Main Water Supply Shutoff - Standard Valve Type

Hello All,

My name is Ben and I'm from Ohio. I've lurked on this blog for a few months now, finding various bits of information related to home renovations that I've been doing. My question is my main shut off valve for the incoming water line is a gate style valve, which has failed as the water no longer turns off. It seems that it is typical, at least around here, that the valve mechanism becomes eroded by the water over time which prevents it from turning the water off. Obviously I'm going to need to replace this, so should I replace this valve with another gate style valve, or a ball valve? What is the most common type of shut off valve used at the entrance of the main water line? Is there plumbing codes that dictate the type of valve used?

Thanks,
Ben

The codes only specify that it has to be "Full port" which precludes the use of globe valves or stops, but do allow gate and ball valves. Most plumbers have not used gate valves for many years since ball valves have become affordable.

You want to change this to a ball valve. Consider that this valve is used in either 100% on or 100% off, there is no need to have a valve that takes many turn to completely open or close. The 1/4 turn make off to on quick and easy.

The first thing I did with the last 2 houses I bought was to replace the main shut off gate valve with a ball valve. We bounce between a few homes and any time I leave overnight I turn off the main water supply to the house. It insures that I won't come back to a flooded house due to a failed ice maker line, washing machine hose, toilet supply line etc.

Turning off the water is now SOOOO EASY! I do it with my foot so I don't even need to bend over.