What are the advantages of using the FlowMaster to service water valves?
First, you can use the vacuum system to remove debris from the water valve box to
quickly access the water valve. Secondly, exercising a water valve often requires opening and
closing a valve five times or more. On a 6" valve this would equate to a total of 190
revolutions; which by hand would take forever, by using the exerciser the job can be done
in as little as five minutes. This means more productivity and less stress on the employee.
Can a water valve be broken while being exercised?
Yes, a water valve can be broken while being exercised by hand or using hydraulics;
however when hydraulics are used properly by limiting the torque pressure you put on the
valve and not over stressing the valve, hydraulics are safer. Limiting the torque pressure is
done by watching the PSI gauge and not exceeding 1,000-1,200 PSI. When the gauge registers
1,000 PSI or higher simply stop and turn the valve the other way. This prevents over stressing
the valve and helps to break up rust and lime deposits that accumulate on the inner workings
of the valve.
Who is a customer for the FlowMaster?
Cities, Counties, Water Districts, State Water Entities and any Sub Contractor
that works within these Departments.
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Are there regulations mandating that water valves and hydrants be exercised regularly?
At the present only a handful of states mandate that water valves be exercised
regularly, however it is strongly recommended by Homeland Security that all cities begin
a valve maintenance program so that in the event of an attack on our water system the
contamination could be contained by shutting down the system. Without regular checks
of the valve box and valve to ensure access and proper workings of the valve it would
be difficult at best to ensure quick response. Many cities have already started their own
valve exercising program.
It is mandated that all fire hydrants be check once a year to ensure the equipment will
work properly when needed and to flush the systems of excess chlorine and sediment.
Is the FlowMaster a one purpose machine (valve exerciser)?
The FlowMaster can also be used to locate underground utilities, clean storm drains,
cleanup spills and drilling mud, as well as other jobs performed by wet/dry vacuum systems.
This makes it one of the most versatile machines on the market today. |
