Comparison of brass and PVC ball valves.

[peasthope]

I want to put a few valves in the 80 m long, 1" PVC pipe connecting a house to the main at the street. The valves are primarily for troubleshooting and will be closed rarely. Does anyone have any comments on the choice of PVC versus brass ball valves? PVC is a little cheaper than brass but the difference is small compared to the labour of installation. My primary concern is for long term reliability. Thanks, ... Peter E.

 

[havasu]

I have a similar PVC valve and the first time I needed to shut off the water (a few years after installation) the valve broke off in my hand. My advice is to go brass!

 

[Otahyoni]

I've had the same experience as havasu. The stem on the PVC valves like to get brittle and the ball sticks to the seats. The result is breaking off the handle.

Another vote for brass valves. The newer ones have (I think) teflon or teflon coated seals so they should open and close like new for a long time...

 

[johnjh2o]

Brass, that's a no brainier. For all the reasons mentioned.

John

 

[peasthope]

> Brass, that's a no brainier.

Given some experience with them. I've never seen one in use.

Are PVC unions as bad? Is a 3/4" PVC union worth using?

Thanks, ... Peter E.

 

[johnjh2o]

> Brass, that's a no brainier.

Given some experience with them. I've never seen one in use.

Are PVC unions as bad? Is a 3/4" PVC union worth using?

Thanks, ... Peter E.

You guessed it. They will also lock up after time.

John

 

[peasthope]

At Monday 2011-11-14 John wrote,
> They will also lock up after time.

The threads seize? Isn't there something similar to Never-Seez for PVC?

Thanks, ... Peter E.