Ball Float Valve

A ball float valve is the inlet control that regulates water level inside a tank. Simple in principle, critical in practice. Specify the wrong one, or source it separately without accounting for certification, and you end up with a compliant tank fitted with a non-compliant valve. Franklin Hodge can supply ball float valves as part of the tank package, approved to the right standard for the application.

Can Franklin Hodge Tanks Be Supplied with Inlet Control Ball Float Valves? 

Yes, Franklin Hodge tanks can be supplied with inlet control ball float valves, either LPCB or WRAS approved. The approval route depends on what the tank is being used for: LPCB for fire protection systems, WRAS for drinking water and other potable applications. 

This matters because both fire protection and drinking water storage are governed by certification standards that cover the whole system, not just the tank body. A WRAS-approved Liquistore® fitted with a non-WRAS inlet valve fails compliance. A Firestore® used in an LPCB-certified sprinkler installation needs an LPCB-approved valve on the inlet side to keep the certification intact.

LPCB or WRAS Approved Ball Float Valves 

The choice comes down to what the tank is doing. 

LPCB-approved ball float valves are used on our fire protection tanks, including the Firestore® and Firetainer® ranges. LPCB approval covers the valve against Loss Prevention Standards for fire protection applications, keeping the whole system certification clean. 

WRAS-approved ball float valves are used on our drinking water tanks, including the WRAS-approved Liquistore®. WRAS approval confirms the valve meets UK water fittings regulations for potable water contact. 

Both perform the same core function, regulating inlet flow to maintain water level, but the certification path is what determines which one your project needs.

Industrial Ball Float Valve Specification 

For commercial and industrial projects, an off-the-shelf domestic ball float valve won’t cut it. Flow rates, pressure tolerances, material compatibility, and certification requirements are all different at industrial scale. Franklin Hodge specifies valves sized and rated for the tank they’re fitted to, so the inlet performance matches the rest of the system. 

The valve is supplied, fitted, and tested as part of the tank installation, removing the compatibility risk that comes with sourcing components from separate suppliers.

Ball Float Valves as Part of Your Franklin Hodge Tank 

Inlet control ball float valves sit within a wider control set supplied with every tank we manufacture. Related controls include level switches, contents gauges, drain valves, and overflow fittings, all specified to work together. Replacement parts are available through our spare parts service for existing Franklin Hodge installations.

Speak to Franklin Hodge About Ball Float Valves 

Whether you’re specifying a new tank, replacing an existing valve, or confirming compliance on an installed system, our team can advise on the right ball float valve for your application. Franklin Hodge can supply LPCB or WRAS approved inlet controls as part of the tank package, so you’re not left bolting certified components from separate suppliers onto a compliant system. Request a quote and we’ll get back to you.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Are Franklin Hodge ball float valves approved?  

Yes, our inlet control ball float valves can be supplied with either LPCB or WRAS approval depending on the tank application. 

Which tanks use LPCB-approved ball float valves?  

Our fire protection tanks, including the Firestore® and Firetainer® ranges, are specified with LPCB-approved inlet control ball float valves. 

Which tanks use WRAS-approved ball float valves?  

Our WRAS-approved Liquistore® drinking water tanks are fitted with WRAS-approved ball float valves to meet UK potable water regulations. 

Are ball float valves supplied with the tank or ordered separately?  

Inlet control ball float valves can be supplied as part of the tank package, specified and fitted by Franklin Hodge at manufacture. 

Can replacement ball float valves be supplied for existing Franklin Hodge tanks?  

Yes, replacement valves are available through our spare parts service for any Franklin Hodge tank installation.