What are expert tips for valve prices by type?

Ball valves are worth the slight premium over gate valves in every application. They're more reliable and less likely to seize. When replacing a PRV, upgrade to one with a built-in gauge or gauge port. Monitoring pressure is much easier when you can read it at the valve. Buy brass valves, not chrome-plated plastic. The price difference is small and brass lasts decades. Stock a few extra angle stops (toilet/sink shut-off valves). At $5-$10 each, having spares saves emergency hardware store trips.

What mistakes should I avoid with valve prices by type?

Buying the cheapest gate valve instead of spending $5 more for a ball valve. Gate valves seize, leak, and fail more often. Installing a PRV without an expansion tank. The PRV creates a closed system that needs thermal expansion protection. Using a non-testable check valve where code requires a testable backflow preventer. Buying plastic shut-off valves for permanent installation. They're fine for temporary use but brass lasts 10x longer.

Valve Prices by Type | The Plumbing Directory

Overview

Plumbing valves are small parts with big jobs -- controlling water flow, regulating pressure, preventing backflow, and mixing temperatures. Prices range from $5 for a basic shut-off to $300 for a digital mixing valve. Here's what each type costs and when the premium versions are worth the money.

Cost Breakdown

Shut-Off Valves (Ball and Gate)

Quarter-turn ball valves: $5-$25 each depending on size. Gate valves: $5-$20. Ball valves are the modern standard -- reliable, easy to operate, and less prone to seizing. Gate valves are the old standard and still found in older homes. Always replace a gate valve with a ball valve when given the choice.

Check Valves

Swing check valve: $10-$40. Spring check valve: $15-$50. Backflow preventer (testable): $50-$200. Check valves prevent water from flowing backward -- essential on sump pump discharge lines, well systems, and irrigation connections. Testable backflow preventers are required by code on many installations.

Pressure Reducing Valves (PRVs)

Standard PRV: $50-$150. PRV with gauge: $75-$200. The PRV steps down high municipal water pressure to a safe level for your home plumbing. Essential if street pressure exceeds 60 PSI. Most homes with municipal water have one. They last 7-12 years before the internal diaphragm wears out.

Thermostatic Mixing Valves (TMVs)

Point-of-use TMV: $30-$80. Whole-house TMV: $100-$300. Digital mixing valve: $200-$500. TMVs blend hot and cold water to deliver a safe, consistent output temperature. Required by code at water heaters set above 120F and in some commercial applications. They prevent scalding -- especially important for homes with children or elderly residents.

Specialty Valves

Expansion tank valve: $10-$25. Hose bib (outdoor faucet): $15-$60. Frost-free hose bib: $25-$80. Washing machine shut-off box: $20-$50. Toilet supply valve (angle stop): $5-$15. These are application-specific valves that serve single fixtures or purposes.

Pro Tips

Ball valves are worth the slight premium over gate valves in every application. They're more reliable and less likely to seize.
When replacing a PRV, upgrade to one with a built-in gauge or gauge port. Monitoring pressure is much easier when you can read it at the valve.
Buy brass valves, not chrome-plated plastic. The price difference is small and brass lasts decades.
Stock a few extra angle stops (toilet/sink shut-off valves). At $5-$10 each, having spares saves emergency hardware store trips.

Mistakes to Avoid

Buying the cheapest gate valve instead of spending $5 more for a ball valve. Gate valves seize, leak, and fail more often.
Installing a PRV without an expansion tank. The PRV creates a closed system that needs thermal expansion protection.
Using a non-testable check valve where code requires a testable backflow preventer.
Buying plastic shut-off valves for permanent installation. They're fine for temporary use but brass lasts 10x longer.

When to Call a Pro

PRV replacement and whole-house mixing valve installation require shutting off the main water supply and working with pipe connections. If you're not comfortable with soldering or compression fittings, hire a plumber.

Bottom Line

Shut-off valves: $5-$25. Check valves: $10-$50. PRVs: $50-$200. Mixing valves: $30-$300. Spend a few extra dollars for ball valves over gate valves and brass over plastic. These small parts protect expensive systems.

Valve Prices by Type