Gas Ball Valve Operation

I get an occasional call or email where the client believes that the "ball" is missing from their new gas ball valve. I can understand the confusion, because when the valve is in the "open" position, there is no visual cue that there is any kind of ball residing in the valve. So, I thought I'd create a quick post with pictures to illustrate how the "ball" in a gas ball valve operates! Remember that turning clockwise closes the valve, and counterclockwise opens it.

As you can see in the photo above, the open valve looks like a straight-thru tube. This is good, it provides maximum flow. When you turn the valve closed (clockwise) you will see the actual "ball" appear and rotate into closed position.
If you experience any trouble closing the valve for the first time, remember they can be a bit stuck from the factory. All you need is a bit more force to pop it free. It will be progressively easier every time after that.
​Hope this helps!