Gate valves are multi-turn isolation valves that use a wedge-shaped gate that rises out of (or drops into) the flow path to open or close the valve. Unlike ball valves, gate valves are not quarter-turn — they require multiple rotations of the handwheel to fully open or close. This makes them unsuitable for frequent cycling but ideal as infrequently operated isolation valves in water mains, fire protection systems, and buried service lines where a visual position indicator is not needed.
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1/4 in. Brass Gate Valve, Female NPT x Female NPT, Full Port -
1/2 in. Brass Gate Valve, Female NPT x Female NPT, Full Port -
1/2 in. Brass Gate Valve, Female NPT, Full Port, Cross Handle -
1/2 in. Brass Gate Valve, Female NPT, Full Port, Crown Handle -
1 in. Brass Gate Valve, Female NPT, Full Port, Cross Handle -
1 in. Brass Gate Valve, Female NPT, Full Port, Crown Handle -
1-1/4 in. Brass Gate Valve, Female NPT x Female NPT, Full Port -
1-1/4 in. Brass Gate Valve, Female NPT, Full Port, Cross Handle -
2 in. Ductile Iron Gate Valve, Flanged, NRS (9640FL2) -
2-1/2 in. Ductile Iron Gate Valve, Flanged, NRS (9640FL25) -
3 in. Ductile Iron Gate Valve, Flanged, NRS (9640FL3) -
4 in. Ductile Iron Gate Valve, Flanged, NRS (9640FL4) -
6 in. Ductile Iron Gate Valve, Flanged, NRS (9640FL6) -
8 in. Ductile Iron Gate Valve, Flanged, NRS (9640FL8) -
10 in. Ductile Iron Gate Valve, Flanged, NRS (9640FL10) -
12 in. Ductile Iron Gate Valve, Flanged, NRS (9640FL12) -
3 in. Ductile Iron Gate Valve, Flanged x Mechanical Joint, NRS — AWWA C515 (9600FJ3) -
4 in. Ductile Iron Gate Valve, Flanged x Mechanical Joint, NRS — AWWA C515 (9600FJ4) -
6 in. Ductile Iron Gate Valve, Flanged x Mechanical Joint, NRS — AWWA C515 (9600FJ6) -
8 in. Ductile Iron Gate Valve, Flanged x Mechanical Joint, NRS — AWWA C515 (9600FJ8) -
10 in. Ductile Iron Gate Valve, Flanged x Mechanical Joint, NRS — AWWA C515 (9600FJ10) -
12 in. Ductile Iron Gate Valve, Flanged x Mechanical Joint, NRS — AWWA C515 (9600FJ12) -
10 in. Ductile Iron Gate Valve, Flanged, NRS — AWWA C515 (9600FL10) -
14 in. Ductile Iron Gate Valve, Flanged, NRS — AWWA C515 (9600FL14)
Apex Flow Solutions stocks brass gate valves for residential and commercial water service, irrigation systems, and general plumbing. Brass construction provides the corrosion resistance and pressure integrity required by most municipal water and HVAC codes.
Gate Valve vs. Ball Valve
Gate valves offer a straight-through, full-bore flow path with minimal turbulence when fully open — matching the flow characteristics of ball valves. However, gate valves should never be used partially open (throttled), as the gate vibrates and damages the seat under partial-flow conditions. Ball valves are preferred for frequent on/off service; gate valves are best suited for long-term isolation positions that are rarely operated. See our detailed Gate Valve vs. Ball Valve comparison guide.
Related Technical Resources
- Gate Valve vs. Ball Valve — Which to Use When
- How to Choose the Right Valve for Your Application
- Brass vs. Stainless vs. PVC Valve Materials
- Shop Ball Valves
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I use a gate valve instead of a ball valve?
Gate valves are best suited for infrequently operated isolation service — main shutoffs on water lines, irrigation system headers, and buried service connections that are opened fully and left that way for extended periods. Ball valves are preferred for any application requiring frequent cycling, quick shutoff, or visual position indication. If you need to operate the valve more than a few times a year, a ball valve is the more durable and reliable choice. See our Gate Valve vs. Ball Valve guide for a side-by-side comparison.
Can I use a gate valve to throttle or regulate flow?
No — gate valves must never be used in a partially open position for flow throttling. When the gate is partially raised, the high-velocity flow across the partially exposed wedge causes vibration that rapidly erodes and damages both the gate and the seat, leading to premature valve failure and leakage. Gate valves are designed for fully open or fully closed service only. If you need to regulate or throttle flow, use a globe valve or a needle valve instead.
What does OS&Y mean on a gate valve?
OS&Y stands for Outside Screw and Yoke — a gate valve design where the threaded stem extends visibly above the handwheel as the valve is opened. This gives a clear visual position indicator: stem fully extended means valve fully open; stem flush means fully closed. OS&Y gate valves are required by NFPA 13 and other fire protection codes on sprinkler system control valves so that the valve position can be verified and the valve can be supervised (monitored for unauthorized closure) during inspections.