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A ball valve is commonly found in plumbing systems due to its ability to provide a reliable means of controlling water flow. The design features a spherical disc (the "ball") that rotates within the valve body to either open or close the flow of fluid. When the ball is positioned in line with the pipe, the valve is open, allowing water to flow freely. Conversely, when the ball is turned 90 degrees, the flow is effectively stopped.

Ball valves have several advantages that make them ideal for both residential and commercial plumbing applications. They offer quick shut-off capabilities, which are essential for emergency situations or routine maintenance. Additionally, ball valves typically have a low-pressure drop across them, meaning fluid flows through them with minimal resistance. Their durability and long life—often lasting many years without significant wear—further contribute to their popularity in plumbing systems.

While other types of valves such as gate valves, globe valves, and check valves serve their specific purposes, they do not offer the same combination of ease of use and efficiency that ball valves provide for general flow control in plumbing systems. For example, gate valves are generally used for on-off control but can be less effective in throttling applications. Globe valves are designed for flow regulation and have higher pressure drops,