Common Plumbing Valve Types and When to Use a Solenoid Valve

Overview of Common Plumbing Valve Types

The table below summarizes several widely used plumbing valve types and their primary functions.

Valve Type	Primary Function	Typical Operation	Common Applications
Ball Valve	Full shutoff control	Quarter turn manual	Water supply lines
Manual Ball Valve	Manual isolation and shutoff	Quarter turn manual	Plumbing lines, maintenance shutoffs
Gate Valve	Isolation valve for large flow	Multi-turn manual	Main water lines
Globe Valve	Flow throttling and regulation	Multi-turn manual	Pressure regulation
Check Valve	Prevent backflow	Automatic mechanical	Pumps and discharge lines
Pressure Reducing Valve	Maintain downstream pressure	Automatic mechanical	Municipal supply systems
Solenoid Valve	Electrically controlled shutoff	Electric coil actuation	Automation systems
Electric Ball Valve	Motorized on-off shutoff	Electric actuator	Remote shutoff, automated plumbing

Most traditional plumbing valves are either manual or passive. A technician operates them by hand, or the valve responds mechanically to pressure and flow conditions.

Electrically actuated valves are different. They allow the plumbing system to respond to signals from timers, sensors, switches, and control panels. That makes them useful for automation, leak prevention, and remote shutoff.

Ball Valves

Ball valves are one of the most common shutoff valves used in plumbing systems. Inside the valve body is a spherical ball with a hole through its center. When the handle is turned 90 degrees, the hole aligns with the pipe and allows flow. Turning the handle again blocks the passage and stops flow.

Because of this simple design, ball valves are widely used when quick, reliable shutoff is needed.

Key Characteristics of Ball Valves

Feature	Description
Operation	Quarter turn
Flow Path	Full port available
Shutoff Capability	Excellent
Throttling Control	Limited

Ball valves are commonly installed in:

• household water supply lines
• appliance isolation points
• irrigation systems
• plumbing service shutoffs
• general maintenance isolation points

For many plumbing systems, a manual ball valve is the most practical option for basic isolation. It is simple, durable, and easy to operate.

Browse Manual Ball Valves

If your application requires manual shutoff and maintenance isolation, you can browse our manual ball valves for available sizes and configurations.

While standard ball valves are typically operated by hand, the same quarter-turn shutoff design can also be automated with an electric actuator. That creates an electric ball valve, which is discussed later in this guide.

Check Valves

Check valves are designed to prevent reverse flow. Unlike shutoff valves, they do not require manual operation. Instead, they open and close automatically based on flow direction and pressure conditions.

When fluid moves in the correct direction, the valve opens. If flow attempts to reverse, the valve closes to protect the system.

Common Check Valve Designs

Check Valve Type	Mechanism	Typical Application
Swing Check Valve	Hinged disc	Water supply lines
Spring Check Valve	Spring-assisted poppet	Pump systems
Vertical Check Valve	Gravity-assisted disc	Vertical pipelines

Check valves are commonly used in:

• pump discharge lines
• water heater installations
• irrigation systems
• backflow prevention assemblies
• fluid transfer lines

Browse Check Valves

Check valves are essential because they help protect equipment and maintain system stability. However, they are not designed for active shutoff or automation. They only react to flow conditions.

Pressure Reducing Valves

Pressure reducing valves, often called PRVs, are used to lower and stabilize downstream water pressure.

Municipal water supply pressure is often higher than what plumbing fixtures, appliances, and branch lines are designed to handle. A pressure reducing valve helps maintain a safer and more consistent downstream pressure.

Key Characteristics of Pressure Reducing Valves

Feature	Description
Control Type	Automatic mechanical
Internal Components	Spring and diaphragm
Adjustment	Manual pressure setting
Primary Function	Downstream pressure control

Pressure reducing valves are commonly installed:

• at building water service entrances
• upstream of irrigation systems
• before appliances or sensitive equipment
• in systems that require stable fixture pressure

These valves regulate pressure, but they do not provide remote shutoff or electrical control.

Other Manual Plumbing Valve Types

Some plumbing systems also use gate valves and globe valves, although these are more common in industrial and legacy piping systems than in modern residential plumbing.

Gate valves use a sliding gate that moves vertically to open or close the flow path. They are designed primarily for full isolation and are often found in larger pipelines or municipal systems.

Globe valves use a movable plug and seat arrangement to regulate flow. Because the fluid path changes direction inside the valve body, globe valves create more pressure drop than ball valves, but they offer better throttling control.

These valve types still have a place in plumbing and process systems, but they are generally manual and are not typically the first choice for modern automated shutoff.

Solenoid Valves

Solenoid valves introduce electrical control into plumbing systems. Instead of relying on manual handle movement, they use an electromagnetic coil to move an internal plunger that opens or closes the valve.

This makes them useful in systems that need automatic shutoff, sensor-based control, or rapid on-off operation.

Why Choose a Solenoid Valve

A solenoid valve is often chosen for:

• remote shutoff capability
• automatic leak prevention
• fast response to sensors and controllers
• integration with smart systems
• timed flow control

This makes solenoid valves a strong option for plumbing systems that need automatic response rather than manual intervention.

Basic Components of a Solenoid Valve

Component	Function
Solenoid Coil	Generates magnetic field when energized
Plunger	Moves to open or close the valve
Valve Body	Directs and controls fluid flow

Solenoid valves can be integrated with:

• leak detection systems
• irrigation controllers
• building automation systems
• programmable timers
• industrial control systems

Types of Solenoid Valves Used in Plumbing

Type	Description	Typical Use
Direct Acting	Opens directly with magnetic force	Low flow systems
Pilot Operated	Uses system pressure to assist opening	Higher flow water lines
Normally Closed	Closed when power is off	Leak prevention
Normally Open	Open when power is off	Cooling or fail-open systems

For many plumbing and water shutoff applications, normally closed solenoid valves are preferred because they stop flow automatically when power is removed.

That fail-closed behavior helps reduce risk during alarm events or system shutdowns.

Electric Ball Valves

An electric ball valve, also called a motorized ball valve, combines a standard ball valve with an electric actuator. Instead of turning the handle manually, the actuator rotates the ball open or closed when it receives an electrical signal.

This gives the system the same basic shutoff function as a manual ball valve, but with remote or automatic operation.

Why Choose an Electric Ball Valve

Electric ball valves are often selected for:

• remote water shutoff
• automated plumbing control
• quarter-turn motorized operation
• full-port flow path in many designs
• applications where ball valve shutoff is preferred

They are commonly used in:

• building water shutoff systems
• smart home water control
• irrigation automation
• equipment isolation
• automated utility lines

If your application needs motorized shutoff using a ball valve design, browse our motorized ball valves to review available options.

Browse Electric Ball Valve

In many plumbing applications, an electric ball valve is a strong alternative to a solenoid valve, especially when the goal is controlled shutoff of a water line rather than rapid cycling.

Solenoid Valve vs Electric Ball Valve

This is where people often get the decision wrong.

Both valve types support automation, but they operate differently and are not interchangeable in every application.

Solenoid Valve vs Electric Ball Valve Comparison

Feature	Solenoid Valve	Electric Ball Valve
Operating Method	Electromagnetic coil moves plunger	Electric actuator rotates ball
Response Speed	Fast	Slower
Best Use	Fast automatic shutoff and control	Remote on-off isolation
Flow Path	Internal orifice based	Often full port
Common Media	Water, air, light fluids	Water and compatible fluids
Typical Application	Leak detection, timed control, automated equipment	Remote shutoff, plumbing automation, water isolation

In general:

• choose a solenoid valve when you need fast response, sensor activation, or repeated automatic cycling
• choose an electric ball valve when you want motorized quarter-turn shutoff and a ball valve style flow path
• choose a manual ball valve when simple hand-operated isolation is enough

That distinction matters because some plumbing applications are better served by the shutoff style of a ball valve, while others benefit from the speed and compact control of a solenoid valve.

When a Solenoid Valve Is the Better Choice

A solenoid valve is often the better choice when the system requires quick electrical response and automatic control.

Typical use cases include:

• leak detection systems
• sensor-triggered shutoff
• automatic equipment control
• timed irrigation zones
• fast on-off fluid control

Remote Water Shutoff

Solenoid valves can shut off water flow when they receive a control signal from a panel, switch, or sensor.

This is commonly used in:

• smart leak protection systems
• building automation systems
• emergency shutoff systems

Leak Detection Systems

Water leak sensors can trigger a normally closed solenoid valve to shut off the supply automatically when moisture is detected.

This can help reduce property damage in residential, commercial, and equipment protection applications.

Automated Equipment

Many systems require fluid flow to start and stop automatically.

Examples include:

• beverage equipment
• laboratory instruments
• wash systems
• cooling systems
• process equipment

Timed Irrigation Systems

Irrigation controllers often use electrically actuated valves to automate watering schedules. In applications where fast electrical actuation is needed, a solenoid valve may be the preferred choice.

When an Electric Ball Valve Is the Better Choice

An electric ball valve is often the better choice when the application needs motorized shutoff using the same basic function as a standard ball valve.

Typical use cases include:

• remote main water shutoff
• automated branch line isolation
• smart plumbing control
• building water line automation
• on-off shutoff where quarter-turn ball valve operation is preferred

In these applications, the electric actuator provides automation while the valve itself retains the familiar shutoff design of a ball valve.

Comparing Manual Ball Valves, Solenoid Valves, and Electric Ball Valves

The table below provides a more practical selection view.

Feature	Manual Ball Valve	Solenoid Valve	Electric Ball Valve
Operation	Hand operated	Electrically controlled	Electrically actuated
Automation	No	Yes	Yes
Remote Control	No	Yes	Yes
Response Speed	Manual	Fast	Moderate
Shutoff Style	Quarter turn	Internal plunger mechanism	Quarter turn
Best Use	Basic isolation	Fast automatic control	Motorized shutoff
Common Plumbing Role	Service shutoff	Sensor-based control	Remote water isolation

Each valve type has a role.

Manual ball valves are ideal for simple plumbing isolation. Solenoid valves are ideal for fast automatic response. Electric ball valves are ideal for motorized shutoff using a ball valve design.

Choosing the Right Valve for Your Plumbing System

Selecting the correct valve depends on the actual job the valve needs to do.

Key considerations include:

• required flow rate
• operating pressure
• fluid compatibility
• installation environment
• voltage availability
• need for automation
• desired shutoff style
• control method

If the application only requires manual isolation, a manual ball valve is often the simplest and most cost-effective solution.

If the system needs fast automatic control from a sensor or timer, a solenoid valve is often the better fit.

If the system needs remote or automated shutoff but would benefit from quarter-turn ball valve operation, an electric ball valve may be the better choice.

The best answer depends on the system design, not just the label on the valve.

Explore Valve Options for Plumbing and Automation

Modern plumbing systems often require more than one type of valve. Manual valves handle service isolation. Check valves prevent backflow. Pressure-reducing valves stabilize pressure. Solenoid valves and electric ball valves add automation where manual operation is not enough.

Need help choosing the right valve for your application? Contact our team, and we will help you match the valve type, material, and control method to your plumbing system.

Phone: 800-983-8230
Email: sales@electricsolenoidvalves.com