Frequently Asked Questions

Plumbing valves are commonly made from brass (copper-zinc) alloys. For potable water, these must be lead-free — like dahl’s ECO brass. Older, free-machining 360 brass has higher lead content and is now limited to non-potable use. Generally, dahl manufactures in lead-free ECO brass.

dahl switched to lead-free ECO brass to meet North American drinking-water standards. Under NSF/ANSI/CAN 372 and the Safe Drinking Water Act, 360 brass has a higher lead content that’s no longer acceptable for potable water. In dahl’s mini-ball^TM part-number system, lead-free valves use a leading 5 or 6 while any remaining 360-brass valves are for non-potable use only.

Dezincification is the corrosion process where zinc leaches out of a brass alloy — particularly in soft, acidic, or chloride water — leaving weak, porous copper-rich metal that can fail. It’s driven by water chemistry and by using lower-grade, dezincification-prone alloys, typically high-zinc brasses, above ~15% zinc. dahl’s premium lead-free ECO brass is formulated to resist it.

Lead-free shut-off valves for potable water should carry certification to NSF/ANSI 61 and NSF/ANSI 372, from a recognized body such as CSA, IAPMO, or NSF. dahl valves carry CSA and IAPMO certification. Certain products carry NSF certification (Drop Ears). We recommend confirming the listing against your project specifications.

Model plumbing codes including IPC, UPC, IRC generally require an individual, accessible shutoff valve on the supply to every fixture except bathtubs and showers. Accessible means it can be reached and operated without removing or cutting into permanent construction. 

Requirements for material (lead-free for potable use) and valve type can vary by jurisdiction and by local amendments, so always confirm against your local code before finalizing a spec.

A transferable warranty stays with the installation even if the property is sold or changes hands, meaning coverage isn’t tied to the original purchaser. dahl’s Limited Lifetime Warranty on its mini-ball™ valves, fittings, and globe stops is transferable and guaranteed for the life of the installation.

dahl’s Limited Lifetime Warranty covers mini-ball™ valves, ball valves, fittings, and globe stops for the life of the installation, and it’s transferable if the property is sold. If a defect occurs that was caused by workmanship or materials at the time of original manufacture, dahl will replace the product with one of like quality, grade, and function, pay up to $50 in labor charges for the replacement, and cover mailing costs to send the replacement product. It does not cover failures from improper installation, modification, or misuse. Our Dedicated Warranty Administrator responds to warranty questions and claims. See our Warranty Information page for full terms.

Disassembling or modifying a valve can void the factory warranty. dahl mini-ball™ valves are factory-assembled, tested, and certified as complete units and are not designed to be taken apart, so removing the handle or altering the valve voids coverage. However, dahl globe valves are designed to be serviced with genuine replacement assemblies. When in doubt, contact dahl before disassembling any valve.

To file a warranty replacement claim, contact dahl’s customer service team or your manufacturer’s rep with the product details, part number if available, and a description or photos of the issue. dahl will assess and process a replacement or repair part. You can also visit our warranty page to make a claim.

dahl makes quarter-turn ball valves (mini-ball™ and full-port) for fast on/off isolation. dahl does not make gate valves. For inline isolation, dahl’s ball valves are the applicable product; the choice between valve types depends on the application.

Plumbers still favor compression in many applications because it’s a dry, serviceable mechanical joint that needs no torch, no solder, and no sealant — and it can be re-made if needed. dahl offers a full range of copper and PEX compression valves, which is especially handy where heat can’t be used near finishes.

dahl manufactures valves for: 

• Plumbing systems
• Hydronic heating systems with up to a 50/50 water/glycol mix

Note: dahl’s heavy pattern globe radiator valves are NOT suitable for one pipe steam systems. Without a drain in the seat, this type of valve does not allow for proper drainage of condensate.

dahl valves are NOT designed for use with:

• Gas 
• Air
• Fuel or petroleum products

The certifications and listings for valves used on gas, air, and fuel or petroleum systems are different from those for valves used for water. Fuels or petroleum-based substances are not compatible with seal materials.

 dahl does NOT offer:

• Gate valves
• Butterfly valves
• Check valves
• Foot valves
• Needle valves
• Diverter valves
• Zone valves
• Control valves
• Pressure relief valves
• Frost-free hydrants
• Valves with flange connections
• Mixing valves
• Industrial valves
• Pneumatic valves
• Valves for gas
• Dielectric unions
• Sillcocks with mounting flanges (but we do offer a wide variety of hose bibbs)
• Stainless steel strapping
• Stainless steel valves

dahl valves can be purchased in-store and online through wholesalers and retailers. See where to buy dahl valves here.

A list of our manufacturers’ representatives for Canada and the US can be found here and in our catalog.

Distributors must set up an account with dahl to receive net pricing. If you are a distributor and want to obtain pricing on dahl products, please contact us.

Yes. Please visit our documents library to download submittal sheets.