FAQs
Q. What are the costs of clogged valves?
A. Debris-clogged valves interfere with the ability to shut off water. This often requires workers to shut off water to more homes and businesses than necessary because accessible valves are located far from the actual incident. Factoring in human resources, equipment, and parts, it can cost thousands of dollars and take hours to clear out the riser and shut off the water. For water main breaks, uncontrolled water has the potential to damage property and generate negative publicity.
Q. How does ValveShield work?
A. ValveShield prevents debris from accumulating in valve casting risers by trapping debris in its filter. As drainage water and debris enter the riser, the filter captures particles down to .02 microns with a 98.7 percent capture rate.
Q. Can ValveShield be used in winter?
A. Yes. ValveShield allows drainage water to flow through, preventing the valve lid from freezing due to water trapped above the frost line.
Q. How can I be sure ValveShield really works?
A. In field trials, ValveShield’s patent-pending design trapped 98.7 percent of all debris that entered the castings. The testing durations included repeated freeze/thaw cycles, frozen and non-frozen conditions. In laboratory analysis, the nylon welded filter withstood loading of 11.2 pounds of wet debris (sand, silt mixture) with ease and without separation from the shield.
In addition to testing, we are happy to send you a free ValveShield upon request so that you can test it for yourself. <Include link to free ValveShield>
Q. I work for a city water department and would like to order ValveShields but we have a specific procurement process we must go through. Can you work with us?
A. Absolutely. The majority of our customers are municipalities. We understand these processes and are happy to accommodate your needs. Please call us directly at 1-866-VALVE80 to discuss.
Q. Is ValveShield designed to be used on new or existing valves?
A. You can use ValveShield on both. We recommend installing ValveShield on:
All new installs to assure that nothing will prevent the valves’ use in perpetuity. Valves in process of installation will no longer need the “Clean valve box out and reset” comment on the inspection punch list.
All designated critical valve installations and stand pipe valving to ensure reliability and performance.
All existing valves regardless of their condition. ValveShield will stop all future debris and sediment from entering the casting, thus keeping the valve’s condition.
Q. Can ValveShield be used with color-coded labels or QR codes?
A. Yes. ValveShields come with translucent color-coded and clear handle covers that snap onto the handle and protect any labels, RFID, or QR code tag identifiers you may have. Color-coded handles can be proprietary of the water system using the ValveShield and can be used for many identifiers such as pressure zones, valves closed, under maintenance, record keeping and
CRITICAL VALVE identification. We recommend using our clear handle cover to protect RFID identifiers, QR codes, or labels.
Q. Why use RFID or QR codes with ValveShield?
Using labels, RFID, or QR codes help maintenance crews understand which valve they’re shutting down. GIS database integration allows pertinent information such as location, size, turns to close, and date of service to be field-accessed via a tablet or smartphone.