There are four basic types of valve installation:
- Pipe installation in which the valves are "suspended" in the pipe. This type is rarely used in hydraulics these days.
- Manifold mounting in which the valve is mounted on a manifold that contains all the necessary ports such that it is possible to replace a valve without dismantling the pipe. The manifolds may also be suitable for stacking.
- Plug-in designs for installation in control blocks.
- sandwich plate valve designs for pressure valves and check valves permit mounting between directional valve and mounting subplate or block.