Introduction: Why Valves Are Critical in Commercial Buildings
Commercial buildings—such as office towers, shopping malls, hospitals, hotels, airports, and industrial facilities—rely on complex mechanical systems to deliver water, air, heating, cooling, fire protection, and gas safely and efficiently. At the core of these systems are valves, which control, isolate, regulate, and protect the flow of fluids throughout the building.
Unlike industrial plants, commercial buildings demand valves that balance reliability, safety, ease of maintenance, space efficiency, regulatory compliance, and lifecycle cost. Choosing the wrong valve type or material can lead to leakage, energy inefficiency, frequent breakdowns, or non-compliance with building and fire codes.
As a Singapore-based marine and industrial valve stockist and distributor, Aik Soon Hardware supplies a wide range of valves used across commercial building services. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of valve types commonly found in commercial buildings, where they are used, the materials involved, and how to select the most appropriate valve for each application.
1. Major Valve Systems in Commercial Buildings
Before examining individual valve types, it is important to understand where valves are used in commercial buildings:
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HVAC systems (chilled water, condenser water, hot water, steam)
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Plumbing systems (potable water, hot water, drainage)
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Fire protection systems (sprinkler, fire mains, hydrants)
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Gas supply systems (natural gas, LPG)
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Water treatment and pumping systems
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Building automation and control systems
Each system imposes different requirements on valve design, materials, and operation.
2. Common Types of Valves Found in Commercial Buildings
2.1 Gate Valves
Description
Gate valves use a flat or wedge-shaped gate that moves vertically to fully open or fully close the flow path.
Primary Function
✅ Isolation (ON/OFF service only)
Where Used in Commercial Buildings
Materials Used
Advantages
Limitations
2.2 Globe Valves
Description
Globe valves regulate flow using a movable disc that seats against a stationary ring.
Primary Function
✅ Flow regulation and throttling
Where Used
Materials Used
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Bronze
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Cast iron
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Carbon steel
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Stainless steel
Advantages
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Excellent flow control
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Good shut-off capability
Limitations
2.3 Ball Valves
Description
Ball valves use a rotating ball with a bore to control flow, operating with a 90-degree turn.
Primary Function
✅ Quick isolation
Where Used
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Plumbing branch lines
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HVAC equipment isolation
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Gas supply lines
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Pump rooms
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Water treatment skids
Materials Used
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Brass
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Stainless steel
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Carbon steel
Advantages
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Fast operation
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Compact design
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Tight shut-off
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Low maintenance
Limitations
2.4 Butterfly Valves
Description
Butterfly valves use a rotating disc mounted on a shaft and are ideal for large-diameter pipes.
Primary Function
✅ Isolation and basic flow control
Where Used
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Chilled water systems
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Condenser water systems
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Fire water distribution
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Cooling towers
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HVAC mains
Materials Used
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Ductile iron body
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Stainless steel disc
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EPDM or NBR seat
Advantages
Limitations
2.5 Check Valves
Description
Check valves allow flow in one direction only and automatically prevent backflow.
Primary Function
✅ Backflow prevention
Where Used
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Pump discharge lines
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Booster systems
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Fire pump systems
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Water supply protection
Types Commonly Used
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Swing check valves
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Lift check valves
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Dual-plate check valves
Materials Used
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Bronze
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Cast iron
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Ductile iron
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Stainless steel
2.6 Control Valves
Description
Control valves automatically regulate flow, pressure, or temperature based on control signals.
Primary Function
✅ Automatic modulation
Where Used
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HVAC temperature control
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Chilled water flow control
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Pressure-reducing stations
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Building automation systems (BMS)
Materials Used
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Cast iron
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Stainless steel
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Carbon steel
Advantages
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Energy efficiency
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Precise system control
Limitations
2.7 Pressure Reducing Valves (PRVs)
Description
PRVs reduce high incoming water pressure to safe working levels.
Where Used
Materials Used
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Brass
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Bronze
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Stainless steel
2.8 Safety & Relief Valves
Description
Automatically release excess pressure to prevent equipment damage.
Where Used
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Boilers
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Hot water systems
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Pressure vessels
Materials Used
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Bronze
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Stainless steel
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Carbon steel
3. Valve Materials Used in Commercial Buildings
| Material |
Common Applications |
| Brass |
Plumbing, potable water |
| Bronze |
Hot water, fire systems |
| Cast Iron |
HVAC mains |
| Ductile Iron |
Fire protection, chilled water |
| Stainless Steel |
Corrosive environments, hospitals |
| Carbon Steel |
High pressure, mechanical rooms |
Material selection must comply with local building codes, fire regulations, and potable water standards.
4. How to Select the Right Valve for Commercial Buildings
4.1 Identify the System
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Plumbing
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HVAC
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Fire protection
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Gas
4.2 Determine Valve Function
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Isolation → Gate / Ball / Butterfly
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Regulation → Globe / Control
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Protection → Check / Relief
4.3 Consider Pressure & Temperature
4.4 Space & Accessibility
4.5 Automation Needs
4.6 Regulatory Compliance
Ensure valves comply with:
5. Common Valve Selection Mistakes in Commercial Buildings
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Using gate valves for throttling
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Incorrect material for potable water
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Oversizing valves
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Ignoring future maintenance access
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Non-compliance with fire codes
Conclusion
Valves are fundamental components in every commercial building, ensuring safe water distribution, efficient HVAC operation, fire protection, and system reliability. From gate and globe valves to control and pressure-reducing valves, each type serves a specific role and must be carefully selected based on application, materials, operating conditions, and regulatory requirements.
As a trusted Singapore-based marine and industrial valve stockist, Aik Soon Hardware supports contractors, M&E consultants, facility managers, and developers with high-quality valves suited for commercial buildings. Our technical expertise ensures the right valve selection for long-term performance, safety, and cost efficiency.