Ball Drip Valves

Ball Drip Valve for Fire Protection Systems

United Brass Works designed the Model 235 ball drip valve to help fire protection systems automatically drain residual water from piping. By installing this valve at the lowest point of a fire department connection (FDC), you can keep the line between the FDC and the first check valve dry—an important step in preventing freezing and water-related damage.

In colder environments, even a small amount of trapped water can lead to serious problems. The Model 235 helps prevent those issues by draining the line once pressure drops, protecting system components, and ensuring long-term performance. This compact, gravity-operated valve fits seamlessly into fire sprinkler and standpipe systems and requires little to no maintenance over its service life.

You’ll find the Model 235 in many code-compliant fire protection setups. Its simple, durable design and automatic operation make it a dependable solution for system designers and contractors looking for proven performance.

How the Ball Drip Valve Works

The ball drip valve uses gravity and pressure changes to operate. When the system is pressurized—during a fire event or routine hydrostatic testing—the internal stainless steel ball lifts and seals the drain opening. This keeps water in the system as needed.

Once pressure is removed, gravity causes the ball to fall away from the seat. Water then drains through the valve, removing any moisture trapped in the FDC piping. This automatic drainage prevents freezing, corrosion, and microbial buildup in areas that don’t see frequent flow.

Common Ball Drip Valve Applications

The Model 235 works best in fire protection systems that require consistent moisture drainage in exposed or low sections of piping, including:

• Fire department connections (FDCs)
• Standpipe systems
• Dry or pre-action sprinkler systems
• Piping layouts with low points prone to water accumulation

In each case, the valve functions as a passive safeguard that automatically opens when the system depressurizes. Opening helps prevent freezing, maintains system integrity, and supports NFPA code compliance. In colder climates or any facility with seasonal exposure, including this valve in your design adds an extra layer of protection.

Features of the Model 235 Ball Drip

United Brass Works manufactures the Model 235 with durability and reliability in mind. We use corrosion-resistant brass for the valve body and a stainless steel ball for consistent operation over time. The valve installs easily in tight system configurations and requires no power, springs, or moving parts beyond the internal ball. 

Key features include:-

• Brass Bar Stock – for long-lasting corrosion resistance
• Stainless steel ball for dependable performance
• Gravity-based design with no external power or controls
• Horizontal installation for optimal function
• Compact form factor for tight-space installation
• Minimal maintenance once installed

Installation Considerations

To ensure the Model 235 operates correctly, install it at the lowest accessible point and mount it horizontally to allow gravity to do its job. Vertical orientation will interfere with the ball’s ability to seat and unseat properly.

The discharge from the valve should lead to a safe and visible drainage location. This makes it easy to verify operation during inspections or testing and prevents water from accumulating in unwanted areas.

Minor leakage during hydrostatic testing or emergency pressurization is expected. The valve is not designed to be watertight under sustained pressure, and it should not serve as a primary sealing component.

Fire Protection Components That Perform

United Brass Works supplies fire protection professionals with precision-engineered system components, including the Model 235 ball drip valve. We machine and assemble our products in-house, giving us full control over quality, consistency, and lead times.