At their core, water valves are mechanical devices used to control the flow of water in a piping system. They can either allow or stop the flow, depending on the need. Some valves are designed for precise control of water flow, while others are meant for quick shutoff. The functionality of water valves is key to preventing issues such as leaks, overflows, or damage to pipes caused by high-pressure water flows.

    Water valves operate in several ways. For example, ball valves use a rotating ball with a hole through the center, which aligns with the pipe when open, allowing water to flow. Conversely, when the valve is turned off, the ball rotates to block the flow. In contrast, gate valves work by raising or lowering a gate within the valve to either block or allow the passage of water. Some valves also allow for the regulation of water pressure and flow rate, which is especially important in large-scale industrial or municipal systems.