Valve exercising programs
Keep your system operable before you need it in an emergency.
We run Wachs valve maintenance equipment and offer yearly contracts for utilities and municipalities. Records of each valve can be provided for your files.
The equipment we use is industry leading. It runs on hydraulic power, but that power is controlled. Torque values are preset, so the machine stops before it can break a valve.
Why a contract?
- Scheduled, predictable maintenance
- Fewer surprises during main breaks
- Documented valve condition and location
How we protect your valves
Some people hear “hydraulic” and picture a machine that breaks things. This is how it really works.
We clean the valve box first
We clean out the valve box with a Wachs Trav-L-Vac vacuum unit, removing mud and gravel, so the operating nut is clear and we can see what we are working on.
Torque is preset
The torque limit is set on the controller before we start. When the machine reaches it, it stops or backs off. It does not keep pushing.
Gentle start, small steps
We begin at low torque and only raise it in small steps if the valve will not turn.
Controlled, not brute force
The power source is hydraulic, but an operator is in control the whole time, watching torque and turns.
We count the turns
Counting turns tells us when a valve is fully open or fully closed, so we never force it past its stop.
You get the records
Torque, turns, and condition are logged for each valve as we exercise it, and the records are given to you for your files.