Ball valve use a rotating ball with a hole through it. When the hole aligns with the pipe, the fluid flows; when you turn it 90 degrees, the flow stops.

Gate Valve use a metal "gate" which slides up and down to open or close the path.

Globe Valve is named for their spherical body shape, these use a plug that moves up and down into a seat. Unlike gate valves, the fluid has to make an "S" turn through the valve.

Butterfly Valve use a rotating disc located in the center of the pipe. Like a ball valve, it’s a quarter-turn operation.

Check Valve is a self acting valve which requires no handle. It open automatically when fluid flows in the right direction and slam shut if it tries to reverse.