Save Money, Save Time: The Importance Of Property Valve Maintenance

Every detail matters when it comes to keeping your building systems running efficiently. But one key area that requires constant attention is valve maintenance. 

At MechFlow, we realise the importance of property valve maintenance. That’s why we’ve prepared this helpful guide, covering the potential risks of neglect and practical steps to keep your building systems running at their best.

Valves are crucial components in various building systems that control and regulate the flow of water, air and gas. Some of the most common types of valves used in commercial properties include – 

• Gate Valves – Primarily used to start or stop the flow of liquids and gases.
• Ball Valves – Known for their quick and reliable operation, used to shut off or regulate flow.
• Check Valves – Prevent backflow by allowing fluid to flow in only one direction.
• Pressure Relief Valves – Release excess pressure to prevent system damage.

While these valves might seem insignificant in comparison to the larger systems they control, they’re essential for ensuring your building’s infrastructure runs efficiently and safely. For a more in-depth understanding of valves, check out our guide on understanding valves.

Neglecting valve maintenance can have serious and expensive consequences for your property. It can lead to water damage, energy inefficiency, operational disruptions and safety risks for your tenants.

Valves that are not regularly maintained can fail, leading to leaks. These leaks can cause extensive water damage, resulting in yearly claims totalling £573 million in the UK alone. Leaks can also damage walls, floors and equipment, leading to long-term structural issues for your building and safety issues for your tenants.

A malfunctioning valve can result in inefficient water or air flow, which impacts the performance of heating and cooling systems. This inefficiency can lead to higher energy consumption and ultimately increased utility costs, by up to 30% annually.

Valves control key systems like plumbing, heating and air conditioning, meaning any failure can disrupt your building’s operations. For tenants, this might mean discomfort or lack of water supply. For you, it could mean expensive downtime while repairs are carried out.

Faulty valves pose significant health and safety risks. Leaking water or gas can lead to hazardous conditions, such as mold growth, fire hazards and slip-and-fall accidents. In fact, slip, trip and fall accidents account for over 200 fatalities each year in the UK, many of which could be prevented by maintaining building systems.

Preventative valve maintenance isn’t just about avoiding emergencies – it’s about creating a proactive approach to building management that ensures smooth operations and long-term cost efficiency. Here are some of those benefits in more detail. 

The biggest benefit of preventative valve maintenance is the money it saves you. According to BESA, it’s up to 12 times cheaper than dealing with emergency repairs! Regular inspections help you spot and fix small problems before they turn into costly disasters, keeping your systems running smoothly and avoiding unexpected downtime.

Well-maintained valves can increase overall efficiency and improve system reliability. In heating systems, for example, a properly functioning valve helps ensure energy is used effectively, which means lower heating bills and fewer unexpected breakdowns or maintenance issues.

Preventative valve maintenance also extends the lifespan of your building systems. Just like any other piece of equipment, valves experience wear and tear over time. Regular checks and care prevent premature failure and ensure that components are replaced or repaired before they cause bigger issues.

At MechFlow, we believe in fixing, not replacing wherever possible. However, there are times when replacement may be the smarter choice for long-term reliability. 

Here are four key factors to consider before you make your choice between repair and replacement.

1. Assess The Damage – Before making any decisions, it’s important to assess the valve’s condition. If the damage is minimal, repairs may suffice. However, if the valve is significantly worn or damaged, replacement may be the more cost-effective maintenance option in the long term.
2. Consider The Age Of The Valve – Older valves, particularly those that have been in place for decades, may be more prone to failure. If you’re dealing with older equipment, replacement might be a better investment than ongoing repairs.
3. Cost-Benefit Analysis – Consider the costs of repairing the valve versus replacing it. While repairs might seem cheaper upfront, they can become a recurring expense. On the other hand, replacing a valve may involve higher initial costs but could result in lower maintenance costs and fewer repairs over time.

Consult With A Professional – Finally, always seek advice from a professional like MechFlow to ensure you’re making the right choice. A qualified technician can help assess the valve’s condition and recommend whether repair or replacement is the best solution. For more information, see our guide to repairing vs. replacing valves.

We know that preventative maintenance can be a game-changer. However, to fully reap its benefits, you must plan for it effectively. Fail to do so, and you might need to opt for replacement after all.

Conduct regular visual inspections to spot signs of wear and tear early, such as leaks, unusual noise or signs of rust. These regular checks allow you to identify problems before they escalate into costly repairs.

Keeping valves lubricated will prevent wear. Neglecting this step can lead to stiff or stuck valves, which can cause system failure or reduced efficiency.

Loose valve components can affect performance and lead to further damage. Tightening these parts regularly ensures that the valve operates efficiently and safely.

Over time, parts like seals and gaskets wear out. Regularly replacing worn-out components ensures the valve continues to function properly, reducing the risk of failure.

With a preventive maintenance plan in place, it’s time to budget for it. Remember, the longer you delay maintenance, the higher the risk of costly emergency repairs. 

1. Create A Cost-Effective Maintenance Budget – Set aside part of your property management budget for valve maintenance to keep your systems running smoothly. By planning for annual inspections, repairs and replacements, you can avoid unexpected, costly emergencies. It also gives you the chance to schedule upgrades or replacements before anything breaks down, ensuring your building stays efficient and trouble-free.
2. Prioritise Maintenance Tasks – Not all valves need the same level of maintenance. Some are essential to the building’s operation, while others are less critical. Focus on prioritising maintenance tasks based on importance. For instance, valves that control heating or water supply should be checked more often than those serving less vital systems. 

Follow these two key steps, and you’ll be well on your way to maintaining a reliable, efficient building system while avoiding unexpected costs!

Finally, to get the most out of your building valve maintenance plan, it’s essential that you choose the right provider. At MechFlow, we come with over 72 years of combined expertise in ensuring your building systems run efficiently and reliably. 

We follow the motto ‘Fix, Don’t Replace’. Where it’s common for service providers to recommend unnecessary and costly replacements, we’ll only do so if a fix isn’t possible.

We’ll never push for unnecessary services. Instead, you can trust in us to deliver honest assessments and the right solution to help minimise your building’s downtime.

And we look at your building holistically to propose helpful solutions that will save both time and money in the long run. 

By investing in preventative valve maintenance, you’re not only saving money, but you’re also safeguarding your property’s future. Call MechFlow today on 0208 088 2444 to arrange a consultation. Or, visit our website to learn more about our valve, isolation and pump services.