The function of the isolation valve or isolator is really quite straightforward in its role. Should your kitchen tap develop a constant drip, the isolating valve allows you to just isolate the tap locally rather than having to completely isolate the whole house supply. A very handy bit of kit.The Valve:The valve itself houses a ball bearing, having a hole drilled through it. As the valve is operated, the ball bearing inside turns in line with the pipe, and allows the water to flow through. Turning the valve off has the opposite action of blocking the pipe, so stopping the water from flowing. The isolator requires very low maintenance and has only one internal part. 1). It can be operated with the use of a screwdriver that fits in a slot in the valve itself and can turn the internal bearing on (in line with the pipe) or off (90 to the pipe). Eltham Plumbers can fit isolating valves for any equipment.2). It can also be operated with a lever, and assumes the name of lever valve. The lever makes operation much easier. This lever valve is known as a full bore lever valve as it has a hole drilled in the internal ball bearing that is the same diameter as the pipework. These valves can be fitted in showers where a strong and uninhibited water is needed, and are also supplied in compression and push-fit styles mostly made plastic. An Eltham Plumber is trained to work with valves. Note:If a plastic version is used, this will normally result in the groove that is normally for a screwdriver operation being refitted with a small handle, as the groove is prone to being chewed with the constant use of the screwdriver for adjustment and the soft nature of the plastic. It is usually a good idea to avoid these types.