There are a variety of valves found across plumbing and water well industries; check valves, foot valves, ball valves, stop and waste valves, swing check valves etc. There are valves that are more similar to others, including ball valves and stop and waste valves. They ultimately serve the same purpose, which means, why would you choose one over the other?
In this blog, we will explore the difference between stop and waste valves and ball valves with drains and how to choose which one to use.
Stop & Waste Valves
Stop and waste valves are typically a cheaper option compared to ball valves with drains but they essentially do the same thing. Ball valves may be a more "modern" design, but you can use either for certain applications.
The choice is ultimately up to you on which you would choose. Ball valves have a more modern design so if that is your taste, you may go with that option over the stop and waste valve.
Stop and waste valves are typically used in a drain system to provide a means to winterize any hose bibbs that are deemed "frost free". It is very important that all supply lines going to outdoor valves are drained and winterized for cold seasons to prevent the valve and supply pipe from freezing and bursting.
Stop & Waste Valve Ball Valve with Drain
In non-heated or seasonally heated areas like garages or cottages where they can be subject to freezing temperatures, even for a short period of time, they must have further protection against the freezing. This is where a stop & waste valve or a ball valve with drain come into play as well. The piping must be manually drained prior to temperatures dropping. Make this a part of your fall/winter chores to ensure your home is ready when winter actually arrives.
Drain systems require a stop and waste valve or a ball valve with a drain inside the home in the heated area. These valves have a drain cap that can be opened to allow air to enter the supply line. This ensures that the water can be drained out of the supply line that goes out through the wall to the hose bibb faucet when the weather turns cold.
Winterization
Proper winterization is very important. If there is no heat at the shut off valve inside the home, the valves are at risk of freezing which can lead to damages. For more information on how to prepare your home for the cold, we have created a blog that will help you protect your home from the winter season. Check out, "Hot or Cold: How to Protect your Home From the Elements."
In Conclusion:
As long as you properly treat your stop and waste valve or ball valve with a drain, you can use either in your home. It is more important to be sure to follow the proper winterization tips to ensure there is no damages to your valves, drain system or home during the cold months of the year.
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