Ballofix and Service Valves Under Sinks and Appliances
Small quarter-turn service valves, often called ballofix valves, sit under sinks, behind toilets and at appliance connections, letting a single tap or appliance be isolated for repair without draining the whole system.
Small quarter-turn service valves, often called ballofix valves, sit under sinks, behind toilets and at appliance connections, letting a single tap or appliance be isolated for repair without draining the whole system. They're inexpensive but genuinely useful when they work.
What it does
A ball inside the valve body rotates 90 degrees between fully open and fully closed, giving quick, positive isolation right at the point of use.
How it fails
The ball seizes from lack of use, the small screw-slot head strips when turned with a screwdriver, or the seal weeps after years of standing.
Repair or replace
These are low-cost components and a seized or weeping valve is simply replaced rather than repaired.
Why these are worth having fitted
- Isolate a leaking tap without shutting off the whole house
- Make future appliance swaps quicker and cleaner
- Cheap insurance against a bigger stopcock trip during a small repair
- Useful ahead of any planned kitchen or bathroom work
Who does the work
- Gas Safe registered engineers — registration 554328
- Worcester Bosch accredited installer
- John The Plumb Ltd, company registration 10026483
Add or replace isolation valves
Tell us which taps or appliances don't currently have their own isolation valve and we'll fit them during any other plumbing visit.
Questions we get asked
Can I fit these myself?
Many competent DIYers do fit these on straightforward supply pipes, though on higher-pressure or awkward connections we'd recommend having them fitted professionally.
Do service valves need a registered engineer to fit?
No, this is plumbing work, not gas work.
Why does mine feel stiff to turn?
Lack of regular use is the most common cause — like the main stopcock, it's worth exercising these occasionally rather than only relying on them in an emergency.