When to Use a Gate Valve: The Ultimate Guide

Have you ever wondered when to use a gate valve in your plumbing or industrial system? You’re not alone.

Today I’m going to show you exactly when gate valves make the most sense (and when you should consider alternatives instead).

In fact, these are the same strategies that professional engineers and plumbers use to make their valve selection decisions.

Let’s dive right in.

What Exactly Is a Gate Valve?

Gate valves are isolation valves with a gate-like disc that moves up and down to control flow. When fully open, the gate is completely removed from the flow path, allowing unrestricted flow.

They’re called “gate” valves because the closing mechanism resembles a gate that slides down to block flow.

Here’s what makes gate valves unique:

• Full, unobstructed flow when completely open
• Multiple turns to operate (unlike quarter-turn valves)
• Simple internal components
• Minimal pressure drop when fully open

When to Use a Gate Valve?

Now let’s get to the meat of this guide: exactly when to use a gate valve.

1. For Complete Shut-Off Applications

Gate valves excel at one primary function: completely stopping flow.

If you need a valve that creates a reliable seal when closed and doesn’t need to be operated frequently, gate valves are ideal.

This is why you’ll often find gate valves used as isolation valves in systems where you might need to shut off flow for maintenance or emergencies.

2. For Large Diameter Piping

One of the biggest advantages of gate valves is that they’re economical in large sizes.

For pipes 3″ in diameter and larger, gate valves often provide the most cost-effective solution. This is especially true when you need full-bore flow capacity.

3. When Full Flow Is Critical

When fully open, gate valves provide virtually unrestricted flow.

This makes them perfect for applications where:

• You need to minimize pressure drop
• Full bore flow is required
• Line pigging operations need to pass through valves

4. For Systems Prone to Freezing

Gate valves have a natural advantage in freezing conditions.

Unlike ball valves, which can trap water in the ball cavity, gate valves don’t typically have spaces where water gets trapped and frozen.

This means if your system might experience freezing temperatures, gate valves could save you from burst valves and expensive repairs.

5. For Irrigation Applications

Gate valves remain popular in irrigation applications because they offer specific benefits for these systems.

Their durability and ease of maintenance make them particularly suitable for agricultural and landscaping irrigation systems.

When NOT to Use Gate Valves

Understanding when to avoid gate valves is just as important as knowing when to use them.

1. Never for Flow Regulation

This is critical: gate valves should never be used for throttling or regulating flow.

Why not?

When a gate valve is partially open, the flow becomes turbulent. This turbulence creates vibration and can cause cavitation, which damages the valve seat and gate.

If you need flow control, consider:

• Globe valves
• Needle valves
• Diaphragm valves

2. For Frequent Operation

Gate valves require multiple turns to open and close. This makes them impractical for operations requiring frequent valve actuation.

If you need to operate your valve often, consider:

• Ball valves
• Butterfly valves
• Plug valves

These quarter-turn options are much faster and easier to operate.

Gate Valves vs. Ball Valves: Making the Right Choice

Let’s compare gate valves to their popular alternative – ball valves.

Feature	Gate Valves	Ball Valves
Operation	Multiple turns	Quarter turn
Flow path	Unobstructed when open	Slightly restricted
Cost (large sizes)	Lower	Higher
Frequency of use	Low to moderate	High
Freeze resistance	Good	Poor (can trap water)
Throttling capability	None	Limited

Ball valves have become increasingly popular, but they’re not always the better choice.

For irrigation systems, gate valves remain popular because they’re:

• Durable in dirty water conditions
• Less likely to jam with sediment
• More serviceable in the field
• Less prone to damage from freezing

Types of Gate Valves You Should Know

Not all gate valves are created equal. Here are the main types you might encounter:

Rising Stem Gate Valves

In this design, the stem rises out of the valve body as you open it. This gives a visual indication of whether the valve is open or closed.

Non-Rising Stem Gate Valves

With these valves, the stem threads are inside the valve. The stem rotates but doesn’t rise out of the valve.

Non-rising stem gate valves are ideal for underground installations or where vertical space is limited.

Wedge Gate Valves

These use a wedge-shaped disc to create a tight seal. They’re the most common type and work well for general applications.

Parallel Gate Valves

Instead of a wedge, these use parallel faces on the gate and seats. They’re often used in applications where precise alignment is needed.

Common Gate Valve Materials and Their Applications

The material of your gate valve significantly affects where you should use it:

Bronze/Brass Gate Valves

Best for:

• Residential plumbing
• Smaller commercial applications
• Potable water systems

Cast Iron Gate Valves

Best for:

• Water distribution systems
• Non-corrosive applications
• Budget-conscious projects

Stainless Steel Gate Valves

Best for:

• Food processing
• Pharmaceutical applications
• Corrosive environments

Real-World Applications in 2025

In 2025, despite newer valve technologies, gate valves remain the optimal choice for many applications:

Municipal Water Systems

Large water distribution networks almost exclusively use gate valves for main line isolation.

Why? The combination of:

• Full-bore flow (minimizing pressure losses)
• Lower cost in large sizes
• Long-term reliability when rarely operated

Industrial Processing

Many industrial facilities still rely on gate valves for:

• Primary isolation points
• Infrequently accessed system branches
• Applications requiring minimal pressure drop

Maintenance Tips for Gate Valves

To get the most out of your gate valves:

1. Operate them fully open or fully closed – never partially open
2. Exercise rarely-used valves at least once a year
3. Replace packing before leaks develop
4. When installing, ensure the valve stem is either vertical or angled upward

When to Use a Gate Valve: Final Thoughts

Gate valves have been workhorses in fluid systems for generations, and for good reason. Their simple, effective design makes them ideal for complete shutoff applications, especially in larger pipe sizes where alternatives become prohibitively expensive.

Remember: gate valves are isolation valves, not control valves. Use them when you need reliable, complete shutoff and full flow capacity when open.

In 2025, knowing exactly when to use a gate valve can save you money, reduce maintenance headaches, and ensure your system operates reliably for years to come.