What is the purpose of a shutoff valve in plumbing systems?

The purpose of a shutoff valve in plumbing systems is fundamentally to facilitate repairs and maintenance. These valves allow the water supply to be turned off in specific sections of the plumbing system, making it easier to perform repairs or maintenance without having to drain the entire system or disrupt the water flow to a larger area.

When a leak or problem is identified, a shutoff valve can isolate the affected section, preventing water from continuing to flow and causing further damage. This control is crucial in ensuring that plumbing work can be conducted safely and efficiently.

While maintaining constant pressure is important in plumbing, it is not the primary function of a shutoff valve. Rather, this role is typically managed by other system components designed specifically for pressure regulation. Measuring water flow is typically done with flow meters and not by shutoff valves, which do not provide measurements. Additionally, preventing pipe deterioration is a function more related to water quality and system materials than to the operation of shutoff valves, which serve more immediate operational purposes.