Why It Is Important to Protect Water and Gas Valves from Dirt
Valves are commonly found in homes, businesses, automobiles, watering systems, swimming pools, and on a wide variety of tools. There are water valves, gas valves, and valves for just about any other kind of fluid you might think of. In fact, within the human body there are multiple valves hard at work. This list of valves could be much longer. Even though we are surrounded by valves every day, most people aren’t even aware of the quietly working mechanism, until it stops working, that is!
The main task performed by water valves and all of the others is to regulate and direct the flow of the liquid which passes through it. Controlling the flow of liquid through simple or complex systems is often necessary for the efficiency of an entire working organization. The regulation is accomplished as the valves open and close. Sometimes the control of the liquid is lessened when the valve is only partly open and is still partially blocking the flow of the liquid.
Depending upon the installation and purpose of the valves, the actual use of the valve may happen in conjunction with other simple tools like handles, lever, or wheels. Other systems may become more complex requiring an actuator and other components because of the various tasks which the valve or system of valves are responsible for. While the tools are sometimes fairly basic and simple to use, it is very important that the levers are kept clean and free of dirt.
Why is this so important?
One important reason to keep water valves and all others clean is that a buildup of dirt, grit, or grime can cause the valves to corrode. This in turn could reduce the effectiveness of the valve until they are no longer able to control the flow of the passing liquid. Maybe at first this will mean a small leak which is difficult to detect. Over time the corroded valve might lead to the need for expensive repairs or even complete replacement.
The buildup of dirt or other materials can prevent the valve from working properly and will reduce the efficiency of the appliance or system which the valve is part of. If left undetected and unrepaired, the entire system may be exposed to damages which will require even more expensive repairs or a complete overhaul of the system.
Another very important reason to keep all of the gas or water valves clean is that anything that enters through the valve will end up going through the valve box and could wind up contaminating the liquid which is being processed.
As dirt and other foreign materials work their way onto or past the valves, they could end up forming layers of contaminant within the system affected by the valve. For example, when sediment passes through the valves of a hot water heater, it will collect at the bottom of the heater and can begin to cause discoloration of the hot water taps.
To ensure that your flow of water, gas, or other liquids remains steady and that the water valves through which the liquids pass are able to regulate that flow efficiently, you should take precautions to prevent dirt or anything else from passing through the valve or entering the system.