Valves are simple machines that are used to regulate the flow of liquid by obstructing the pipe or passageway. They’re found anywhere liquids flow, including indoor plumbing systems—more specifically, your faucet. When you turn the sink handle, out comes water. Turn it back, and it stops flowing. This is the basic job of a valve—often taken for granted, since they are so simple and common, but what would we do without them? Probably pay hefty water bills each month. They’ve been in use for thousands of years, and are one of the most useful mechanical inventions of all time. Valves are divided into two families—the stop valves, which provide an on, off and partially on setting, and check valves, which only restrict the flow of liquid in one direction.
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