What valve type is most suitable for use at the main water supply line?

The most suitable valve type for use at the main water supply line is the gate valve. Gate valves are designed to be either fully open or fully closed, allowing for minimal resistance to the flow of water when the valve is in the open position. This characteristic makes gate valves ideal for main water supply lines, where a full flow of water is usually required when the system is operational.

In addition to their flow efficiency, gate valves are also known for their ability to seal tightly, which helps prevent leaks and maintain water pressure in the supply system. They are primarily used when the flow is expected to be either completely on or completely off, rather than for throttling, which aligns with the functions commonly needed in a main supply line.

Other valve types serve different purposes. For instance, globe valves are better suited for throttling applications, angle valves can redirect flow in systems but are not ideal for main supplies, and check valves are designed to prevent backflow and maintain flow direction rather than act as a main control valve in a water supply line.