It is widely believe that automatic balancing valves are superior to the manual types by the ease of set up and long term operation. Although manual control valve suppliers offer their products at a lower purchasing price, these systems require skilled technicians and experienced workman to adjust and balance the system.  This is certainly a cost that can be avoided by using the automatic flow control valves.

However, even automatic flow control valves are not immune to malfunction.  These valves do encounter clogging problems just like any other valve which could render them inoperable.  This is a function of the impurities and foreign objects that make their way into the water supply be it a hot water heater or a cooling and heating system.  These objects will prevent the proper performance of the valve’s intended function.  Therefore, automatic balancing valve suppliers and manufacturers have incorporated different mechanisms to keep these objects from impeding the proper operation.

Valve manufacturers and specifically, ball and strainer valve suppliers, employ different techniques and designs to address this problem. A common remedy is to use a built in strainer or filter that can be accessed through a plug.  This way, the strainer can be cleaned and replaced without having to remove the valve from the system.