Waterworx Valve exercising equipment is a fully automated system which applys minimal torque to free stuck and neglected valves without the risk of traditional methods. With GIS being incorporated we give you the ability capture and record critical information on the health of your valves.

Implementing a valve management program to reduce the number of non-working valves in the system has a direct effect on the reliability of your system. The reliability of a water distribution system is measured by its ability to deliver a satisfactory level of service. Reliability is knowing the system is working correctly.

Working valves are critical components of a reliable water system. Valves are also an important component for providing reliability in the system. When there is a source of water leakage, valves are used to isolate the leak, or to make changes in the system to minimise scheduled service interruptions. In situations where water is flowing outside the pipes, the ability to identify, locate and operate the least amount of valves allows for isolation of the smallest area.

It is usually when a problem occurs which requires valve interaction when the water companies realise that the valve was:

• Un-locatable
• Inaccessible
• Inoperable with available equipment
• Broken

This reactive method can result in a variety of problems from longer than necessary service interruptions to major issues caused by uncontrollable water leakage. The financial implications can be significant. Using a preventive maintenance program can reduce your long term costs in a number of ways:

• Reduced labour costs
• Reduced water loss through leak run time
• Expensive valve replacements

Another positive outcome of a systematic valve maintenance program is the development of files or a computerised data base containing all the necessary information on each valve, as well as a map.

The benefits from the Valve Maintenance and Exercising Program are:

• Accurate records of valve location, rotation
• Protection of community and utility investments with extended valve life
• Eventual reduction in labour
• Controlled valve repair which can be done in non-critical periods
• Immediate isolation of main breaks affecting as few customers as possible
• Confidence in the system.

Another positive outcome of a systematic valve maintenance program is the development of files or a computerised data base containing all the necessary information on each valve, as well as a map.

No matter what kinds of valves are installed in a system, all of them need to be operated periodically. Valves in a distribution system are too important to be allowed to sit idle with no maintenance for a number of years. This almost guarantees that they will be inoperable when needed.

A practical valve maintenance program can be designed for initial implementation at a low cost and will ultimately result in cost savings for the water system and more reliable service for its customers.