What type of valve is commonly used for shut-off in water supply lines?

The ball valve is commonly used for shut-off in water supply lines due to its simple design and effectiveness in controlling the flow of water. It features a spherical disc (the ball) with a hole through the center. When the ball is turned so that the hole is aligned with the flow of the water, it allows flow through the valve. When turned perpendicular to the flow, it completely stops the flow.

This valve provides a reliable and quick shut-off capability, which is essential in plumbing applications. Its tight sealing properties ensure minimal leakage, making it ideal for both residential and commercial plumbing systems. Ball valves also maintain a smooth flow with low flow resistance when open, which adds to their efficiency and versatility.

Other types of valves like gate valves, compression valves, and check valves serve different purposes. For instance, gate valves are typically used in larger pipelines where a full flow is needed, but they require more force and may not provide as quick a shut-off as ball valves. Compression valves are generally used in connection points where a connection is made to pipes without threads, and check valves are used to prevent backflow but are not intended for shutting off flow. Therefore, the characteristics of ball valves make them the most appropriate choice for shut-off applications in water