The isolating valve is as its name implies is a valve that will cause water to flow or stop flowing through a system of pipework or out of taps. Should you have a tap that has developed a drip. The easiest way to stop the water flow to the tap is to isolate it by itself and not have the hassle of isolating the whole house inconveniencing everyone at the same time.
This type of valve has a main component and that is a ball bearing, the difference being that this ball bearing is drilled through leaving a hole.
Now when the valve is opened up, the ball inside is rotated so that the hole is in line with the pipe, allows water to flow through the hole and on through the pipe. When the valve is turned off at right angles to the pipe the ball rotates and stops (or isolates) the water flow. Barking Plumbers fit isolating valves. The valve can be operated by a lever, and is also known as a ‘lever’ valve. The lever makes it easy to operate. These valves are not pretty on the eye so are nearly always put in cupboards or up in the loft. The lever valve is known as a ‘full bore’ lever valve as the hole drilled in the internal ball bearing is the same diameter as the pipe. This isolation valve comes in compression and also push-fit types, the latter often being made entirely of plastic. A Barking Plumber is experienced with valves. Plastic valves can be operated by using a fitted slot for a screwdriver which is replaced with a stubby handle since the groove will wear out due to the constant use with a screwdriver for adjustment it is probably a good idea to avoid this type.