');

Gas/Water ball valves--the same?


Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
  #1  
10-30-14, 06:54 AM
G
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: MI
Posts: 2,640
Received 1 Vote on 1 Post
Gas/Water ball valves--the same?

At my local hardware the ball valves are all together in the same area. There are long-handled valves with yellow or red or blue plastic sleeves. Next to them there are ball valves with short cast handles in red or yellow. ONLY the yellow cast handle is shelf-labeled GAS valve. A quick look at Home Depot online and I see the same labeling.
They look the same to my eyes but are they all interchangeable?
 
  #2  
10-30-14, 03:32 PM
F
Member
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Wet side of Washington state.
Posts: 18,495
Received 36 Votes on 28 Posts
A gas valve will have the AGA (American Gas Association) symbol cast into the valve body. If it doesn't have the symbol then don't use it for gas.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]40949[/ATTACH]
 
Attached Images  
  #3  
10-30-14, 05:35 PM
G
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: MI
Posts: 2,640
Received 1 Vote on 1 Post
Educate me -- why? They all look to be made of brass, chrome and nylon.
Makes more sense to make one valve and install whatever color handle you want instead of taking up so much space in the store with identical valves. Isn't that how it used to be with water valves?
 
  #4  
10-30-14, 05:44 PM
Member
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: United States
Posts: 10,361
Received 407 Votes on 367 Posts
Some valves are labeled WOG (water, oil or gas). Some just for gas. Today's market and technology prefers that you use specific valves for specific use. Get a gas only valve for gas line.

I won't go into the specifics but the differences is in the seals, materials and manufacture of the valves. Along with the ratings.
 
  #5  
10-31-14, 09:12 AM
G
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: MI
Posts: 2,640
Received 1 Vote on 1 Post
Norm your avatar is me right now. I'm a guy obsessed with the need to know WHY.
 
  #6  
10-31-14, 01:35 PM
F
Member
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Wet side of Washington state.
Posts: 18,495
Received 36 Votes on 28 Posts
Valves are designed, manufactured and tested for specific uses. A valve designed for use with low pressure gases may fail if used for water at normal water pressures. A valve designed for use with water at normal pressures (max of about 100 psi) may not seal on gas at less than 1/2 psi pressure. Water is much more abrasive than is gas so there may also be a wear factor involved.
 
  #7  
11-01-14, 07:39 PM
G
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: MI
Posts: 2,640
Received 1 Vote on 1 Post
Stopped at a Menards today for plumbing parts and examined every valve with a yellow handle that was tagged "Gas Valve". Not one of them had the AGA on the body or the tag.
I gotta trust the store. I'm going to replace the blue handled brass valve on the gas supply to my boiler with the new yellow handled one... But if I pull off the tag the NEXT guy that buys this house might face the same quandary.
 
  #8  
11-01-14, 07:51 PM
Super Moderator
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Galivants Ferry SC USA
Posts: 18,161
Received 69 Votes on 61 Posts
I only buy and use valves labeled WOG... If not your looking for trouble....
 
  #9  
11-02-14, 11:16 AM
G
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: MI
Posts: 2,640
Received 1 Vote on 1 Post
looks like I'm in deep doo doo. Ok so I need to hunt for valves with AGA and WOG on them Or Else.
 
  #10  
11-02-14, 01:54 PM
Super Moderator
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Galivants Ferry SC USA
Posts: 18,161
Received 69 Votes on 61 Posts
Your looking for gas valve??

This type are typically gas only.. And only threaded



These are wog's. ( Water oil, gas as stated) Can be threaded, sweat etc.. Also can be standard stop valves and not ball style...

[ATTACH=CONFIG]41102[/ATTACH]




The # on the side is the PSI ratings.... 200 , 600...etc
 
Attached Images  
  #11  
11-02-14, 07:00 PM
G
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: MI
Posts: 2,640
Received 1 Vote on 1 Post
My Menards g as valves are marked UL, CSA and 1/2 psi.
Good?
 
 


 
Ask a Question
Question Title:
Description:
Your question will be posted in: