Which type of valve is most commonly used in plumbing to control water flow?

The globe valve and ball valve are the most commonly used valves in plumbing applications for controlling water flow due to their design and functionality.

Ball valves are particularly favored for their ability to provide a tight seal with minimal flow resistance when fully opened, making them highly efficient for quickly turning water on or off. Their spherical closure element allows for quick operation and reliable performance, as they can provide a complete shutoff that prevents any leakage.

Globe valves, while not as quick to operate as ball valves, are also used frequently because they allow for precise control of flow rates. Their design incorporates a movable disk that regulates the flow of water through the valve body, making them suitable for applications where fine adjustments are necessary.

Both types of valves are durable and easy to maintain, which contributes to their popularity in various plumbing systems. While other valve types, such as butterfly and gate valves, have their specific uses, they are not used as commonly for controlling flow in standard plumbing situations as globe and ball valves.

Check valves serve a different purpose, primarily allowing flow in one direction and preventing backflow – they are not used for controlling flow in the same way as ball or globe valves. Therefore, the combination of effectiveness and ease of use makes the globe and ball valves