Valves in pipe lines are provided to control supply of water. They are used to stop supply when any repair is carried in pipe line. Valves are devices that control the flow of fluids and gases. Some are used to regulate the rate of flow, and others are used to stop it completely to prevent flooding or allow repairs to be made.

There are dozens of different types of valves, and each performs a specific task. But there are many other valves used in the typical residence.

Compression or stem type faucet – This is a two-handle faucet design. With a single faucet, you can enjoy both hot and cold water as per the requirement. You can tell a stem faucet by the way it feels when you turn it off. One can feel a rubber washer being squeezed inside the faucet. Compression valves possess o- rings beneath the faucet’s stem that tend to wear and tear with time.

Different compression valves have different stem designs however all utilizes the neoprene washers. The only cause for a leaky valve is a damaged washer.

Then comes the cartridge valves that are also known as washer- less valves are operated by only one handle. This way these are different to the compression valves. Inside this valve a metal or plastic cylindrical cartridge is located. As you lift the handle, the valve stem raises and its holes align with the holes of the cartridge. On the other hand, as you twist the handle, cold and hot water mix and regulate water temperature.

Next are the disk valves and are also washers less. They are used mostly in single-handle kitchen sink faucets, and are identified by the cylinder located inside the faucet. The inlet hoses of the plumbing system allow hot and cold water to pass through the valves, while the outlet hole directs the water to pass through the valve spout.

Ball valves, as the name implies, are stop valves that use a ball to stop or start the flow of fluid. These comprise of a cylindrical cap under the handle. If leaks come from the valves’ spout, tightening the cap commonly stops the leaks.

A leak in a washer or washer less faucet usually indicates that the working parts need replacing. One should not overlook the leaky valves and go for its repair or replacement as soon as possible.