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Frequently Asked Questions

Find all our common questions across the industry and our answers for your convince. For more answers, call our team for 24/7 support

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About Just Valves

Common questions about who Just Valves is, where we are located, how we operate, and what makes us different from a standard valve distributor.
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Got a question we haven’t covered? Our valve specialists are on hand to talk through your specific requirements and make sure you order the right product the first time.
Who is Just Valves? 
Just Valves is an Australian industrial valve and flow control specialist. We supply, service, and support the full lifecycle of valve assets for clients across mining, oil and gas, chemical processing, water and utilities, manufacturing, marine, and power generation industries. Our head office is in Bibra Lake, Western Australia, with additional branches in Queensland and a national delivery and service network. 

Just Valves operates from the following locations:

  • Perth (Head Office) — 5/125 Barrington Street, Bibra Lake WA
  • Newman, WA — servicing the Pilbara mining region
  • Brisbane, QLD — servicing Eastern Australia

We deliver Australia-wide and deploy mobile service teams to site across all states and territories.

No. While valves are our core product, Just Valves supplies a comprehensive range of flow control and pipeline products including actuators, expansion bellows, fittings, gaskets, piping systems, pressure and temperature instrumentation, sight flow glasses, strainers, filters, and industrial seals. We also provide a full range of technical services including valve audits, repair and overhaul, calibration and testing, in situ valve testing, and 24/7 emergency response.

Just Valves serves all major process industries in Australia, with particular depth in:

  • Mining and mineral processing
  • Oil and gas (upstream, midstream, and downstream)
  • Chemical and process plants
  • Water and wastewater utilities
  • Manufacturing and industrial
  • Marine and offshore
  • Power generation
Yes. Just Valves operates a genuine 24-hour, 7-days-a-week, 365-days-a-year emergency valve service. Our emergency line — 1300 825 837 — is answered at all times. We maintain stocked inventories of critical and fast-moving valves and can dispatch a qualified technician to site or source an emergency replacement valve at any hour.
Yes. We deliver to all Australian states and territories. For standard orders, we ship from our Perth and Brisbane locations. For urgent and emergency orders, we work with express freight providers to minimise delivery time. We can also arrange pick-up from our branches if that is more convenient.

Valve Selection

Questions about choosing the right valve type for your application — the most common area where buyers need technical guidance.
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What is the difference between a ball valve and a gate valve?
Both are isolation valves designed to be fully open or fully closed. A ball valve uses a rotating ball and operates with a quick quarter-turn — it is compact, fast, and suited to frequent operation. A gate valve uses a rising or non-rising gate and requires multiple handwheel turns to open or close — it is preferred for infrequent operation on larger bore pipelines where a full-bore, unrestricted flow path is important. For frequent cycling, always choose a ball valve. For infrequent isolation on larger pipelines, a gate valve is appropriate.
Butterfly valves are the preferred choice for large bore pipework (typically DN200 and above) where ball valves become heavy and expensive. They are lighter, more compact, and significantly less costly at large bore sizes. Butterfly valves can also modulate flow as well as isolate. The trade-off is that standard concentric butterfly valves do not provide bubble-tight shut-off — for that, you need a triple-offset design. For clean water, general service, and HVAC applications at larger bore sizes, butterfly valves are almost always the right choice.
Use a globe valve when you need to regulate or throttle flow — not just stop it. A ball valve is designed for on/off isolation; attempting to throttle with it causes seat wear and premature failure. A globe valve’s disc-and-seat design allows precise, repeatable flow regulation across its full range of opening. Globe valves are the correct choice for steam control, cooling water regulation, chemical dosing metering, and any application where intermediate positions matter.

Standard ball and gate valves will wear rapidly in abrasive slurry service. The recommended options are:

  • Knife gate valves — the sharp-edged gate cuts through slurry and pulp. Best for on/off isolation of slurries, tailings, and fibrous media.
  • Pinch valves — the rubber sleeve is the only component in contact with the media, making them ideal for highly abrasive concentrates. The sleeve is the only wearing part and can be replaced in minutes.
  • Rubber-lined butterfly valves — suitable for moderate slurry service where full bore is not required.

The choice depends on the solids content, particle size, and chemical nature of the slurry.

The answer depends on the chemical, concentration, temperature, and pressure. The main options are:

  • Plastic ball valves (PVC, CPVC, PP) — for lower-pressure chemical service up to 10 bar and 100°C
  • Plastic diaphragm valves — for chemical dosing and throttling in non-metallic systems
  • Lined valves (PTFE, PFA, ETFE, rubber) — metal body with full polymer lining; handles higher pressures than plastic
  • Metal diaphragm valves (Hastelloy, SS316L) — for high-pressure or ultra-high-purity chemical service
  • Exotic alloy ball valves (Hastelloy, duplex) — for aggressive media at higher pressures and temperatures

Contact our engineering team with your chemical, concentration, temperature, and pressure and we will confirm the correct specification.

Both protect systems from overpressure, but they operate differently. A safety valve opens rapidly and fully (pop action) to discharge the full rated capacity — used primarily for compressible fluids (steam and gas). A relief valve opens proportionally to the overpressure (modulating action) — used primarily for liquids. In practice, the terms are often used interchangeably, and many modern designs serve both functions. Just Valves can advise on the correct design, orifice size, and set pressure for your specific application.
Screwed (threaded) valves connect to pipework via BSP or NPT threads and are used for smaller bore sizes, typically up to DN100. They are faster to install and lower cost. Flanged valves connect via bolted flanges and are used for larger bore sizes, higher pressures, or applications where the valve must be removable without cutting pipe. Just Valves supplies both types in a comprehensive range of materials and pressure classes.
A solenoid valve uses an electromagnetic coil to open or close the valve in response to an electrical signal — making it the fundamental building block of automated flow control. Use a solenoid valve when you need to remotely or automatically operate a small bore valve (up to approximately DN50) in response to a PLC output, timer, or control system. For larger bore automation, use a pneumatic or electric actuator mounted on a ball or butterfly valve.

Products and Ordering

Questions about the Just Valves product range, stock availability, lead times, custom products, and how to place an order or request a quote.
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Got a question we haven’t covered? Our valve specialists are on hand to talk through your specific requirements and make sure you order the right product the first time.
How do I get a quote from Just Valves?

You can request a quote by:

  • Calling 1300 825 837 (answered 24/7 for emergencies; business hours for general enquiries)
  • Emailing sales@justvalves.com.au
  • Completing the online quote request form on our website

To quote accurately, we need the valve type, size (DN or NPS), connection type (screwed BSP/NPT or flanged with standard), pressure class, body material, and the operating media, temperature, and pressure. Quantity and required delivery date are also helpful. For unusual applications or aggressive media, the more information you can provide, the better.

Lead times vary by product:

  • Standard stocked valves (screwed ball valves, common butterfly valves, standard check valves) — typically same day to 3 business days ex Perth or Brisbane
  • Less common sizes and materials — 1 to 4 weeks from manufacturer or overseas stock
  • Custom and specialty valves (exotic alloys, non-standard sizes, API-certified) — 6 to 16 weeks depending on complexity
  • Emergency orders — we maintain stock of critical and fast-moving valves for immediate despatch. Call 1300 825 837 for urgent requirements.

Yes. Just Valves holds significant in-country stock at our Perth location, covering the most commonly specified valve types, sizes, and materials. Our stock depth is particularly strong in ball valves (screwed and flanged), butterfly valves, knife gate valves, check valves, safety relief valves, and pinch valve sleeves — the products most critical to our mining, oil and gas, and water utility customers. Contact us to confirm stock availability for your specific requirement.

Yes. Just Valves specialises in actuated valve packages — supplying the valve, pneumatic or electric actuator, solenoid valve, limit switches, position indicator, and gearbox as a single, fully assembled, wired, and tested unit. We assemble packages in our Perth and Brisbane workshops and test before despatch. This eliminates the coordination, compatibility, and commissioning risk of sourcing components from multiple suppliers.

Yes. Just Valves designs and sources custom ball valves, and other valve types to exact customer specification. Custom options include:

  • Exotic alloy bodies (Hastelloy, Inconel, duplex, super duplex, titanium)
  • Non-standard bore sizes and face-to-face dimensions
  • Special pressure classes beyond standard catalogue offerings
  • Extended stems for insulated or buried pipework
  • Special coatings (Stellite, ceramic, thermal spray)
  • Cryogenic and fire-safe designs
  • Full certification packages (ASME B16.34, API 6D, NACE MR0175)

Contact our engineering team with your specification and we will advise on feasibility and lead time.

Yes. Just Valves stocks replacement sleeves in natural rubber, EPDM, neoprene, Hypalon, silicone, and NBR — manufactured to OEM dimensions for most major pinch valve brands including Red Valve/Tiscor, Larox (Metso), Clarkson, AKO, and Flowrox. We also offer custom moulding from a sample or drawing for non-standard or obsolete sleeves. Australian stock means no international lead times.

Yes. Just Valves supplies a full range of industrial gaskets — spiral wound, ring type joint (RTJ), camprofile, and non-asbestos sheet — in all standard flange sizes to AS 4087, ANSI B16.5, and DIN. We also supply stud bolts and nuts in ASTM A193 B7 / A194 2H and stainless grades. Ordering gaskets and bolting alongside your valve from a single supplier ensures compatibility and simplifies procurement.

Yes. Just Valves supplies piping systems in ERW and seamless carbon steel (black and galvanised) in a comprehensive range of sizes and specifications, and a full fittings range covering butt-weld, screwed, compression, camlock, triclover, and grooved connections in all common materials. Hot dip galvanising is available within 5 working days. Buying pipe, fittings, and valves from one supplier ensures material specification consistency and simplifies your procurement process.

Services and maintenance

Questions about Just Valves’ service capabilities — including valve repair, calibration, testing, audits, in situ testing, and emergency response.
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Got a question we haven’t covered? Our valve specialists are on hand to talk through your specific requirements and make sure you order the right product the first time.
Can Just Valves repair a valve that wasn't originally supplied by Just Valves?

Yes. Our repair and overhaul workshop repairs all makes, brands, and types of valves — regardless of where they were originally purchased. We maintain a wide range of spare parts and can source OEM parts for most major brands. We also hold an inventory of rebuilt and refurbished valves available for emergency exchange, minimising your downtime while your original valve is being repaired.

To quote accurately on a valve repair, the most useful information is:

  • Valve type (ball, gate, butterfly, globe, check, etc.) and size (DN or NPS)
  • Manufacturer and model number (if known)
  • Operating media, pressure, and temperature
  • Description of the fault or required maintenance
  • Any existing tag, service records, or photos of the valve condition

The more information you provide, the more accurately we can quote and plan the repair. For emergency situations, call 1300 825 837 directly.

Pressure relief valves should be tested at minimum every 12 months in clean, non-corrosive service — and more frequently (every 3 to 6 months) in dirty, corrosive, or steam service where seat condition can deteriorate rapidly. In most Australian jurisdictions, pressure relief valve testing is a legal requirement under pressure vessel legislation. Just Valves provides in-house testing to API 527 and AS 1271 at our UKAS-accredited facility, and mobile on-site testing anywhere in Australia.

In situ valve testing is the process of testing a valve’s seat leakage, stem seal integrity, and actuator performance while the valve remains installed in the pipeline — with no removal required. Benefits include:

  • No process interruption — the line does not need to be taken out of service
  • No reinstallation risk — flange break-out and re-making introduces its own risk of leaks
  • No valve removal cost — particularly valuable for large-bore or high-pressure valves
  • Compliance documentation — full test report issued on-site against API 598, API 6D, or BS EN 12266

In situ testing is particularly valuable for critical isolation valves, SDVs, EIVs, and any valve that is difficult or impractical to remove.

A valve audit is a comprehensive on-site inspection of all valve assets in your facility — covering condition, tagging, maintenance history, and stock levels. Just Valves auditors inspect every valve, photograph defects, and deliver a written report with prioritised recommendations for repair, replacement, or maintenance scheduling.

A valve audit is recommended for:

  • Plants preparing for a major shutdown — to plan and prioritise maintenance work in advance
  • Post-acquisition asset assessment — to understand the condition of an inherited plant
  • Ageing infrastructure — to identify valves at risk of failure before they fail
  • Regulatory or insurance compliance — to demonstrate a systematic approach to valve asset management

Yes. Just Valves deploys purpose-built 10ft x 8ft mobile testing containers to your site, providing a controlled laboratory environment independent of your own workshop facilities. Our on-site capability covers:

  • Pressure relief valve testing to API 527 and AS 1271
  • Pressure instrument calibration to 1,200 bar
  • Temperature instrument calibration to 1,200°C
  • Flow calibration to 2,500 L/min

All equipment is UKAS calibrated and traceable to national standards. Full certification documentation is issued on-site. This service is particularly valuable for remote mine sites, offshore platforms, and any facility where removing instruments for laboratory testing is disruptive or impractical.

Just Valves’ workshops are qualified to ASME Section IX for all metals and all welding processes. Specific capabilities include:

  • Exotic material welding — Hastelloy, Inconel, duplex, super duplex, titanium
  • Stellite hard-facing for valve seats and trim
  • On-site machining capability
  • Hydrostatic and gas pressure testing to 20,000 psig

All welded repairs are pressure tested and documented with test reports before return to service.

Just Valves provides a 12-month workmanship warranty on all valve repair and overhaul work. Every repaired valve is pressure tested and supplied with a test report before despatch. Our ISO 9001 certified quality management system ensures consistent, documented processes for every repair.

Technical Reference 

Technical definitions, standards, and specification questions that buyers and engineers ask when specifying valves and flow control products.
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Got a question we haven’t covered? Our valve specialists are on hand to talk through your specific requirements and make sure you order the right product the first time.
What does DN mean?

DN stands for Diametre Nominal (Nominal Diameter) — the metric designation of pipe or valve size. DN50 refers to a valve with a nominal bore of approximately 50mm. The actual bore may differ slightly depending on the valve type and wall schedule. DN is used in metric standards (AS, DIN, ISO); the equivalent imperial designation is NPS (Nominal Pipe Size). Common conversions: DN15 = 1/2″, DN25 = 1″, DN50 = 2″, DN100 = 4″, DN200 = 8″.

PCD stands for Pitch Circle Diameter — the diameter of the imaginary circle on which the bolt holes of a flange are positioned. When matching a valve flange to a pipe flange, you must confirm that the nominal size, pressure rating (class), flange standard (AS 4087, ANSI B16.5, DIN), and PCD are all compatible. Mismatched flange standards with the same nominal size can have different PCDs and will not bolt together.

Your valve’s pressure class must be rated for the maximum allowable operating pressure (MAOP) of your system — with an appropriate safety margin. Key considerations:

  • Include surge or water hammer pressures, not just steady-state operating pressure
  • For steam and high-temperature service, pressure class is temperature-dependent — consult the pressure-temperature rating tables in ASME B16.34 or AS 4087
  • Common pressure classes: PN16, PN40, PN63, PN100 (metric); Class 150, Class 300, Class 600, Class 900, Class 1500, Class 2500 (ANSI)
  • When in doubt, specify a higher pressure class — the cost difference is usually modest

BSP (British Standard Pipe) and NPT (National Pipe Taper) are the two most common pipe thread standards. BSP is used in Australia, the UK, Europe, and most of the world. NPT is the US standard, commonly specified for oil and gas equipment. Both are tapered thread forms that seal on the thread engagement. They are not interchangeable — a BSP fitting will not seal correctly on an NPT thread of the same nominal size. Just Valves supplies valves with both BSP and NPT ends.

These are the three main flange design standards used in Australia:

  • AS 4087 — the Australian standard for flanges used in water and process applications. Most common for water, wastewater, and general industrial use in Australia.
  • ANSI B16.5 — the American standard, used extensively for oil and gas, petrochemical, and process applications worldwide. Pressure classes are 150, 300, 600, 900, 1500, 2500.
  • DIN — the German standard, common in European-designed plant and equipment.

Just Valves supplies valves and fittings to all three standards. When ordering, confirm which standard applies to your existing pipework.

PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) — commonly known by the brand name Teflon — is a fluoropolymer with exceptional chemical resistance, a very low coefficient of friction, and good temperature resistance. In ball valves, PTFE seats provide a bubble-tight (Class VI) shut-off, require very low operating torque, and resist most industrial chemicals. RPTFE (reinforced PTFE) adds glass fibre or other fillers to improve mechanical properties at higher pressures and temperatures. PEEK (polyether ether ketone) is used as a seat material where higher temperature performance is required.

NACE MR0175 (now jointly published as ISO 15156) is the standard for materials for use in H₂S-containing environments in oil and gas production. It specifies requirements for the hardness, heat treatment, and chemical composition of metallic materials to prevent sulphide stress cracking (SSC) in sour service — environments containing hydrogen sulphide (H₂S). If your application involves H₂S-containing fluids (common in oil and gas), your valve materials and documentation must comply with NACE MR0175 / ISO 15156.

A fire-safe valve is designed and tested to maintain isolation performance during and after exposure to fire. In a fire event, the soft seats and seals in a standard ball valve will burn away, causing the valve to leak. A fire-safe valve has a secondary metal-to-metal seat that maintains shut-off after the soft components are destroyed. Fire-safe certification is to API 607 (for quarter-turn valves) or API 6FA (for other valve types). Fire-safe valves are mandatory on many oil and gas facilities and offshore platforms.

A full bore (also called full port) ball valve has a ball with a bore the same diameter as the pipe bore — providing unrestricted, full-area flow with minimal pressure drop. A reduced bore valve has a smaller diameter bore through the ball, reducing the flow area. Full bore valves are used where pressure drop must be minimised, pigging is required, or where solids in the fluid could bridge a reduced bore. Reduced bore valves are more compact, lighter, and less expensive, and are suitable where a slight pressure drop is acceptable.

IP (Ingress Protection) rating defines an enclosure’s resistance to dust and water. For outdoor installations:

  • IP65 — dust-tight, protected against low-pressure water jets from any direction. Suitable for most outdoor above-ground installations.
  • IP67 — dust-tight, protected against temporary immersion in water. Suitable for installations that may be flooded or hosed down.
  • IP68 — dust-tight, protected against continuous immersion. Required for submerged installations.

Just Valves supplies pneumatic and electric actuators at IP67 as standard. ATEX-rated enclosures are also available for hazardous area (Zone 1 and Zone 2) installations.

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