FM-approved, these valves are often used to isolate sections of your facility’s water supply for fire suppression and protection. They bolt to flanges for easier installation and removal than threaded or weld-on valves. This makes them a great choice if you have to clean and maintain your line frequently. Also known as gate valves, they open and close gradually to prevent sudden starts and stops of flow that could damage your system. Epoxy coated, these valves resist corrosion. They’re bright red, so they’re easy to identify as fire valves.

Their rubber-coated gate, also known as a resilient wedge, compresses against the valve for a long-lasting, leakproof seal. It seals tightly even if you install these valves vertically, or if there’s low back pressure. For easy disassembly during maintenance, they have a flanged stem housing that bolts in place. However, the housing makes these valves heavier and larger than valves with a threaded or welded stem housing.

Valves with a wheel handle open and close with multiple turns for controlled, shock-resistant flow. Valves with a rising stem lift the handle as they open and lower it as they close. At a glance, you can see if flow is on or off. The stem is isolated from what’s flowing through your line, giving these valves a longer lifespan than valves with a nonrising stem. This makes them good for critical lines and lines that need to be opened and closed frequently.