Ball valves are essential components in plumbing and industrial systems, characterized by their straightforward yet efficient design. They utilize a pivoting ball with a hole drilled through it to control the flow of fluids or gases through a quarter-turn motion. Operating a ball valve is intuitive: parallel handle position indicates open flow, while perpendicular means closed. Their robust construction ensures durability and reliability, making them suitable for diverse applications from shutoff to control tasks. However, precision in throttling may be limited compared to other valve types like gate or globe valves. It's crucial to distinguish ball valves from ball-check valves, which serve different purposes in fluid control. Overall, ball valves are prized for their simplicity, reliability, and versatility, making them indispensable in maintaining seamless operations across various industries and plumbing systems.

Ball valves are pivotal components in plumbing and industrial systems, characterized by their efficient quarter-turn operation using a pivoting ball with a drilled-through hole. This design allows for seamless control of fluid or gas flow: aligning the ball allows flow, while misalignment stops it. Their robust construction ensures durability and reliability, suitable for diverse applications from shutoff to flow control. However, they may not offer the precision of other valve types for intricate throttling. It's crucial to distinguish ball valves from ball-check valves, which serve different functions in fluid systems. Overall, understanding these aspects helps in optimal integration for effective system operation.