 
• ● Quick Installation: They are quick and easy to install using simple threaded ends as a method of connecting in-line to an application.
• ● Versatile: They are good for high pressure, high temperature, and high flow, making them suitable for a wide range of industrial applications.
• ● Durable: Their simple, robust design provides resistance to general wear and tear, ensuring a long service life of reliable use.
• ● Reliable: They are designed for repeatable use of leak-free service, that is, to repeat their function of opening and closing flow in the same way for the life of the valve.
• ● Cost-Effective: They are the most cost-effective of all the valves. 
• ●  Low Maintenance: Since they are low maintenance and require little to no service, this results in additional long-term cost savings.
• ●  No Lubrication required: The Teflon seats holding the ball function well in wet and dry situations.
• ● Low Pressure Drop: They have a high flow capacity and low pressure drop due to the size of the bore in the ball. When fully open, there is little to no resistance to fluid flow.
• ● Compact: Smaller than other options like gate and butterfly valves.

• Since they are so durable and reliable, this makes them suitable for almost all environments and very well suited to most applications where repeatable "on/off" flow is required. Also, in situations where valves are left open or closed for years and then resume normal function without affecting performance.

Limitations of a Ball Valve

• ● Throttling: Ball valves can be used for throttling; however, they are not suitable for long-term throttling. It is best to use them in either the fully open or the fully closed positions. When used in the throttling position, either half-open or half-closed, the seats are exposed to the flow and can be subject to erosion if the fluid velocity and pressure are high enough.
• ● Temperature rating: is determined by the Teflon seats; for higher temperatures, ceramic or metal seats are used.
• ● Particle build-up: Slurries and suspension mixtures have suspended particles that could build up around the ball, which could necessitate frequent maintenance.

Selecting the correct Ball Valve

• ● Bore Size:Determine the internal diameter needed for your required flow rate: Reduced Port or Full Port. Full port is designed for maximum flow rate and is also good for mixtures.
• ● Type: 1-Piece, 2-Piece, 3-Piece and 3-way ball valves. 1-Piece is the most cost-effective. 2-Piece is used when a full flow is required. 3-Piece is used when regular cleaning is needed. 3-way is used for mixing or when multiple inputs are needed.
• ● Materials of Construction: Chemical compatibility varies depending on the material of the valve body. Stainless Steel 316 is the most versatile and can be used on corrosive media. Stainless Steel 304 is a better-priced alternative, good for most applications. Brass is traditionally used for water, oil, and air applications; however, more and more brass is being replaced by the even better-priced 304 stainless steel. PVC valves are lighter and are used with acids & bases as well as organic solvents. 
• ● Pressure: Operating pressure ratings vary for ball valves; the standard we stock is 1000 psi, which covers most applications. We also stock 2000-psi and 3000-psi ball valves for more specialized applications.
• ● Temperature: The temperature rating can vary depending on size. Stainless steel and the Teflon seats generally withstand high temperatures; to be safe, consider-13⁰F to 302⁰F.
• ● End Connection: Most ball valves have Female NPT threaded ends. They can also be manufactured with Male NPT threads and Female NPT threads. Other common alternate methods of connection are butt-welded ends and flange ends.
• ● Port Count:The most common is the two-way ball valve, which has two ports, an inlet and an outlet. This bi-directional valve can carry media in both directions. We also stock 3-way ball valves that have three ports.
• ● Actuation method: The most common is manual operation by turning the handle. Electronic or pneumatic actuators can be fitted to the valve for remote operation.

Bore Size

There are two main types of bore profiles: Full Port and Reduced Port. The bore refers to the size of the hole drilled or bored into the ball. This bore or hole through the ball is also referred to as a port. A full bore is also called a full port, and a reduced bore is also called a reduced port.

● Full Port

A full bore has an internal diameter that is the same as the pipe it is connected to. This allows the flow rate to remain constant along the length of the line, meaning a full-port valve has very low flow resistance. Since the flow resistance is so low, there is minimal friction loss during fluid flow, and as a result, the pressure drop is negligible. This low Pressure drop in the application makes pumping the process fluid much easier.

Since the internal diameter of the port is the same as the pipe size, a full port valve is made with a larger ball, which necessitates a larger valve body. This results in a slightly larger and more expensive valve than a reduced-port valve.

Full port valves are suitable for transporting fluids with mixed solids, where any restriction in flow could result in particle build-up that could, in the long term, cause separation of the mixtures flowing through it.

Full port valves are also easier to clean as opposed to the reduced port. In a process called "pigging" pipes are inspected and cleaned. This process involves using projectile devices called "pigs", which are used to flow in the pipes and remove particle buildup. This process can only be performed on full-bore valves with the same internal diameter as the process piping they connect to, and is not suitable for reduced-bore or butterfly valves.

● Reduced Port

A reduced bore has an internal diameter that is one pipe size smaller than the pipe size it is connected to. So a 1" Reduced port ball valve will have a 3/4" Internal Diameter. Since the piping internal diameter decreases at the valve, the flow area is reduced, increasing flow resistance and resulting in a pressure drop. Since the flow volume remains the same, the flow rate increases as the flow area decreases due to the narrower pipe diameter of the reduced bore.

Since the ball is smaller in a reduced port valve, it requires a smaller valve body. This results in a smaller and less expensive valve. They are ideal for applications where flow rate is not a concern, and the build-up of particles is not likely to occur. Our 1-piece standard port ball valves are the most cost-effective option in this category.

Type:

The most common types of manual ball valves are the 1-Piece, 2-Piece, and 3-Piece. Another relatively common type is the 3-way ball valve; these 4 types account for the vast majority of the most often used valves.

● One Piece

A One-Piece has a valve body cast out of a single piece of material. This means there are no joints in the body, eliminating the risk of leaks. The one-piece has a smaller body than the other valves, making it the most cost-effective. This also results in a smaller ball, which means one-piece valves always have a reduced port. Standard port generally means that the internal diameter of the pipe decreases by one size at the point where the valve is installed. They are generally used where cleaning is not a concern and where the possibility of particle build-up is low. Also available as mini ball valves in sizes from 1/4" to 3/4" for compact installations.

● Two Piece

A Two-Piece has a valve body cast out of two pieces that thread together. The two-piece has a larger body, which allows for a larger ball, which means a full port is possible. This means the internal diameter of the pipe remains constant throughout the pipe once the valve is installed. They are the most commonly used among all ball valve types and are well-suited for mixtures and applications that require an optimal flow rate. Available in a heavy-duty version with larger handles and a more robust body, as well as a compact version. The valve body can be dismantled for cleaning and to service the seals; however, the valve will have to be removed from the pipe, unlike the three-piece.

● Three Piece

A Three-Piece has a valve body cast out of three pieces that are held together by bolt connections fitted to each of the two ends. The three-piece also has a larger body, which allows for a larger ball with a full port. They are ideal for applications where regular maintenance and cleaning is required. By loosening the bolt connections, the valve separates into three parts, and the internal ball and seats can be accessed without removing the two ends connected to the pipe. This makes them ideal for food & beverage applications and in pharmaceutical industries where sanitation and regular cleaning is required. Available in NPT threaded and socket weld end configurations.

● Three Way

These multi-port valves are used in mixing or splitting flow (T-Port) and also for diverting (L-Port) multiple streams of fluid. This is achieved by means of an L-shaped or T-shaped bore in the ball. On top of this, they also open and close the flow to multiple fluid streams. There are two types of 3-way ball valves L-Port and T-Port:

• L-Port
• ● Used as diverter valves directing flow from a single inlet to one of two outlets.
• ● Also used as selector valves selecting one of two inlets to flow to a single outlet.
•  

•  
• T-Port
• ● Used as mixing valves combining flow from two inlets into a single outlet.
• ● Also used for splitting flow from a single inlet to two outlets simultaneously.
•  

Materials of Construction 

For general industrial purposed ball valves are most commonly manufactured out of Brass, Stainless Steel and Polypropylene.

● Brass

Brass is a metal alloy composed of copper and zinc that ranges in color from yellow to red, depending on the concentration of zinc. Traditionally, brass was the most common material used for manufacturing ball valves. This trend appears to be changing due to the increasingly better price of stainless steel. Brass is resistant to most Acids and Alkalis with the exception of solutions with high chlorine levels, which can cause dezincification. They are particularly resistant to salt water. Brass valves are often used in oil and gas processing and are also used for water applications.

● Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is a metal alloy composed characteristically of higher levels of iron, chromium, and sometimes, nickel. It is the Chromium content in particular that allows this steel alloy to acquire its exceptional corrosion resistance. Strong, corrosion-resistant, and able to handle extreme temperatures, they are the most versatile among commonly used valves. They are well-suited to handle chlorinated water, which is why they are often used in applications connected to swimming pools. They are also suited to extreme industrial conditions, such as petroleum refineries and desalination plants, since they offer good corrosion resistance to chemicals even under high-pressure and high-temperature conditions. Widely used in wineries and breweries, stainless steel is well suited to handling hot wort produced during the mashing process to make beer. 

• Stainless steel is commonly manufactured in two grades: 304 and 316.
• Stainless Steel 304: Chromium 18% and Nickel 8%.
• Stainless Steel 316: Chromium 18%, Nickel 8% and Molybdenum 2%.

● Iron

Iron is an abundant, low-cost metal that is prone to rust. They can withstand a large range of temperatures and pressures. Iron is generally used to make Cast Iron and Ductile Iron ball valves.   Ductile iron is more robust and offers better resistance to fatigue and to impact. Iron valves are most often used in water, oil, steam, and gas pipeline applications.

● Polypropylene

Polypropylene is a thermoplastic polymer made by combining propylene monomers. It has good resistance to many acids and bases, but when it comes to organic solvents, it offers only selective compatibility. As temperature increases, its pressure rating and chemical resistance decrease. Widely used in the manufacturing industry for fertilizers, chemicals, paper and sugar etc. 

● PVC

PVC is an acronym for polyvinyl chloride. PVC is resistant to most acids, bases, salt solutions, and organic solvents. It is not suitable for chlorinated and aromatic hydrocarbons, and it is also not suitable for temperatures above 140 °F.  PVC ball valves have a lower pressure rating since they are not as strong as metal ball valves. They are widely used in water supply & drainage, irrigation and also for corrosive media.

Material Comparison Table

Pressure

Operating pressure is one of the most important selection criteria for any ball valve application. The pressure rating tells you the maximum pressure the valve can safely handle at ambient temperature under normal steady-state conditions — also referred to as the WOG (Water, Oil and Gas) rating. Most standard industrial applications are well covered by a 1000 PSI (1000 WOG) rated valve, which is the rating for the majority of our stainless steel ball valve range. For applications involving higher system pressures — hydraulic lines, high pressure gas systems, certain industrial processing equipment — we also stock 2000 PSI and 3000 PSI rated ball valves in stainless steel 316.

It is important to note that as operating temperature increases, the effective pressure rating of the valve decreases. If your application runs at elevated temperatures as well as high pressure, always check the pressure-temperature chart for the specific valve to confirm it is rated for your operating conditions. When in doubt, specifying the next pressure rating up from your system operating pressure gives a safe working margin.

Temperature

The temperature rating of a stainless steel ball valve is primarily determined by the seat and seal material rather than the stainless steel body itself. For our standard range with PTFE (Teflon) seats, the safe operating temperature range is -4°F to 302°F (-20°C to 150°C). Stainless steel as a material can handle temperatures well beyond this range, but PTFE begins to lose its sealing properties above 302°F, which is why this defines the upper limit for standard valves. For applications operating below -4°F — cryogenic storage, refrigeration systems and similar — specialized low-temperature seat materials are required. For applications above 302°F — steam lines, high-temperature process piping and certain industrial applications — metal seats or ceramic seats replace the PTFE. Temperature rating can also vary slightly depending on valve size and pressure rating, so always confirm the specific rating for the valve size you are selecting if your application is operating near the limits of the standard range.

End Connection

The end connection is how the valve connects to the piping system, and choosing the right connection type is essential for a leak-free installation. The most common connection type for our ball valve range is Female NPT (National Pipe Taper) threaded ends, where the pipe's male thread screws directly into the female threaded ports of the valve. NPT threads are the standard pipe thread in North America and connect quickly and securely to any standard NPT male pipe thread without adapters. Some applications call for a Male x Female NPT configuration — a male thread on one end and a female thread on the other — which is useful when connecting between different fittings in a system. For permanent, high-integrity installations where vibration, high pressure or a fully leak-free joint is critical, socket weld ball valves are available — the pipe is inserted into a socket on the valve end and welded in place, creating a joint as strong as the pipe itself.

Flanged end connections are used in larger diameter applications and where the valve needs to be regularly removed for maintenance without disturbing the pipe connections. Always match the end connection type and thread standard to your existing piping system before ordering.

Port Count

Port count refers to the number of flow connections on the valve — essentially how many pipes connect to it. The standard and most commonly used configuration is the two-way ball valve, which has two ports: one inlet and one outlet. This is a straightforward on/off flow control valve that handles flow in both directions, making it bidirectional by design. The vast majority of flow isolation, shut-off and flow control applications are served by a two-way valve. Where more complex flow routing is required — mixing two streams into one, splitting one stream into two, or diverting flow between alternative outlets — a three-way ball valve is the solution. Three-way valves have three ports and use either an L-shaped or T-shaped bore in the ball to direct flow between the connections. An L-port three-way valve is used for diverting or selecting between two flow paths, while a T-port three-way valve allows mixing or simultaneous splitting of flow. We stock both two-way and three-way configurations across our stainless steel ball valve range.

Actuation Method

The actuation method refers to how the valve is operated — in other words, what mechanism opens and closes the ball. The most common and straightforward method is manual actuation, where the operator physically turns the handle 90 degrees to open or close the valve. Manual ball valves are simple, reliable, require no power source and are the default choice for the vast majority of applications. Where remote operation is required — automated processes, hazardous environments, high cycle applications or systems where manual access is impractical — the manual handle can be replaced with a pneumatic or electric actuator. A pneumatic actuator uses compressed air to rotate the ball, allowing the valve to be opened and closed remotely via a control signal. An electric actuator uses an electric motor to perform the same function and is suited to applications where compressed air is not available or where precise position control is needed. Both actuator types can be fitted to standard ball valve bodies using an ISO 5211 mounting pad — our 3000 PSI ball valves come complete with an ISO 5211 mounting pad as standard, making actuator retrofitting straightforward. For automated systems, actuated ball valves can be integrated with PLCs, SCADA systems and process control equipment for fully automated flow management.

What Does WOG Mean on a Ball Valve?

WOG is a pressure rating abbreviation commonly found stamped on ball valves and pipe fittings. It stands for Water, Oil and Gas — the three most common media that ball valves are used to control. A valve rated at 1000 WOG means it is rated to handle water, oil, and gas at pressures up to 1000 PSI (pounds per square inch).

The WOG rating is a non-shock, cold working pressure rating. This means the rating applies under normal steady-state operating conditions at ambient temperature and not under conditions of sudden pressure surges or elevated temperatures. As temperature increases, the pressure rating of the valve decreases.

Although there are 200 WOG and 600 WOG valves, we offer the more industrial 1000 WOG rating, which makes these ball valves far more versatile than standard lower-rated options. The WOG rating is stamped on the valve body so you can be sure you have the correct valve for your applications requirements.

Common WOG Ratings:

• ● 1000 WOG (1000 PSI): The standard rating for most threaded stainless steel ball valves. Suitable for the vast majority of industrial, commercial and residential applications involving water, oil and gas.
• ● 2000 WOG (2000 PSI): A heavy duty rating for higher pressure applications. The valve body is thicker and more robust than the standard 1000 WOG valve.
• ● 3000 WOG (3000 PSI): An extreme high pressure rating for demanding applications such as hydraulics, high pressure gas lines and industrial processing equipment.

What Does CF8M Mean?

CF8M is a casting material designation for stainless steel 316 used in valve manufacturing. CF8M is the ASTM cast equivalent of wrought 316 stainless steel. The "C" indicates it is a corrosion resistant alloy, "F" refers to the iron-chromium-nickel composition, "8" indicates the carbon content, and "M" indicates the addition of molybdenum — which is what gives 316 its superior resistance to chlorides and corrosive media. When you see CF8M stamped on a ball valve body it confirms the valve is manufactured from 316 stainless steel. You may also see CF8 which is the cast equivalent of 304 stainless steel.

Spare Parts 

There are numerous parts of construction that make up a ball valve. However, as far as replacement parts go, it is usually only the seats that may require servicing over time, and occasionally the handles. For a full list of parts and dimensions see our ball valve specifications page, or see the diagram below for a 2-piece ball valve parts breakdown.

● Ball Valve Handles

The handle is used to turn the valve from the open to the closed position. It does this by turning 90 degrees. It is connected to the stem, which in turn connects to the ball. The valve is in the open position when the handle is in-line or parallel to the pipe and it is in the closed position when the handle is at right angles to the pipe. In this way the handle position lets the user know if the valve is open or if it is closed. Handles can be replaced, and handle covers can be specially branded.

● Seats and Seals

Generally, Valve Seats are made out of Teflon (PTFE). PTFE is an abbreviation of Polytetrafluoroethylene. PTFE is chemical and corrosion resistant and is very good at handling temperature extremes. On top of that, the coefficient of friction is small, which means the handle is relatively easy to turn.

Where are Ball Valves Used? 

They can be used with a full range of media, which include liquids, gases, water, chemicals, fuels, and food & beverage, as long as the material selection for the valve is compatible with the media being transferred.   Due to their relatively low cost, ease of use, and versatility, ball valves are used in almost any industry that uses liquid or gas. These include fuel, oil & gas, chemical, pharmaceutical, food & beverage processing, HVAC and sanitary applications. They are also widely used in many manufacturing processes and in residential applications. Their versatility also enables their use in corrosive and cryogenic applications.

• ● Original Equipment manufacturers (OEM’s):  Many manufacturers routinely use ball valves in their production processes.
• ● Breweries: Often installed on Kettles to control flow during transfers. During the process of “mashing” the valves facilitate the flow of hot “wort” which is corrosive.
• ● Tanks: Ball valves are often placed on tanks to control flow and prevent unwanted drainage.
• ● Piping systems:  Corrosion-resistant Poly Camlocks are well suited to agricultural applications.
• ●  Agriculture:  Although Poly ball valves are predominantly used, stainless steel valves are well suited to deal with chemicals, fertilizers, humidity, and extreme temperature fluctuations.
• ●  Sanitation & Waste Water:  Stainless Steel valves are widely used in water treatment and purification plants.
• ● Oil & Gas:  Upstream they are used to control oil flow; midstream, they protect equipment by regulating oil and gas flow, and downstream, they are used in the process of refining crude oil.
• ● Oil Refining:  Crude oil is corrosive as it may contain water, sulfur, carbon dioxide, and micro-organisms. This makes corrosion-resistant stainless steel ball valves the perfect choice in an oil refinery.  
• ● Marine Applications: Sea water is corrosive to most materials, especially metals, due to the sodium and chloride content. Stainless steel is ideal, being able to handle extreme temperatures as well as being high pressure and corrosion-resistant.
• ● Residential and Commercial Plumbing:  Brass ball valves have traditionally been used; however, stainless steel ball valves are more suitable now. They are better priced and cleaner, since Stainless steel is lead free.
• ● Water Well: Typically, brass valves were used, and it appears that lead-free stainless will become more and more popular for water and water well applications.
• ● HVAC: widely used in HVAC and refrigeration systems, they are suitable for use in subcritical systems.
• ● Fuel and Oil: The presence of numerous connecting hoses, which are so prevalent in the petrochemical industry, means that there is flow that needs to be controlled. Historically, brass valves were mostly used, and this is slowly moving to stainless valves as the relative price of stainless steel continues to improve.

Ball Valve Maintenance and Troubleshooting

One of the biggest advantages of a stainless steel ball valve is how little maintenance it actually needs. A well-installed valve in the right application can run for years — sometimes decades — without any attention at all. That said, there are a few situations where maintenance becomes necessary, and knowing what to look for can save a lot of time and cost down the line.

How to Maintain a Ball Valve

Routine maintenance for a threaded stainless steel ball valve is straightforward. The main things to check periodically are:

• ● Operate the valve regularly: Valves that are left in one position for extended periods can become stiff or difficult to turn. If a valve is used purely as an isolation valve and is rarely operated, it is good practice to cycle it open and closed once every few months to keep the ball and seats moving freely.
• ● Check for external leaks: Inspect the stem packing area — the point where the stem exits the valve body — for any signs of leakage. A small drip here usually indicates the packing has worn and the packing nut may need to be tightened slightly. Do not overtighten as this can make the valve hard to operate.
• ● Inspect the threaded connections: On NPT threaded installations, check that the end connections remain tight and show no signs of weeping. Thread sealant such as PTFE tape or pipe dope should be used on installation and should not need to be redone unless the valve is removed and reinstalled.
• ● Clean the valve body: In environments where build-up of debris, scale or deposits is likely, periodically wipe down the external valve body. For 3-piece ball valves, the center body section can be removed from the line entirely for thorough internal cleaning without disturbing the pipe connections — one of the key advantages of the 3-piece design.

How to Fix a Leaking Ball Valve

A leaking ball valve is one of the most common maintenance issues encountered. The most common fix is to replace the seats. All our 1-Piece, 2-Piece, and 3-Piece valves can be serviced. The location of the leak determines the fix:

• ● Leak from the stem (top of valve): This is the most common type of leak. It is caused by worn or damaged stem packing. First try tightening the packing nut slightly — a quarter turn at a time. If the leak persists, the stem packing will need to be replaced. On a 2-piece or 3-piece valve, the body can be disassembled to access and replace the packing.
• ● Leak from the end connections: If the valve is leaking where it connects to the pipe, the thread seal has failed. Shut off the flow, remove the valve, clean the threads, apply fresh PTFE tape or pipe sealant, and reinstall. Ensure the valve is not cross-threaded on installation.
• ● Leak through the valve when closed: If media is passing through the valve when it is in the fully closed position, the seats are worn or damaged. On a 1-piece valve, the seats were traditionally non-replaceable; however, new body designs allow the seats and seals to be replaced via an Allen-key socket at the threaded inlet/outlet ports. On a 2-piece or 3-piece valve, the body can be disassembled and the PTFE seats replaced.
• ● Valve leaking after long storage or disuse: PTFE seats can take a set or become compressed over time if left in one position for a long period. Try cycling the valve fully open and closed several times. In many cases this is enough to reseat the ball and stop the leak. If not, seat replacement is required.

When to Replace Rather Than Repair

Given the relatively low cost of stainless steel ball valves — particularly 1-piece and compact 2-piece versions — it is often more practical and cost-effective to replace a faulty valve rather than repair it. The exception is for larger-diameter valves, 3-piece valves in sanitary or high-purity applications, and high-pressure 2000 or 3000 PSI valves, where replacement parts and servicing make more economic sense. As a rule of thumb, if the valve body itself is damaged or severely corroded, replacement is the right call. If it is only the seats, stem packing, or handle that are worn, repair is straightforward on any of our 1-Piece, 2-piece, or 3-piece designs.

Stainless Steel vs Brass Ball Valve — Which Should You Choose? 

Brass has historically been the default choice for ball valves in plumbing, oil, water, and gas applications. That is changing. As the price of stainless steel has come down significantly over the past decade, stainless steel ball valves are increasingly replacing brass across almost every application — and for good reason. Here is a straightforward comparison to help you decide which is right for your setup.

Corrosion Resistance

Stainless steel wins here, and it is not particularly close. The chromium content in stainless steel forms a passive oxide layer on the surface that actively resists corrosion, even in aggressive environments. Brass, being a copper-zinc alloy, is susceptible to a process called dezincification — where the zinc leaches out of the alloy over time, leaving a porous, weakened copper structure behind. This is particularly common in soft water, acidic conditions and anywhere chlorine levels are elevated. Stainless steel has no such vulnerability.

Lead Content

This is increasingly important, particularly in food, beverage, pharmaceutical and drinking water applications. Traditional brass alloys contain lead, which was used to improve machinability during manufacturing. While lead-free brass alloys exist, stainless steel is inherently lead-free and is the cleaner, safer choice anywhere product purity matters. Many states and municipalities now restrict or prohibit the use of lead-containing brass in potable water systems — stainless steel has no such restrictions.

Temperature and Pressure

Both materials perform well across the typical working ranges of most industrial applications. Stainless steel generally has a slight edge in high temperature and high pressure environments due to its superior tensile strength and resistance to thermal cycling. Both are rated to 1000 WOG as standard, however stainless steel is also available in 2000 PSI and 3000 PSI ratings — something brass threaded ball valves do not commonly offer.

Chemical Compatibility

Stainless steel 316 handles a far broader range of chemicals than brass. Chlorinated water, mild acids, salt solutions, food-grade media, petroleum products and many industrial chemicals are all well within the capability of 316 stainless steel. Brass struggles with anything containing elevated chlorine levels, ammonia compounds and certain acids. If in doubt about chemical compatibility, stainless steel 316 is almost always the safer choice.

Price

Brass used to have a clear price advantage. That gap has narrowed considerably. Stainless steel 304 ball valves in particular are now priced very competitively with brass, and in many size ranges are comparable or cheaper when you factor in the longer service life and reduced maintenance. Stainless steel 316 carries a small premium over 304, but is still very competitive against brass for the performance it delivers.

Quick Comparison

For most applications today, stainless steel is the better long-term choice. If you are replacing existing brass valves or specifying valves for a new installation, stainless steel 304 offers brass-comparable pricing with significantly better performance. For aggressive media, chlorinated systems, food-grade or high-pressure applications, stainless steel 316 is the clear choice.

Ball Valve Frequently Asked Questions

What is a ball valve?

A ball valve is a quarter-turn shut-off valve that controls the flow of liquids and gases through a pipe. It gets its name from the hollow spherical ball inside the valve body that rotates to open or close the flow. When the bore through the ball aligns with the pipe, flow is open. When the ball is rotated 90 degrees so the bore is perpendicular to the pipe, flow is completely shut off. Ball valves are one of the most widely used valve types across industrial, commercial and residential applications due to their reliability, ease of use, low maintenance requirements and long service life.

What is a quarter turn valve?

A quarter turn valve is any valve that opens and closes with a 90-degree rotation of the handle or actuator — a quarter of a full 360-degree turn. Ball valves are the most common type of quarter turn valve. Other quarter turn valve types include butterfly valves and plug valves. The quarter turn design makes them fast to operate, simple to use and easy to visually confirm whether the valve is open or closed at a glance. This speed of operation is one of the main reasons ball valves are preferred over gate valves and globe valves in most modern applications, where multiple turns of a handwheel would be required to open or close the flow.

What are the parts of a ball valve?

A standard ball valve is made up of five main components. The valve body is the outer housing that contains all internal components and connects to the pipe via threaded, welded or flanged ends — it comes in one-piece, two-piece and three-piece configurations. The rotary ball is the spherical component with a bore through the center that controls flow by rotating open or closed. The stem connects the external handle to the ball, transmitting the turning motion that opens and closes the valve. The seats are two rings, typically made from PTFE (Teflon), that sit on either side of the ball and create a watertight seal between the ball and the valve body. The handle is the external lever used to manually rotate the stem and ball between the open and closed positions. Additional components include stem packing, packing nuts, body bolts and end caps depending on the valve design.

What is the difference between full port and standard port?

The port refers to the size of the bore — the hole drilled through the ball. A full port valve (also called full bore) has a bore that matches the internal diameter of the pipe it connects to. This means there is no reduction in flow area through the valve, resulting in minimal pressure drop and maximum flow rate. Full port valves are used where flow rate is critical, where the media contains suspended solids, or where the pipe system needs to be cleaned using a process called pigging. A standard port valve (also called reduced port or reduced bore) has a bore that is one pipe size smaller than the pipe it connects to. So a 1" standard port valve has a 3/4" bore. This reduces the flow area slightly, causing a small pressure drop, but results in a smaller, lighter and more cost-effective valve. Standard port valves are perfectly suitable for most general applications where maximum flow rate is not a priority and particle build-up is not a concern.

What is a ball valve used for?

Ball valves are used wherever a reliable, fast-acting on/off flow control is needed for liquids or gases. Their versatility makes them suitable for an exceptionally wide range of applications across almost every industry. Common uses include flow isolation in water, oil and gas pipelines, flow control on tanks and vessels, shut-off valves in chemical processing plants, flow regulation in food and beverage and brewery equipment, isolation valves in HVAC and refrigeration systems, and shut-off valves in residential and commercial plumbing. They are also widely used in agricultural irrigation, pharmaceutical manufacturing, marine and offshore applications, mining, and water treatment facilities. Essentially, if a pipe carries a liquid or gas and needs to be turned on or off, a ball valve is almost always the right choice.

Can a ball valve be repaired?

Yes — and this is an area where ProFlow Dynamics valves have a genuine advantage. All of our ball valves, including the 1-piece design, can be serviced and have their PTFE seats replaced. On 2-piece and 3-piece valves the body can be disassembled by unthreading or unbolting the body sections, giving full access to the ball, seats and stem packing for inspection and replacement. On 3-piece valves this can be done without removing the valve from the pipe at all — the two end sections remain threaded to the pipe while the center body is removed. The most common repair is seat replacement, which restores a leaking valve to full working condition at a fraction of the cost of a new valve. Handle replacement is also straightforward on all designs. If the valve body itself is cracked, severely corroded or physically damaged, replacement of the whole valve is the recommended course of action.

What is the difference between a ball valve and a gate valve?

A ball valve operates with a 90-degree quarter turn of the handle and is designed primarily for on/off flow control. It opens and closes quickly, has a low pressure drop when fully open, and is compact. A gate valve uses a rising or non-rising stem with a gate that moves up and down to control flow, requiring multiple turns to open or close fully. Gate valves are better suited to applications where the valve remains either fully open or fully closed for long periods and where a straight-line flow with minimum restriction is needed. Ball valves are generally preferred for most modern applications due to their speed of operation, compact size and reliability. Gate valves are more commonly found in older installations and in large diameter pipeline applications where the slower operation is acceptable.

Can a ball valve be used to regulate flow?

Ball valves can be partially opened to throttle flow, but they are not designed for precise long-term flow regulation. When used in a partially open position for extended periods, the PTFE seats are exposed to the flowing media and can erode, particularly at higher pressures and velocities. This erosion eventually causes the valve to leak when in the closed position. For applications requiring precise flow control, a needle valve or globe valve is more appropriate. Ball valves perform best and last longest in fully open or fully closed positions — this is where their design excels.

What does a ball valve handle position mean — open or closed?

The rule is straightforward: when the handle is parallel and in line with the pipe, the valve is open. When the handle is perpendicular — at right angles to the pipe — the valve is closed. This makes it easy to confirm the valve status at a glance from a distance, which is one of the practical advantages of a ball valve over other valve types where the open/closed status is not immediately obvious. On ProFlow Dynamics valves, the locking handle can also be locked in either the open or closed position to prevent accidental operation — a useful feature in industrial environments where valves may be inadvertently knocked or tampered with.

Are ball valves bidirectional?

Yes. Standard two-way ball valves are bidirectional, meaning they can control flow in either direction. The valve does not need to be installed in a specific orientation relative to flow direction, which makes installation straightforward and removes the risk of installing the valve the wrong way around. This is a practical advantage over check valves and certain other valve types that are directional by design. The exception is certain specialised configurations such as valves fitted with pneumatic or electric actuators, or 3-way ball valves with L-port or T-port configurations, where the flow path through the valve is directional by design.

What is the temperature range for a stainless steel ball valve?

For standard threaded stainless steel ball valves with PTFE seats and seals, the typical operating temperature range is -13°F to 302°F (-25°C to 150°C). The limiting factor is the PTFE seats rather than the stainless steel body itself — stainless steel can handle much higher temperatures but the PTFE seats begin to degrade above 302°F. For applications requiring operation above this temperature, metal seats or ceramic seats are used in place of PTFE. For cryogenic applications below -13°F, specialised low-temperature rated valves with appropriate seat materials are required. It is also worth noting that as operating temperature increases, the pressure rating of the valve decreases — always consult the pressure-temperature chart for the specific valve if operating near the limits of the rated range.

Can ball valves be installed in any orientation?

Yes, standard threaded ball valves can be installed in any orientation — horizontal, vertical or at any angle in between. There is no preferred installation direction for the valve itself. However, for practical reasons it is generally better to install the valve so the handle is accessible and the open/closed position is clearly visible to operators. In vertical pipe runs, installing the valve with the stem pointing upward is preferred where possible, as this reduces the risk of debris or process media settling around the stem packing area over time. In environments where the valve may be operated frequently, also consider whether there is adequate clearance for the handle to make a full 90-degree turn without obstruction.

How long do stainless steel ball valves last?

A quality stainless steel ball valve installed correctly in a compatible application has an exceptionally long service life. In clean, non-corrosive applications with infrequent cycling, service lives of 20 to 30 years or more are not uncommon. All ProFlow Dynamics ball valves — including the 1-piece design — can be serviced and have their PTFE seats replaced, meaning a worn seat does not necessarily mean the entire valve needs to be replaced. The components most likely to require attention over time are the PTFE seats and stem packing, both of which are serviceable on all our valve designs. Factors that shorten valve life include prolonged throttling in partially open positions, exposure to incompatible media, operating temperatures beyond the PTFE seat rating, and water hammer or sudden pressure surges in the system.

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