Importance of Protecting Water and Gas Valves From Dirt and Debris 12/2014
Water and gas valves are one of the most important features of any city's infrastructure. While most city residents probably do not give them much thought, they help supply water and gas to homes and businesses and when they are not working you can be sure that the city government will hear about it. Water and gas valves need regular maintenance in order to keep functioning properly. But, water and gas valves are often located in sewers or underground and because of their location they tend to accumulate things like dirt, debris, grime, waste and more. When these things accumulate it is not only a dirty problem for utility workers to deal with while trying to do their jobs but it can also cause problems for pipes and valves.
The efficiency of pipes and valves can only be accomplished when lines are clear and free of debris and when the structure of the pipes and valves are intact. When this is not the case, problems arise. When dirt, debris and liquids accumulate around pipes and sit for an extended period of time corrosion can and often does occur. This is problematic because it causes needless damage that will necessitate that pipes and valves be repaired or replaced. But, beyond causing needless expense it could lead to a major problem should a gas or water line burst. Additionally, it is important to keep valves and pipes free of dirt and debris so that utility workers can more easily access the valves and pipes that need repair or routine maintenance. Utility workers are vital to the proper function of any city but most cities are also trying to cut their expenses. By reducing the amount of dirt and debris it will make it far easier for workers to access pipes which will streamline the work process and allow them to get their job done more quickly. Also, routine maintenance will be needed less frequently because there will be less dirt and debris risking corrosion to the pipes. In addition, accessing pipes and valves can be a slippery and dangerous job. By reducing necessary maintenance and keeping the areas more clean, it will allow utility workers to more safely do their job which will prevent on the job injuries. Many cities and municipalities have opted to install debris caps for these reasons. Debris caps keep pipes and valves clear of troublesome dirt and debris and are a cost-effective, good solution to solve the aforementioned problems. Additionally, many cities are choosing to require them going forward on new construction in order to stay up to date with the most current OSHA guidelines. For these reasons and more, consider installing debris caps on pipes and valves.