Why Pipes and Valves Must Be Protected From Dirt, Debris & Damage 07/2015
Throughout our cities pipes and valves run in an underground network to supply things like water and gas to homes and businesses. These pipes and valves keep our day to day lives running as they should but they also have to be well maintained to do so. Because of the nature of where pipes and valves exist - primarily underground, there is a big risk of damage from the elements. No matter how hard we try to keep them away from dirt, water and debris, because of varying weather conditions, they are inevitable. As weather happens, cars drive by, people walk and more, a lot of dirt and debris gets scattered around and has to find a place to settle. If pipes and valves are left open and unsecured dirt, debris, rain, snow, salt and more can settle into pipes and slowly, but surely, corrode pipes. As pipes corrode it can lead to major problems like a burst water main or a gas leak. These things are major concerns for citizen safety and the safety of city structures. Protecting pipes and valves from corrosion is a daunting task for utility company employees because to go around often enough to each pipe and valve and clean them out as well as properly service them would be an impossible task to complete regularly. Additionally, it would be a significant waste of resources to have to pay employees to do such a time consuming, painstaking task when it is easily avoidable. While regular maintenance of pipes and valves will never be eliminated, the time it takes and risk of pipe corrosion can be greatly reduced by utilizing debris caps.
Debris caps are quickly and easily installed over pipes and valves. There are various sizes available as well as color coding systems that are completely customizable. Once installed, debris caps prevent dirt and debris from enter pipes and valves and prevent damage from occurring. Additionally, debris caps make locating buried caps much easier and accessing pipes and valves for maintenance or in the event of an emergency a breeze. Debris caps may be an investment up front but in the grand scheme of things it is quite minimal and will pay for itself in no time. Because debris caps prevent dirt and debris from getting caught in pipes and valves utility worker time on the job will be much more efficient, saving a significant amount of money. Also, debris caps will prevent corrosion which will mean less pipes and valves need to be replaced and the risk of costly damage from a burst pipe will be mitigated.