Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a ball valve?

A ball valve is designed for quick on/off control with minimal pressure drop, making it an efficient choice in many plumbing applications. The mechanism operates by rotating a hollowed-out sphere (the ball) within the valve, allowing for a swift opening and closing action. This design contributes to its quick operational mechanism, which is one of its defining characteristics.

In terms of flow control, ball valves also perform well, particularly in applications where full flow or shut-off is needed. However, they are not designed for high resistance to flow when throttled. When trying to control flow by partially opening a ball valve (throttling), it can create turbulence and significantly increases resistance, making it less effective for controlling flow in that manner.

Additionally, ball valves require minimal maintenance because they have fewer parts that can wear out and because their design helps prevent buildup that can lead to leaks. Thus, they tend to operate effectively with little upkeep.

Understanding these characteristics helps distinguish the functional capabilities of ball valves in comparison to other valve types.