Chrome Iso Valve, Flat Face

A 

flat face isolating valve is a specific type of plumbing valve used to stop the flow of water to a particular fixture or section of pipework, primarily for maintenance, repair, or safety purposes. Its key feature is a flat-faced male or female thread connectionthat is specifically designed to create a secure, leak-resistant seal with the rubber washer/gasket found on modern flexible tap connectors (flexi-hoses), preventing damage to the washer and ensuring a tight fit. 

Key Functions and Applications

• Water Isolation: The primary function is to provide an easy and reliable way to shut off the water supply to specific appliances or outlets (e.g., taps, toilets, washing machines, dishwashers) without needing to turn off the main water supply to the entire building.
• Maintenance and Repairs: It simplifies plumbing jobs, such as changing a tap or repairing a leak, by allowing work to be done on an isolated section of the system without affecting the rest of the water services.
• Preventing Leaks: The flat-faced design protects the rubber seal of flexible connectors from being cut or damaged, which is a common problem with traditional, non-flat-faced valves that have sharper edges. This design enhances the reliability and safety of the connection.
• Ease of Use: These valves are typically operated using a simple mechanism, often a screwdriver slot or a small lever, requiring only a quarter or half turn to open or close the flow. 

In essence, the "flat face" feature refers to a design adaptation that makes the standard isolation valve perfectly compatible with modern monobloc tap flexible connectors, ensuring a reliable, leak-free installation.