What type of valve is typically used for controlling water flow?

A ball valve is often the preferred choice for controlling water flow due to its design and functionality. It features a spherical disc, or "ball," with a hole through the middle, allowing water to flow through when the valve is open. This design offers excellent sealing capabilities, which means it can completely stop the flow of water when closed.

Ball valves provide quick on/off control with minimal resistance to the flow, making them highly efficient and reducing pressure drops. They are particularly useful in applications where frequent cycling between open and closed positions is required, as they operate smoothly without leaking. The durability of ball valves also makes them suitable for a wide range of water system pressures.

In contrast, while gate valves might be used for isolation and shut-off applications, they do not offer the same rapid flow control and can introduce turbulence. Butterfly valves are more commonly used in large-scale systems for throttling flow rather than precise control, and check valves are intended solely to prevent backflow rather than manage flow direction or volume.