When discussing plumbing, which valve is suited for controlling flow direction?

The check valve is specifically designed to control the direction of fluid flow within a piping system. Its primary function is to allow fluid to flow in one direction while preventing backflow. This is accomplished through the use of a mechanism, typically a disc or a ball, that seals against the valve seat when flow attempts to reverse direction. This feature is crucial in many applications, such as preventing contamination of water supply systems or protecting pumps and other equipment from damage due to backflow.

In contrast, the other types of valves have different primary functions. For example, gate valves are primarily used to start or stop the flow of liquid but do not control the direction of flow. Ball valves can provide excellent shut-off capabilities but are not designed specifically to prevent backflow. Globe valves, on the other hand, are used to regulate flow but again do not inherently prevent reverse flow. Thus, the check valve is the optimal choice for controlling flow direction effectively.