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Correct Ball Valve Orientation? Author: extropic (CA)When the ball valve is OPEN, should the handle be over the "supply" side pipe or over the down stream pipe? Is there a convention (accepted standard) for this or is it random (installers choice)?
i try to orient a ball valve so when it is closed, the handle hangs down. this way it is easy to see when looking for a valve that is closed..
I always install ball valves so that the handle points in the direction of flow.
I install them whichever way is easiest to operate the handle. There is no "natural" orientation, and since a closed valve will have the handle 90 degrees from the pipe, a closed valve will always be readily apparent.
In the Navy, that was an ALMOST universal convention, but we were specifically trained to always read the open/closed indicator arrows, NOT rely on position of handle. I remember on the 595, out of probably 10,000 + valves on the boat, there was for sure ONE valve where the handle location was opposite, for some unknown reason. Always tripped people up on qual check-out with that one. I think it was hydraulic supply to forward signal ejector muzzle valve.
I don't remember what I had for lunch yesterday, but stories like the above seem fresh in my mind. Could be a problem here!!!!
On a vertical pipe, it's easier to shut the valve if you pull the handle DOWN to do so. In my book, it should be easier to turn a valve OFF than to turn it on.
I have one seasonal ball valve on my basement ceiling for a hose bibb, and on that one I set it so the handle points UP into the joist space when it is off. If it were pointing down all winter, I would probably have more dents in my head.
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Links to the State of Wisconsin Plumbing Code:
[docs.legis.wisconsin.gov]
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I am not a plumber.
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jimmy, was the 595 on the east coast in the early 60's?
i may have been the one who installed that valve backwards.
It was commissioned at Mare Island in '63, and I don't think ever was on the east coast!
Unless it was a special valve or someone modified the handle, ball valve handles can only be put on the valve with one orientation. It is possible that valve was ALWAYS supposed to be closed so the handle was made so it did not project out into a walkway. in that case the "open/close" lables would only be useful when you tried to turn the valve to see which way it operated.
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lotta valves on that one.. hope none fail
I admire the way you worded the question. So often people ask which way the handle should be "pointing". Well, which is the "pointy" end? Your wording makes it clear, and, although I am now merely recapping what others have already said; your wording, as worded, does indeed seem to describe the convention in what would otherwise appear to be an intrinsically bidirectional design.
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I was at a plumbing supply store the other day and bought a quarter turn ball valve. The guy behind the counter told me to make sure they are installed "the right way". He said ball valves must be installed so that the handle points in the direction of flow when on. I asked him to explain but he said that's always been that way.
I looked at the valve from each end and it looks symmetrical. I look at the handle and valve body and there is no marking or label on it indicating any directions.
I then walked around outside and in the garage and looked at all the ball valves I have and one of them is indeed installed in the "reverse" direction. For example, the main shutoff valve on the east side where the 3/4" comes up from the ground, that ball valve handle points DOWN (against the flow) but the other ones I have points up.
So, do ball valves have directions and if so, is it more like a habit or convention, or is it real problem when installed backwards?
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