Buying shut-off valves and ball valves: what to look for

Shut-off valves are the silent helpers of your water supply. You only notice them when something leaks, when you want to replace a tap or when you go on holiday. That is exactly when you want them to turn smoothly and close properly. In this buying guide you will read which types of shut-off valves and ball valves there are, what to look for when choosing and which work is better left to an installer.

👷 Calling in a professional is never superfluous. Work on the water supply looks simple, but a badly fitted coupling can start leaking weeks later, often behind a wall or under a floor. If in doubt, or if it concerns the main supply or the central heating system, call in a qualified installer.

Which types of shut-off valves are there?

The main stopcock

The main stopcock is usually located just after the water meter, in the meter cupboard or in the crawl space. It shuts off the water to the whole house. Know where it is and close and reopen it fully a few times a year so that it does not seize up. Replacing a main stopcock is always work for an installer, because the water company or the meter may be involved.

The angle valve

A chrome angle valve sits under the washbasin, at the toilet or at a bidet. It shuts off a single connection point, so you can replace a tap or float valve without cutting off water to the whole house. Angle valves come in different finishes, for example chrome or a black angle valve that matches black taps and accessories. With a concealed cistern, the valve sits behind the flush plate. The angle valve core for a concealed cistern can be replaced there without breaking open the wall.

The ball valve

A ball valve has a ball with a hole inside. A quarter turn opens or closes the passage. That makes a ball valve quick, reliable and easy to operate: the position of the lever shows at once whether it is open or closed. A brass ball valve with lever is often used for an outdoor tap, a washing machine connection or as a shut-off on a branch line.

The old-fashioned stop valve with a spindle

In older homes you still see stop valves with a turning knob and a spindle. Over time they become stiff or no longer close completely. Replacing them with a ball valve is then a logical step, but if in doubt leave it to an installer.

What to look for when choosing

• Material. Brass is durable and suitable for drinking water. Chrome-plated angle valves look good in sight. Plastic ball valves are fine for the garden hose, but not for the fixed pipework in the house.
• Diameter and connection. Look at the size of the pipe and the type of connection: female thread, male thread, compression or press fitting. Always measure first before you buy anything.
• Operation. A lever is quick and clear. A butterfly or screwdriver operation is more compact under a washbasin.
• Bore. A full-bore ball valve causes no pressure loss. That matters for a shower or an outdoor tap, for example.
• Drinking water. Only use materials in the drinking water supply that are suitable and approved for it.
• Appearance. Where it is visible, such as under an open washbasin, choose a valve that matches the tap and the vanity unit.

What can you do yourself, and what not?

A handy DIYer can replace an angle valve or a 40 cm flexible connection hose under the washbasin themselves, provided the main stopcock closes properly and the connections are standard. If you work with press systems such as Bonfix Alupers multilayer pipe with a Bonfix press coupling, you need special pressing tools. You can read more about this system in our blog on Bonfix Alupers multilayer pipe and press fittings. Leave it to a qualified installer in these cases:

• the main stopcock or the pipe before the water meter;
• pipes in the wall or under the floor;
• the central heating system, the boiler or the water heater;
• anything to do with gas: gas pipes and gas taps are always work for a qualified installer;
• if you are unsure whether an old pipe contains lead or weakened sections.

Replacing an angle valve: how to go about it

1. Close the main stopcock and open a tap on the lowest floor so that the pipe is depressurised.
2. Put a bucket and a cloth under the connection and have a rechargeable LED work lamp ready, because it is often dark under a washbasin.
3. Undo the flexible hose from the tap with a water pump pliers set or a spanner from a combination wrench set.
4. Unscrew the old angle valve from the wall connection. Hold the wall plate while doing so, so that the pipe in the wall does not turn with it.
5. Clean the thread and apply new sealant as specified by the manufacturer.
6. Screw the new angle valve in by hand and then tighten it with tools, without forcing it.
7. Reconnect the flexible hose, slowly open the main stopcock and check everything for leaks. Check again after an hour.

You can read more about choosing the right pliers in our buyer's guide to water pump pliers and pipe wrenches. For the right spanners, see our combination wrench guide.

⚠️ Does a pipe in the wall turn with it, or do you see rust, green deposits or a damaged thread? Stop and call an installer. A broken pipe in the wall is a bigger problem than a leaking tap.

Tools and aids

• A water pump pliers set and a pipe wrench for couplings and fittings.
• A combination wrench set for nuts you do not want to damage.
• A copper pipe cutter to cut copper pipe square and burr-free.
• waterproof repair tape as a temporary emergency fix for a small leak until the installer arrives.
• A rechargeable LED work lamp to see clearly what you are doing.
• work gloves with nitrile coating and safety goggles for protection.

Maintenance: how to keep shut-off valves working

• Close and reopen all shut-off valves fully twice a year. This prevents them from being stuck when you need them.
• Check that there are no drips or limescale around the spindle or the coupling.
• Before winter, close the outdoor tap with the indoor shut-off valve and let the outdoor tap drain so it does not freeze.
• Show everyone in the household where the main stopcock is.

Working safely

Wear work gloves with nitrile coating when working on old pipes and fittings: sharp burrs and rust easily cause a cut. Use safety goggles when working overhead or when there may be pressure on the pipe. Never work on a pipe that is still under pressure. If there are electrics nearby, such as a socket under the washbasin or an undersink water heater, switch off the power first and leave work on electrics to a qualified installer.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a ball valve and a stop valve?

A ball valve closes with a quarter turn and has a ball inside. An old-fashioned stop valve closes with a spindle and several turns. A ball valve is quicker to operate and usually keeps working properly for longer.

How often should I operate my shut-off valves?

Close and open them fully at least twice a year. That keeps them smooth and makes sure they work when needed.

My main stopcock no longer closes properly. What now?

Do not force anything. Contact a qualified installer. Sometimes the water company is needed as well, because the valve before the meter belongs to them.

Can I replace an angle valve myself?

Often yes, if the main stopcock closes properly and the wall connection is in good condition. If in doubt, or if the pipe in the wall turns with it, call an installer.

Where can you find everything for this job?

At Saniso, the online store for DIYers and professionals, you will find tools, materials and personal protective equipment for your job.

• Browse our construction tools and our workwear and safety.
• Create a customer account and order easily.
• Working on a bigger project or want to hand over the job? Request a project quote.
• Book a showroom visit, at least 24 hours in advance.
• Not sure which material suits your job? Get in touch with us.

In doubt about the approach? Feel free to call in a professional.

Read also: How to connect a new shower tap

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