Valves have many uses, including controlling water for irrigation, industrial uses for controlling processes, residential uses such as on/off and pressure control to dish and clothes washers and taps in the home.
The valve body may be constructed from plastic, metal, wood or other materials depending on the intended use.
Check valves are two-port valves, meaning they have two openings in the body.
Safety valves were first developed for use on steam boilers during the Industrial Revolution.