Water Valves and Faucets – Essential Building Materials

Water valves are considered important construction equipment in every project. Valves and faucets are mainly used in the water supply industry for civil works, processing plants, industries related to gasoline, oil, gas, and water supply materials.

WHAT IS A WATER VALVE?

A valve is a device that regulates or controls the flow of fluids (gas, liquids, liquefied solids, or sludge) by opening, closing, or partially obstructing various passageways.

A faucet is a valve that controls liquids or gases (in the case of gas), acting as the final outlet from the supply source to the point of use.

Therefore, a valve and faucet is understood as a product that opens and closes the water source or liquids flowing through pipelines from point A to point B to serve residential and industrial production needs.

MAIN TYPES OF VALVES AND FAUCETS

There are many types of valves and faucets on the market, including:

• Gate valves

• Ball valves

• Lever ball valves

• Butterfly valves

• Garden faucets

• Float valves

• Check valves

METAL COMPOUNDS USED IN VALVE PRODUCTION

Common materials for manufacturing valves include: brass (mainly copper), zinc-based valves, plastic valves (mainly plastic composites), stainless steel valves, and others. Among these, brass, zinc, and plastic valves are the most widely used—from low-cost projects to high-end villas.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF VALVES AND FAUCETS

A faucet is a device that regulates water flow in a system. Water flowing continuously out of pipes would be almost useless in daily life. Faucets work simply to control pressure and water flow using levers and screws. The pressure inside water pipes is much higher than the atmospheric pressure outside, allowing water to flow upward, against gravity, and into sinks. However, small holes and valves like check valves prevent backflow. This ensures water flows at a normal rate and is controlled by valves requiring manual operation to allow water flow from hot and cold pipes.

HOW ARE VALVES AND FAUCETS APPLIED IN DAILY LIFE?

Valves and faucets are commonly used at water source connections, transporting fuel for factory operations, production workshops, and oil and gas projects.

• For water supply: Water companies and clean water providers rely on valve systems strategically to distribute water to branches and households. The valves at connection points regulate opening and closing to conveniently supply water to different areas and households.

• For households: Faucets help residents control the water supply from pumps to reservoirs, and from reservoirs to bathrooms, garden faucets, and water outlets throughout the house.

• For industrial zones and export processing: Valve systems manage the safe and tight flow of liquid fuels, water treatment, and wastewater systems, etc.

NOTES WHEN PURCHASING VALVES AND FAUCETS

Valves and faucets are critical equipment in industrial and civil construction. When purchasing, customers should pay attention to:

• Choosing reputable brands in the market

• Products with clear labels and quality certification seals

• Designs and certifications from authorized agencies

• Ensuring material quality, such as minimum copper content and controlled lead content to avoid poisoning

PROPER USE OF VALVES AND FAUCETS

After purchase, valves are connected directly to pipes sized accordingly. Depending on usage, installation should prevent water leakage or pressure loss. Customers should wrap an appropriate amount of Teflon tape around external threads when connecting to devices such as pipes and water meters.

TOP VALVE MANUFACTURERS

With Vietnam’s international economic integration boosting goods flow and market competitiveness, the leading valve manufacturers include:

• Minh Hòa Investment Joint Stock Company

• Vako Vietnam Machinery and Equipment Joint Stock Company

• A.L.S Industrial Valve Trading Company

• Dinh Van Thanh Import-Export Service Co., Ltd

• An Phu Thanh Pipe Co., Ltd

VALVE SIZES FOR PIPE INSTALLATION

To better understand which valves fit which pipes, here is connection size information: