Which valve is the first valve before the water meter according to Allentown Water Authority code?

• A. Ball Valve
• B. Check Valve
• C. Globe Valve
• D. Gate Valve

Answer: (A)

Before the water meter, the shutoff needs to be quick to operate and dependable, so the code specifies a ball valve. A ball valve uses a spherical disk with a hole through it; turning the handle a quarter turn aligns or blocks the hole, giving a fast, positive shutoff with minimal effort and good sealing. This makes it reliable for isolating the service, which is why it’s specified upstream of the meter. A check valve’s role is to prevent backflow, not to shut off supply. A globe valve is meant for throttling and creates more flow resistance, requiring more effort to close. A gate valve can be used elsewhere, but it often requires more torque and can be prone to sticking or leakage if not maintained, so the ball valve is preferred for this position.