The Complete Guide to Valves

Complete Guide 1010 words

Created by Ryan PietrzakIllinois Licensed Plumber · In the plumbing industry since 2009

Updated February 23, 2026

What This Guide Covers

Everything you need to know about Valves — from choosing the right type and buying smart, to installation, ongoing maintenance, and understanding costs.

Types of Valves

There are 4 main types of Valves to choose from:

Ball Valves$5 – $50

Use a rotating ball with a bore to control flow. Quarter-turn operation provides quick, reliable shut-off. The most common residential shut-off valve.

Check Valves$10 – $80

Allow water to flow in one direction only, preventing backflow. Essential for protecting water supply from contamination.

Mixing Valves$30 – $200

Blend hot and cold water to deliver a safe, consistent temperature. Thermostatic models automatically adjust to prevent scalding.

Pressure Reducing Valves$30 – $150

Automatically reduce incoming water pressure to a safe, consistent level. Protect plumbing fixtures and appliances from damage caused by high pressure.

View all Valves types →

Buying Guide

Simple Check Valves

One-way valves. Spring-loaded, swing, or inline disc types. Used for sump pump discharge, recirculation loops. Not certified for potable water backflow prevention. $5-25.

Backflow Prevention Assemblies

Certified devices for potable water protection. RPZ assemblies for highest protection. Vacuum breakers for irrigation. Annual testing required by most jurisdictions.

Residential Requirements

Most homes need: check valve on sump pump, vacuum breaker on hose bibs, backflow preventer on irrigation system. Check local code.

Buying Tips

Spring-loaded check valve on sump pump prevents loud clank when pump cycles off.
Replace sump pump check valves every 5-7 years.
Hose bib vacuum breakers ($3-5) are cheapest backflow protection.
Verify irrigation system has code-compliant backflow preventer.

View all Valves buying guides →

Installation

Installing a Pressure Reducing Valve

How to install a PRV to protect your plumbing from high water pressure.

Intermediate $50-$100 DIY / $250-$500 with plumber

Main Water Shut-Off Valve Upgrade

How to replace an old main shutoff with a modern full-port ball valve.

Intermediate to Advanced $30-$80 DIY / $200-$500 with plumber

Replacing a Fixture Shut-Off Valve

How to swap old gate valves for reliable quarter-turn ball valves at sinks, toilets, and appliances.

Intermediate $8-$15 per valve DIY / $100-$200 with plumber

Thermostatic Mixing Valve Installation

How to install a thermostatic mixing valve for safe, consistent water temperature.

Intermediate $80-$200 DIY / $250-$500 with plumber

View all Valves installation guides →

Maintenance

Exercising Shut-Off Valves

Why and how to periodically operate your shut-off valves so they work when you actually need them.

PRV Testing & Adjustment

How to test and adjust your pressure reducing valve to protect your plumbing from high water pressure.

T&P Relief Valve Testing

How to test the temperature and pressure relief valve on your water heater -- your most important safety device.

Valve Leak Repair

How to fix common valve leaks at the packing nut, handle, and body connections.

View all Valves maintenance guides →

Costs

The Cost of Valve Failure

What happens financially when valves fail -- from seized shut-offs to PRV failures and burst hoses.

Valve Installation & Replacement Labor

What plumbers charge to install or replace different types of plumbing valves.

$75-$400 labor depending on valve type and access

Valve Prices by Type

What different plumbing valves cost -- ball valves, gate valves, check valves, PRVs, and mixing valves.

$5-$300 depending on type and size

Whole-House Valve Upgrade Costs

What it costs to upgrade all shut-off valves, add a PRV, and modernize your home's valve infrastructure.

$500-$2,000 for a complete valve upgrade

View all Valves cost guides →

Top Valves Brands

View all Valves brands →

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of valves are available?

There are 4 main types: Ball Valves, Check Valves, Mixing Valves, Pressure Reducing Valves.

What are the best valves brands?

Top brands include Apollo, Bell & Gossett, BrassCraft, Caleffi.

Can I install valves myself?

Some valves installations are DIY-friendly, while others require a licensed plumber. Check the difficulty rating of each installation guide.