What are Plumbing Valves?

Plumbing valves, or shutoff valves, are small valves placed on the water supply line to a sink, washing machine, bathtub or toilet and stop or allow water to pass through. Installing plumbing valves helps contain or prevent water damage. They can be used to shut off the water to an area where plumbing is leaking or needs repair. Plumbing valves either have a lever that is pulled 90 degrees to turn the water on or off, or a circular handle for the same purpose.

Plumbing valves may sometimes need to be replaced, often because the packing nut or packing washer has become worn. Two common types of valves that should be replaced regularly are under-the-sink valves with brass on the inside and the outdoor spigot with brass inside and outside. While replacing plumbing valves takes some preparation and the right tools, the process itself is straightforward and inexpensive, and shouldn’t take too much time.

Copper and Plastic Plumbing Fittings: The Pros and Cons

Both plastic and copper are commonly used in plumbing trade supplies, and there are different benefits to each material. While copper plumbing fittings can be more expensive, plastic plumbing fittings are lighter, if less durable than copper ones. Plastic plumbing fittings also have the advantage of being cheaper to install.

While copper plumbing fittings are fire-resistant, and usually guaranteed for more than 50 years, their plastic equivalents resist rust, abrasion and condensation.

Both plastic and copper plumbing fittings have their disadvantages, too. If abused, plastic plumbing fittings can crack, while copper plumbing fittings can produce pinhole leaks if acidic water runs through them.

So whether you chose copper plumbing fittings or plastic plumbing fittings depends to an extent on personal preference, and the job in hand.

Water Softeners: An Overview

Water softeners treat hard water by replacing calcium and magnesium in the water with sodium. Some water softeners may also remove a small amount of iron or manganese. Don’t try and fit one yourself – water softeners should always be professionally installed.

Plumbing Trade Supplies from Plumbclick

Whether you’re looking for valves, plastic plumbing fittings, water softeners or anything else, visit Plumbclick for all your plumbing trade supplies. We’re an independent online retailer, and passionate about everything to do with plumbing, bathrooms and heating!

We supply all the top brands, from water softeners to copper plumbing fittings, and offer highly competitive prices as well as totally secure payment on all our plumbing trade supplies. In fact, we’re so proud of our prices we’d like to know if you find plumbing trade supplies more cheaply somewhere else. And with such a great range of products, we really can be your virtual one-stop shop for everything you need.

We often have special offers on plumbing trade supplies – for example we’re currently offering a great deal on a fantastic Salamander shower pump, with a free flange.

We’re always happy to offer expert advice, and offer a high level of customer service – learn more from our website today.