What is the difference?

[BobbyJoe]

Hi everyone,

What is the difference between an isolation valve and service valve if any? Also do you need one of these or both fitted on copper pipes of kitchen sink or bathroom basin, any advice would be great thanks.

 

[Chuck]

Hi everyone,

What is the difference between an isolation valve and service valve if any? Also do you need one of these or both fitted on copper pipes of kitchen sink or bathroom basin, any advice would be great thanks.

AFAIK, they are simply different names for the same thing used in different circumstances. Service valves isolate single things, like a tap or loo. Isolation valves isolate 'areas' such as 'top floor', 'bathroom', etc.

There is another device called a 'check valve' which is a type of isolation valve, that also provides a method for confirming that valve is not passing when off.

 

[BobbyJoe]

I am not sure which valves are on pipes in the kitchen and bathroom, all I know is when I need to stop the water entering the basin or kitchen sink I just turn the small circle bit in the middle with a screwdriver.

I live on the top floor of a block shared with another 6 flats in total. We have a water tank in the attic which feeds the hot water and the cold water is mains fed.

Would it be a good idea to have both service and isolation valves fitted when living in a flat thanks?

 

[BobbyJoe]

Pics of under basin and under kitchen sink, I think on the hot water pipe their is a single check valve?

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Service valves go straight onto ball valves eg pipe to 1/2”

isolation valves are pipe to pipe connections

Stop taps which have a t handle and brass are normally used for mains cold water into the house / flat

 

[BobbyJoe]

What does NW1 and BOLOFIX mean on a 15mm isolating valve? and are they good enough for a mixer tap flex tails thanks.