PVC / Plastic ball valves

[scratanut]

Hi People,
Please tell me your experience in detail with the plastic ball valves, how good are they? how long do they last? What are usual points where leakage can occur? Any guidelines and precautions regarding installation in external filtration systems.
http://pvcfittings.com/graphics/BallValves.jpg >valves as these

 

[Blub Blub]

I have used them extensively in water change setups on my 180 gallon and my new 90 gallon. In my opinion the ones you get a Lowe's, with the blue handle on them, work the best. Out of all the ones I have, the ones with the red handle are the only ones that gave me trouble (hard to open and close for some reason). The blue ones work perfectly.

 

[amehel0]

i find that all pvc fittings can leak at threaded points but plumbers tape stops that.

 

[ar0wan]

I have used them extensively in water change setups on my 180 gallon and my new 90 gallon. In my opinion the ones you get a Lowe's, with the blue handle on them, work the best. Out of all the ones I have, the ones with the red handle are the only ones that gave me trouble (hard to open and close for some reason). The blue ones work perfectly.

Yep red ones pictured are pretty stiff but work well.

i find that all pvc fittings can leak at threaded points but plumbers tape stops that.

No leakes at all when taped.

 

[VLDesign]

White ones with red handles all stopped working for me after a year of use. All from local hardware stores. I now only buy mine from savko which are a bit more expensive but smooth operation so far after 2 years.

 

[CHOMPERS]

White ones with red handles all stopped working for me after a year of use. All from local hardware stores. I now only buy mine from savko which are a bit more expensive but smooth operation so far after 2 years.

I too have experienced that. Hoe mDepot seems to have much lower qualty suppliers than Lowes. HD valves have leaked at the handles for me when they were brand new but I have never had a problem with those from Lowes.

 

[IITUFFTOBEATII]

the difference between the red handle and blue handle ones are that the blue ones use a teflon ball seat and epdm o-rings, and the red ones use epdm seats and seals. the ones with teflon seats are a superior product.

the absolute best imo are ball valves made by hayward brand, they are quite a bit more per piece though, the 1 inch ball valve is about $20, for the hayward true union ball valve in 1 inch about $30... worth the $$$ if you want the best, plus using a true union ball valve eliminates the need for a seperate union.

 

[Eyjo]

I've had no problems with the blue ones except the handles have fallen off but the red ones are a bit stiff sometimes.
If you've got gravel in your aquarium I do not reccomend the ball valves but it should work fine with sand. If you get gravel in the ballseat it will not close/open. These PVC valves work for about a year with little or no problems but then you will have to replace them. I personally don't reccomend them but they are cheap and easy to install and replace but in the long run you don't save any money on them.
If you fit them well and seal them correctly (maby use tape for safety) you should not have any problems with leakage.

 

[redpsycho78]

THEY SHOULD NEVER LEAK NOT ON A FISH TANK I BUILD POOLS AND HAVE THESE UP TO 50 OR 60 PSI AND NEVER HAD A PROBLEM THE BLUE ARE BLUE BECAUSE THEY COME IN BULK IF YOUR STORE HAS RED ONES THEY ARE INDIVIDUAL SALE IF THE HANDLE BREAKS OFF JUST USE VICE GRIPS TO TURN IT DONT USE TAPE USE A HEAVY GLUE IT SHOULD OUT LAST YOUR TANK IF DONE RIGHT

 

[Kobeclone]

THEY SHOULD NEVER LEAK NOT ON A FISH TANK I BUILD POOLS AND HAVE THESE UP TO 50 OR 60 PSI AND NEVER HAD A PROBLEM THE BLUE ARE BLUE BECAUSE THEY COME IN BULK IF YOUR STORE HAS RED ONES THEY ARE INDIVIDUAL SALE IF THE HANDLE BREAKS OFF JUST USE VICE GRIPS TO TURN IT DONT USE TAPE USE A HEAVY GLUE IT SHOULD OUT LAST YOUR TANK IF DONE RIGHT

, but no caps please...

Why do you guys talk about using tape, when plumbing glue is just as cheap and completely safe after curing for 10 minutes???