Stainless steel valves are a viable option for businesses involved with plumbing or other uses for pipes and valves. The stainless steel material prevents corrosion and other damage so materials flowing through the valve remain clean.

You will want a reputable stainless steel valve supplier that can guarantee quality. Buying used stainless steel valves is not recommended as the quality of the steel can be compromised. There are other matters to consider when finding stainless steel valve manufacturers:

1. Which type of steel valves will work best?

2. How many sizes of valves are needed?

3. What substances will the valves be regulating?

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy stainless steel ball valve styles

Ball valves are the most common types of valves used. They work by turning the handle to rotate a ball inside that opens and closes the flow. Since steel ball valves can last for years and are easy to operate and repair, they are often first choices for businesses that need them.

I recommend: QMC Technologies, Inc. has ball valves in two piece and three piece full ports, in sizes from 1/4 to 3 inches. Triad Process Equipment has a full line of ball valves in many varieties, including reduced or full port, three or four way, and high pressure.

Locate a stainless steel gate valve or globe valve supplier

Other common types of valves like gate valves or globe valves may be needed at times, especially since they can come in larger sizes than most ball valves. Both usually have a ring or disk shape object to open and close flow into the pipes.

I recommend: Crane Co. offers stainless steel gate valves and globe valves from classes 150 to 600, sizes 2 to 48 inches, and flanged ends or butt-weld ends. Velan Inc. sells the line API 603 stainless steel globe and gate valves in sizes from 1/2 to 24 inches.

Find complex stainless steel needle valves or solenoid valves

Needle valves are often needed to regulate very small flow rates. They aren't as easy to use as a ball valves because it's harder to tell when the valve is open or closed. Solenoid valves are complex valves that run an electric current through wires to control the flow of water or air.

I recommend: Ideal Valve Inc. offers steel needle valves with orifice sizes from 1/32 to 1/8 inch. The vernier micrometer handle or a panel mount are available options. The Magnatrol Valve Corporation has a stainless steel solenoid valve selection, including valves for steam, liquids and gases.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Get stainless steel pipes to go with the valves. You can't realize the full benefits of steel valves if the pipes aren't the same material.