The many valves used in plumbing to control and isolate supplies are usually made from brass hence the term brassware. Some are covered with a chrome finish. These valves allow maintenance and repair work on the plumbing without draining the whole system down. Switching them off and then on again every now and then should keep them in good working order. Catford Plumbers use skilled technicians, familiar with all equipment.Stop Valve.This controls the supply of water to your property. This valve will isolate the supply to the house. It is always a good idea to locate and label your incoming mains water stop valve. Gate Valve.These valves use a wheel on the the spindle which pushes a wedge shaped piece in/out to open or close off the supply line and are installed on a low pressure supply. This valve can be used to isolate the supply of cold water to the various cold water taps in the house. If you are replacing a cold tap in the bathroom, for example, this will be the valve that you use to stop the water, assuming the tap is fed by the cold water storage cistern and not from the main. If unsure always call an expert like a Catford Plumber .Ball Valve.This valve contains a ball with a hole drilled through its centre mounted in the supply line. The ball can be turned 90 degrees allowing for the water to flow or not. When the hole through the ball is in line with the pipe work, the valve is open and when the hole is at right angles it is shut. This makes it easy to see whether the valve is open or closed by checking whether the lever or screw head slot is in line with the pipe or across it. A ball valve can be seen on the supply to a washing machine.
