PVC ball valves use a mechanical arrangement that is beautiful in its economy and simplicity.

Plastic ball valves are used for sectioning and isolating (ON/OFF) and not for regulating. A PVC(plastic)ball valve has a sphere seated between a gasket or “stuffing”. This sphere/ ‘ball' normally has a through hole of same bore as that of inlet connection. (Called the full bore design) this ball is connected to a stem that in turn is connected to a handle.

Choked flow will cause cavitation bad for PVC ball valves.

The shock waves that result from the formation and collapse of vapor bubbles as a liquid flows through the vena contracta of a valve will fatigue the wetted parts of the valve. The only difference is the yield point of the materials of construction, plastic, carbon or stainless steel.