How to Maintain and Repair Valves

The key in directing fluid or air through tubing or pipes, valves are extremely important when it comes to keeping operations in your industry up and running. However, many people tend to overlook them until something goes wrong and a problem occurs – which can lead to shut downs, money loss, and decreased business relations as trust can be affected. To avoid these problems, it’s important to make sure you are maintaining your valves and repairing them where necessary.

Knowing how to maintain and repair valves in your pipe system can seem like a daunting task, but rest assured that our team at Seal Team Systems are here to help! Our experts provide a range of leak sealing and maintenance services and have come together to create this helpful article, outlining everything you need to know about maintaining and repairing your valves to keep them running smoothly for years to come. To find out more, keep reading below!

There are many reasons why your valves may begin to break down, and one such reason is improper installation. Whether you do it yourself or you outsource this task to professionals, it’s imperative that your valve is properly fitted to reduce the need for ongoing maintenance during its lifetime. Some things to keep in mind when installing include: 

Capabilities: Be mindful of the operating parameters and capabilities of the system, never place a valve into a system where the temperature or pressure exceeds the valve ratings. 

Fixed Location: Valves should be mounted to a secure and fixed location to provide adequate support and minimise the vibration of the valve component inside piping or tubing. 

Follow Instructions: Manufacturers create detailed instructions for a reason, and following them during installation is essential for correctly fitting your valve and prolonging its lifespan. 

Check it Works: After being fitted, make sure your valve is properly orientated and there are no leaks, so you know you have the life of your valve off to a strong start. 

Reduce Contaminants: By adding filters to your pipes fluid system you remove any particles that may affect the proper operation of your valve, reducing the need for repair or replacement. 

By regularly checking and examining your valves, you can catch any issues before they become seriously detrimental to your operations. This is especially important for valves that are subject to more stress – such as extreme temperature or pressure – where they should be monitored even closer. 

The valve enclosure should be properly ventilated and all nuts, bolts, and hardware securely fastened. Check for jamming by opening and closing the valves as often as you reasonably can and any discoveries of leaks should be reported and fixed immediately, whether this is jamming, or an issue with the valve bonnet.

One of the cheapest but most overlooked parts of valve maintenance is making sure the components in the valve are properly lubricated. This is to prolong the lifespan of your valve by reducing abrasion and allowing them to function as they should. No matter what you have running through pipelines or tubing, there is also a risk of debris clogging the valve. Keeping it well lubricated means that the debris can come loose and flush away naturally. 

Additionally, lubricating your valve means that all components move as they should without sticking or stuttering, which can slow down the flow of the pipes and contribute towards breakdowns. 

When you catch a specific problem with your valve, it’s important to make sure that the appropriate repairs take place before they can develop into larger and more expensive problems.

For example, one component may break down and require a replacement which can be relatively cheap and easy to do, but if left alone this broken component could impact other areas of the valve and lead to the need to replace the whole thing.  Repairing and refurbishing your valve is a relatively quick process, and there is little to no need for shut down if you go to a professional company for assistance. For valve supply and refurbishment information, get in touch with Seal Team Systems today! 

Worried about your valve breaking down? Or are you looking for more information about maintenance? Whatever you need, Seal Team Systems is here to help! For professional advice, guidance, and information, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us today! We offer a range of services, from 24/7 online leak sealing, to hot tapping and valve servicing, so we’re experts when it comes to offering maintenance and repairs for your valves!