Cities and municipalities worldwide realize the importance of quick accessibility to water valves and hydrants in the event of water contamination or water line breaks. Accessibility is necessary to quickly shut off water valves and stop the flow of water to main supply lines.

Many water valve boxes are filled with compacted dirt and spoil, which can take up to several hours to clean by hand. In emergency situations, time is of the essence, thus many cities have been prompted to exercise their water valves at least once a year to make them readily accessibile. Similarly, the need has arisen to flush water hydrants to determine if they are working properly, as well as flush out the system on an annual basis.

Vacuum locate underground utilities

Many municipalities and government agencies no longer rely on the paint marks and by now require all contractors to either hand digÄor vacuum excavate the utility, not allowing a backhoe to perform this task. Because a backhoe, will in a large percentage of the time, damage the utility anyway.

The Flowmaster 350 Series of vacuum excavation systems can be used to hydraulically exercise water valves and hydrants, making sure they will work properly in times of need. Compact in size, the Flowmaster unit can be easily transported to locations close in proximity to water valves and hydrants.

To exercise valves, debris is first removed using a vacuum and a high pressure washer to clean the valve box. The Flowmaster¹s hydraulic arm then senses the torque and rotations needed for operation as it exercises the valve by spinning it open and closed.

Hydrants are exercised in the same fashion, and the FM150 is equipped with a water diffuser to avoid erosion or damage to property.