A ground valve (also called a stop valve) is an underground shut-off valve installed in buried water supply lines. It allows the water flow to be stopped or regulated without excavating the entire pipeline.
How a Ground Valve Works
A ground valve is installed below ground level, typically in a valve box or pit that provides access from the surface. The valve itself sits directly on the water pipe and can be operated using a special key or wrench inserted from above.
- Gate type — uses a sliding gate to block or allow water flow
- Ball type — uses a rotating ball with a bore hole to control flow
- Butterfly type — uses a rotating disc, common in larger diameter pipes
The valve box surrounding the unit protects it from soil pressure and allows maintenance access without digging.
Types of Ground Valves
- Main shut-off valves — installed where the supply line enters a property
- Section valves — placed at intervals along distribution networks to isolate sections for repair
- Fire hydrant valves — dedicated ground valves connected to fire hydrant systems
Application
Ground valves are essential in residential, commercial, and municipal water infrastructure. They are used to:
- Shut off water supply during plumbing repairs or emergencies
- Isolate sections of water mains for maintenance
- Control irrigation systems in agricultural and landscaping projects
- Regulate water distribution in new construction developments
Proper installation requires attention to burial depth, frost line requirements, and backfill compaction to prevent valve shifting over time.
Related Terms
- Stop valve
- Gate valve
- Valve box
- Water main
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