Lead Free Valves
Lead-free valves are a useful part of many different applications, and an important requirement to prevent lead posioning. Let’s take a closer look at these valves.
What Is a Lead-Free Valve?
Lead valves, or valves containing lead, were commonplace until a few decades ago. This was mainly due to the fact that lead is easy to smelt and mold - these qualities made it ideal for low-temperature applications. Unfortunately, lead also proved to be a highly toxic metal that had disastrous results for the people who made use of it.
Cue the production of lead-free valves. As their name suggests, these valves consist of a blend of metals but without the presence of lead. They're the best option for any applications where people or animals might be consuming the water or products produced while using the valves.
What Are the Common Applications of Lead-Free Valves?
Lead-free valves are a critical component in many different industries and applications. Wherever non-toxic metal valves are required, lead-free valves come into play. Let's take a look at just a few of the common applications for lead-free valves.
- Potable Water Systems: Lead-free valves are a critical component in potable water systems for houses. This is because it's essential for household water supplies to be free of lead contamination.
- Heating and Cooling Systems: Heating and cooling systems have many moving parts, including water and cooling liquids. Lead-free valves make a useful and safe option for managing these liquids.
- Agricultural Irrigation: As with household water supplies, it's vital to keep agricultural water systems free of lead contamination. Irrigating plants with lead-contaminated water can result in lead buildup within crops.
- Food and Beverage Industries: Naturally, any industry producing food or beverages for human consumption needs to ensure that all valves used are non-toxic. Depending on the application, the food and beverage industries typically use lead-free, stainless steel or PVC valves.
- Municipal Water Supply and Distribution: Since municipal water supplies are meant to be safe for drinking, lead contamination is to be avoided at all costs. They typically use some sort of valve that's free of lead.
Lead-Free Valves - Available Materials and Sizes
Lead-free valves come in an array of different shapes and sizes. You may see valves that are well under an inch in size or several inches. They may have threaded, unthreaded, or another type of connection point. For this reason, it's vital to know exactly what specifications you need before buying a valve.
What Are the Advantages of Using Lead-Free Valves?
There are many different advantages to using lead-free valves, mainly pertaining to health and safety concerns. Not only is this type of valve easy to use and long-lasting, but it's also safe to use for any type of potable application.
Some of the other ways in which using lead-free valves like stainless steel valves can be advantageous include the following:
- They prevent lead contamination
- They have high corrosion resistance
- They're incredibly versatile
- They're incredibly cost-effective
- They have high pressure ratings
- Low maintenance needs
- Compliance with industry standards
- They're readily available
- They have a lower environmental impact
- They help preserve water quality
- They're compatible with an array of different fluids
- They're durable and long-lasting
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Do I Select the Right Lead-Free Valve for My Application?
Whenever you're choosing any type of valve for your system, whether lead-free or carbon steel, there are a few different aspects to consider.
If you ask yourself a few simple questions and consider some other aspects, you can effectively narrow down your requirements. Some of the things to consider include the following:
- What will the system be transporting?
- How big are the other pipes and connections in the system?
- Which pressure rating and flow rate does your project require?
- Does your project have special temperature requirements?
- Do you need to be able to activate and deactivate the valve remotely?
Once you've answered these questions, you'll have a clear idea of the type of lead-free valve you require.
How Should Lead-Free Valves Be Maintained?
When using lead-free valves, maintenance is typically not a problem. They're tough and don't generally corrode or wear out easily. To prevent debris buildup and other potential problems, it could be prudent to check valves occasionally.
Under the right conditions, you may also need to lubricate valves to ensure their smooth operation in the long term.
In the end, many of the potential maintenance requirements depend on the system into which the valve is integrated.
For instance, you're more likely to clean valves regularly when they're in use where pollutants and debris are commonplace.
Where Can I Buy Lead-Free Valves?
Any kind of lead-free valve that you require for your application is available right here at ValveMan. We offer a wide selection of valves in different sizes and materials. From electric actuators and check valves to ball valves, carbon steel to stainless steel, we have what you need.
Everything You Need at ValveMan
Please get in touch with us if you need any assistance choosing the type of valve that will be most effective for your application. We would be more than pleased to assist you in selecting the optimal valve for your next project.