what is the proper type water valve that is the main shut off in a house

The first valve inside of a house after it comes in through the foundation. Is a gate valve the right one or which one?
either a gate or ball valve you could use a globe but it will restrict
flow some what i prefer ball as they are quicker to shut off in a
emergency.
Years ago it would have been a gate valve. Now, ball valves are used
since they last longer without leaking and do not get clogged up and
made unable to close properly.
Use a Ball Valve designed for water. They usually have a blue handle. Gate valves tend to leak and get stuck.
From the original1gatevalve
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