11 best manufacturers of ball valves for water supply

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

Ball valves are a relatively inexpensive option to provide shut-off valves for pipes with a diameter of 1-3 inches. Unlike devices with rubber pads, there are no wear materials that wrinkle and leak over time. The design uses a polished ball with a through hole through which fluid is supplied. Sealing seats contribute to tightness. If you are looking for reliable valves, then consider our ranking of the best manufacturers of ball valves for water supply. The material, compiled on the basis of reviews and characteristics of the products, will help you choose a product at an affordable price and quality.

Rating of the best manufacturers of ball valves for water supply

Nomination	a place	manufacturer	rating
Rating of the best manufacturers of ball valves for water supply	1	VALTEC	5.0
	2	ITAP	4.9
	3	Honeywell	4.8
	4	Oventrop	4.7
	5	FAR	4.6
	6	Stout	4.5
	7	F.I.V.	4.4
	8	ROYAL Thermo	4.3
	9	Bugatti	4.2
	10	GEKON	4.1
	11	ZUBR .	4.0

VALTEC

Rating: 5.0

The first place in the rating is taken by the Italian manufacturer Valtec, whose products in the Base line are one of the best in the world. This is achieved through the use of CW617N sanitary brass rather than silumin and other weaker alloys. Ball valves for water supply are available in full bore format, i.e. the inner hole corresponds to the diameter of the inlet pipe and does not reduce the permeability, and with it the pressure in the system. Ball valves can be used in the temperature range from -30 to +150 degrees, which customers like in reviews, since such a crane can be left in the garden in winter (subject to high-quality insulation of the pipes themselves). In the event of a breakdown, the structure is disassembled and the stem and its seal can be replaced.

Our experts included the manufacturer in the rating because its ball valves have an increased service life – 55,000 cycles. If you open and close such a crane 6 times a day, seven days a week, then its service life will be 25 years.

Advantages

• there are ball models with half-gons;
• there are corner structures;
• the colors of the handles are red and white, which is useful when indicating the directions of the water supply;
• wear resistant polymers are used for sealing.

disadvantages

• high cost of goods;
• the ball and seals in the seat remain unchanged.

ITAP

Rating: 4.9

The second place in the ranking also belongs to the Italian manufacturer, which began its activities in 1960 in Lumezzano. It is a family business that has been manufacturing plumbing products for over half a century. The company holds numerous patents and is a pioneer in the world in mechanical and automatic water shut-off systems. Now its products are sold in 100 countries. For the manufacture of ball valves, the company uses brass, which is then plated with nickel. Buyers in reviews praise the manufacturer for the reinforced shape of the case and the ability to choose the location of the thread (external at the entrance / internal at the exit, both external, both internal, etc.) for any needs.

We have rated this manufacturer as the most reliable. Regardless of the country of manufacture of the goods (there are factories on three continents), each ball valve is tested before it hits the counter. If you need to install a valve and forget about it (a responsible object, an inconvenient installation site), then this is the best option.

Advantages

• quality standard ISO 9001 was introduced back in 1995;
• sale of ball valves in more than 100 countries of the world;
• 63 automated assembly lines exclude defects from the human factor;
• classification of ball valves for household and industrial needs.

disadvantages

• small selection of connection diameters for domestic water supply;
• levers are only red.

Honeywell

Rating: 4.8

The third place in the rating is given to an American manufacturer that produces ball valves in a reinforced brass body. The structure is molded into dies in automated production. The products are manufactured directly in the USA. An internal thread is used for connection. All products are carefully tested and rated for a pressure of 16 bar. Buyers in the reviews like that the price of ball valves is slightly cheaper than that of competing firms. The design of the channel inside the ball valve provides for the passage of pressure with minimal losses. As a result, the difference in fluid pressure in the straight section of the pipe on the water supply and in the section with fittings is 1 bar.

We have included the manufacturer in the rating because it produces a special category of ball valves with an electric drive. The ball mechanism is started not by turning the lever, but by means of an electrovalve. This allows you to control the valve from a distance from the remote control and simultaneously control 2-10 channels of water supply from the water supply.

Advantages

• ball valves are available in pure brass;
• reliable seals are used;
• withstand water temperatures from 2 to 130 degrees;
• manufactured in the USA.

disadvantages

• products only with external thread type;
• there are only diameters 20, 25 and 30 mm.

Oventrop

Rating: 4.7

The manufacturer Oventrop continues the rating. The company is named after the founder and has been operating since 1851. The production of fittings for all types of utilities has led the company to global success. The range of the brand includes ball valves for water supply, gas, heating and irrigation. Often, equipment and fittings are purchased by contractors and installed initially during the delivery of residential buildings and office buildings. Manufacturing of products is carried out on automated complexes. Parts are processed with increased precision. Bronze and gray cast iron used by the manufacturer contribute to the successful resistance to alkalis in water. In the reviews, buyers share that the ball valves of this brand are working moderately tight, but it is convenient to turn the handle.

We ranked the manufacturer among the best because of the increased strength of the case. On brass products, an additional edge is used to strengthen the walls of the reinforcement. According to the passport, such a product can withstand pressure from 16 to 40 bar, so the probability of a crack during a pressure jump is minimal.

Advantages

• there are cranes with an extended flywheel;
• easy to determine the current position of the lever;
• short housings for installation on water pipes in inconvenient places;
• no marriage, no need to return to the store for an exchange.

disadvantages

• if you keep the tap half-open for a long time, then dirt collects on the ball and it loses its tightness;
• there are few turns on the thread (3-4) for connecting the branch pipes.

FAR

Rating: 4.6

An Italian manufacturer called FAR entered the TOP-5. The brand was founded by two brothers in 1974. The company is engaged in the manufacture of: pressure reducers, measuring instruments, filters, thermostats, fittings, adapters and valves. There are motorized ball valves for easy control. Teflon is used as a seal for the polished ball, which does not wear off for a long time. Heat-resistant gaskets allow the use of ball valves on a hot water supply line with temperatures up to 120 degrees.

The manufacturer stands out for the number of certificates received for its products, for which it is included in the rating. In addition to international independent organizations that have tested FAR ball valves, the brand has a quality rating from QAVR. It is an Italian agency that confirms that all products are made only in Italy and from raw materials produced in the EU. The company does not buy cheap brass in China and produce expensive goods under its own brand – the metal is also of high quality.

Advantages

• quality is checked not at the end, but at every stage;
• there are basic fittings for water supply and De Luxe category;
• own laboratory for testing new products;
• there are UNI, ISO, ENI quality certificates.

disadvantages

• relatively high cost;
• short levers that are awkward to grasp.

Stout

Rating: 4.5

The sixth position in the ranking belongs to the Italian manufacturer Stout. The range includes coupling-type ball valves with swing arms and 'butterflies'. The handles are painted or sprinkled with red and black rubber, which simplifies the distribution of fittings to their intended purpose on the water supply in the house. The main criteria of the manufacturer are: reliability, environmental friendliness, ease of installation and long service life. Valves and other fittings are accompanied by DIN, EN certificates and comply with GOST. Customer reviews show that ball valves serve for a long time and rarely crack when the nut is tightened. Many people like that the manufacturer gives a 10-year warranty on the product.

In our opinion, the manufacturer deserves a place in the rating due to the production of ball valves with built-in filters. This will help protect plumbing fixtures (such as a toilet bowl or washing machine) from debris from the central water supply. The company also produces ½ and 3/8 inch mini ball valves, which do not take up much space when connected in a confined space.

Advantages

• assortment of swing arms in red and black;
• there are full bore models;
• a large selection of spare parts on the market ('butterflies', rods, sealing washers);
• all handles are provided with holes for sealing fittings;
• manufactures straight and angled ball valve designs.

disadvantages

• short levers on coupling valves;
• production of goods is carried out not only in Italy, so the quality may vary.

F.I.V.

Rating: 4.4

The seventh in the ranking is another manufacturer from Italy called F.I.V. The company has been operating since 1984 and specializes in pressure reducers, underfloor heating systems, manifolds and valves. To protect goods from counterfeiting, each case is engraved with the brand. Brass from Germany is used as raw material for casting. All processes are automated. Buyers in the reviews share that shut-off valves with ready-made 'American women' are suitable for accelerated installation. This does not require turning the tap itself during installation and helps to quickly assemble the site on the water supply.

A feature of this manufacturer, for which he got into the rating, is the release of crane balls with a butterfly or a lever made of aluminum. This not only reduces the overall weight of the fitting on the plumbing, but also better protects the metal from corrosion. Condensation from the cold water pipe will not spoil the appearance of the fittings even after years of operation.

Advantages

• there are cases with internal and external threads;
• two colors of handles;
• additional thickening on the walls is used;
• sell ball valves with a poured curved gander for giving.

disadvantages

• manual devices only;
• high cost of models with an 'American'.

ROYAL Thermo

Rating: 4.3

Next in the ranking is a manufacturer from Russia, which has become one of the most recognizable brands in Eurasia. Now the share of the domestic market is 70% saturated with the goods of this particular company. The company specializes in the manufacture of components for heating and plumbing systems. Most of all in the catalog there are radiators and boilers, but there are also enough positions on the fitting. In total, the company employs about 1000 people. To organize production, the company used imported equipment from ABB, LEAS, Buhler, Marconi. The company's engineers work in conjunction with the 'Milanese Laboratory of the Scientific Research Institute of Plumbing', which allows us to create a quality product. Buyers in reviews report that you can buy ball valves of this brand in any CIS country.

We included the manufacturer in the rating because there are always thick edges on the body of ball valves to support the fitting with an open-end wrench. In competing models, these edges are much narrower, and therefore it is more difficult to twist the reinforcement, especially if there is little space from the wall.

Advantages

• investments in new developments over 4 billion rubles;
• all production is carried out on imported equipment;
• long service life of the polished ball and seals;
• there are international patents.

disadvantages

• only red drive color;
• small selection of diameters for connection (1, ½, ¾).

Bugatti

Rating: 4.2

And again in the ranking is the Italian manufacturer. Bugatti manufactures two- and three-way ball valves for hot and cold water. The manufacturer's catalog has up to 100 units of valves that can be used on the water supply. To ensure the best tightness, the chrome-plated ball is diamond-ground inside, which removes the smallest scratches from its surface. This contributes to the long service life of the Teflon seals. In the reviews, buyers praise the quality of ball valves and thick handles, which are not painful to grasp to open a tight shutter (especially practical when valves are rarely used).

Our experts have included the manufacturer in the rating due to the elegant shape of the Alaska series ball valves. If competitors have this very 'clumsy' design with rough lines, which is suitable only for hidden installation and technical needs (output to the washing machine, wiring under the sink), then there are elegant designs with a curved nose. They are cast in a single body and are sealed. Such equipment can be used to supply water to the sink in the country, in the garden and in cabins.

Advantages

• full bore designs;
• there are thick handles;
• casting with the brand name on each product;
• 6-8 threads for a secure connection.

disadvantages

• high price;
• many fakes on the market.

GEKON

Rating: 4.1

In the penultimate place in the rating is a domestic company that produces products in Italy and Russia. The goods are insured by JSC 'PARI', therefore, if material damage is caused (the brass body bursts and floods the apartment), the owner will receive compensation. Fittings with connection diameters over 15 mm are supplied with an O-ring, so nothing else is required for a reliable connection. Buyers love the 5 year manufacturer's warranty for ball valves. This is soothing and helps you waste money on the fitting without worrying about potential leaks soon after installation.

We have placed the manufacturer in the rating of the best, because its ball valves are designed for a temperature of 180 degrees. Thanks to this, the moving part will not jam from heating if the hot water supply tap is placed near a boiler or a double-circuit boiler. This characteristic allows the use of valves even in factories.

Advantages

• there are products with internal and external threads;
• taps with conventional nozzles and 'American';
• chrome plated metal for better corrosion protection and aesthetic appearance;
• European technologies are used.

disadvantages

• high price;
• only red levers;
• the quality of the goods depends on the place of production.

ZUBR .

Rating: 4.0

Our rating is completed by a domestic manufacturer 'Zubr'. The company produces more products for industrial water supply (collectors, communications to treatment plants, highways to houses, etc.). Ball valves are manufactured with coupling type, flanged, pinned, for welding. The catalog of the company contains connecting diameters from DN6 to DN 250. The valve bodies can withstand high pressures up to 63, 160 and 320 atm. There are also household models for use on home plumbing. Buyers in the reviews like the frost-resistant faucet in black with a high leg, which can be left outside for the whole winter at temperatures down to -20 degrees.

Although the manufacturer uses brass for the manufacture of taps, some of the models are created from stainless steel. This increases the strength of the structure so that they do not burst under stress. Corrosion resistance is in no way inferior to non-ferrous alloy. Such a technological solution made it possible to reduce the total cost, for which the manufacturer was included in the TOP of the best.

Advantages

• relatively inexpensive;
• not subject to corrosion;
• many models with flange connections for industrial use;
• produce ball valves for welding (without thread).

disadvantages

• service life is lower than that of others;
• few products for household use;
• there are products made of polypropylene with low mechanical strength.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.