Flow rate of main incoming tap different types of valve

[allesclar]

Hey all,

I currently have a turn type valve on the incoming water supply, not the lever type.

My plumber suggested changing it to a ball lever (full bore fitting) and it will be less resisitive so could help get our flow rate up.

I have done a quick bit of research and assuming i have a gate valve (which is the most common going on pictures) and it is open fully surely the flow should be the same as a ball valve fully open? I have seen the seen the globe valves that do resist flow but surely we dont have that on our main.

Am i being fobbed off?

He is a nice guy but i cant help feel i am being taken for a mug.

 

[Dotty]

It wouldn't hurt but if this is to do with your other thread you really need the supply to your unvented upgraded.

Having said that he's probably giving this a punt to save you some maney and a lot of disruption.

 

[allesclar]

Hey thanks for the reply.

Yeah, it was quoted a few hundred to do a direct 22mm feed to the cylinder. But i am reluctant to pay for something that might not work. Partically seeing as our incoming pressure was only 2bar.

I do see where he is coming from, but from the way the valves behave, from a fully open position i didnt think there was any difference between a ball and a gate valve?

Cheers

 

[AWheating]

Gate and ball valves are not designed to be used as a cold mains stop tap. A stop tap is what you should have. If you want to fit something that may help with flow rates then fit a larger stop tap.

 

[Mike Jackson]

Gate and ball valves are not designed to be used as a cold mains stop tap. A stop tap is what you should have. If you want to fit something that may help with flow rates then fit a larger stop tap.

Years ago yes but there are plenty of wras approved full bore 1/4 turn lever valves suitable for mains pressure now. Gate valves aren't suitable for small bore pipe but you can use them over a certain size.

I'll plump for a lever valve over a stop tap any day of the week. Less restrictive and a lot easier to use in an emergency.

 

[AWheating]

I did not say you can not fit a lever valve on cold water. What I said is its not designed for that purpose (as a stop tap). Ball valves are designed to be either open or closed for isolation. Stop taps are designed to be adjustable hence more suitable. If you want less restriction then fit a larger stop tap. You can always fit a level valve after the stop tap if your hands do dishes.

 

[stevetheplumber]

i disagree a stopcock isnt either a pressure or flow restriction device its there to shut the water flow for isolation you can buy pressure reducing valves and flow restrictors why would they sell them if a stopcock could do the job