Stainless Steel Full Port Ball Valve VAL-BV1/4S/S | 1/4 in. | 316 SS

Stainless Steel Full Port Ball Valve — VAL-BV1/4S/S

• Part Number / SKU: VAL-BV1/4S/S
• Type: Full-Port Ball Valve
• Nominal Size: 1/4 in.
• Body & Ball: 316 stainless steel
• Handle: 304 stainless steel (locking lever)
• Stem: Adjustable packing nut
• Port: Full port — minimizes flow restriction when fully open
• Operation: Quarter-turn lever
• Pressure Rating: 1000 PSI
• System: Plumbing / Marine Plumbing — on/off isolation service

What This Valve Does

This 1/4-inch full-port ball valve uses a 316 stainless steel body and ball for corrosion resistance in demanding marine and industrial environments. The full-bore design keeps the internal flow path close to the nominal pipe diameter, reducing pressure drop through the valve compared with standard-port designs. A locking lever handle and adjustable packing nut add durability for long-term service.

Size note: This is the 1/4-inch member of the stainless full-port ball valve series. The same series is available in 3/8, 1/2, 3/4, 1, 1-1/4, 1-1/2, and 2 in. — confirm the required connection size before ordering.

Material note: The 316 SS body and 1000 PSI rating make this the higher-specification choice compared with brass ball valves in the same size range. Confirm fluid compatibility and installation requirements for your specific application.

Compatible Applications

• Marine engine room plumbing and equipment isolation
• Raw water and fresh water supply lines
• Pump inlet and outlet isolation
• Compatible fluid-transfer and process systems
• General marine and industrial plumbing shutoff service

Fitment & Selection Checklist

• Pipe size: 1/4 in. nominal — confirm before ordering
• Confirm connection thread type matches your fitting (NPT vs. BSP)
• System pressure must be within the 1000 PSI rated limit
• Confirm fluid compatibility with 316 SS body and ball
• For marine below-waterline or seacock applications, verify the complete installation meets applicable standards — a standard inline ball valve is not automatically rated for that use

When to Replace

• Leakage through the closed ball or around the stem/packing
• Binding, seized, or erratic quarter-turn operation
• Damaged threads, cracking, or significant corrosion on the body
• Excessive handle or stem play indicating internal wear

Installation Notes

• Use thread sealant appropriate for the system fluid and stainless fittings
• Operate through full 90° travel after installation to confirm smooth movement
• Support adjacent pipework to avoid placing bending or torsional load on the valve body
• The adjustable packing nut can be snugged if stem seepage develops over time
• Handle parallel to the pipe = open; handle perpendicular = closed
• Use for full-open or full-closed service — ball valves are not suited for fine flow throttling

Related Products

• MAS Full Port Brass Ball Valve B-3-1/2 | 1/2 in. FNPT
• MAS B-3 Full Port Brass Ball Valve B-3-1/4 | 1/4 in. FNPT
• Valves & Strainers — Full Collection

Parts Desk Insights

This is the stainless step-up from the brass B-3 series — same full-port concept but with a 316 SS body and 1000 PSI rating, making it the right choice when corrosion resistance or higher pressure margin matters. In a marine engine room, stainless valves are often preferred on raw water circuits and anywhere salt exposure is a factor. The 1/4-inch size is commonly used on small-diameter instrument, gauge, and auxiliary lines. The most common selection issue is confirming the exact size needed — the series spans 1/4 in. through 2 in., and the SKU format can be easy to misread.