For most residential shutoff needs, choose a ball valve: it gives fast quarter-turn on/off, a reliable seal, and long service life. Use a gate valve where a slim body or full unobstructed bore matters, but expect slower operation and eventual seizing.
| Property | Ball Valve | Gate Valve |
|---|---|---|
| Operation | Quarter-turn (90°) lever; open/closed at a glance | Multi-turn rising or non-rising handwheel; slow |
| Best use | Primary shutoff, isolation, frequently operated valves | Infrequently operated mains where a compact inline body is preferred |
| Throttling | Not recommended; seat wears if left partly open | Not recommended; disc vibrates and erodes when partly open |
| Pressure drop | Very low when fully open (full-port near-zero) | Very low when fully open (unobstructed bore) |
| Sizes | Common 1/2" to 2" in residential plumbing | Common 1/2" to 2" in residential plumbing |
| Standard | Commonly made to MSS SP-110 / ASME B16 dimensional standards | Commonly made to MSS SP-80 (bronze) dimensional standards |
Typical industry values for planning — confirm exact figures against the manufacturer datasheet and local code before ordering.
Choose a ball valve for main and fixture shutoffs, anything you operate regularly, and where a positive, visible open/closed indication matters. It seals reliably after years of sitting unused.
Choose a gate valve when you need a slim inline profile or a fully unobstructed bore, and the valve will be left fully open for long periods and rarely cycled.
Our engineers spec the system and supply against it — send your project for a package quote.
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