Understanding Valves: A Resource for Property, Facility, and Building Managers/Owners

For property/facility/building managers and or owners, overseeing a building’s maintenance can often feel like juggling multiple tasks at once. Amongst the more overlooked aspects of building management are the valves that control essential systems. When they function normally, they go unnoticed. But when they fail, they can lead to costly repairs and disruptions. 

At MechFlow, we understand the critical role valves play in the smooth operation of your property. Our guide provides essential information to help you: 

• Identify valve types: Recognise different valve types and their functions.
• Assess valve condition: Spot signs of wear, leaks, or malfunctions.
• Plan effective repairs: Determine the necessary steps to address valve issues efficiently.

By understanding your properties valves, you can better plan and manage repairs and maintenance, minimise downtime, and reduce costs.

While valves come in various shapes and sizes, each designed to perform a specific function within a system, the key six are gate valves, ball valves, butterfly valves, safety valves, three-port valves and check valves. These are likely the ones you, as a property / facilities / building manager and or owner, will have dealings with the most.

Gate valves are the most common type of valve found in heating, cooling and water systems. They control the flow of water by lowering a gate within the valve. When this gate is lifted, the valve allows water to flow through. When the gate is lowered, the valve completely shuts off the flow. 

Gate valves are often used in high-pressure systems that need to be fully open or closed, like water mains and fire systems. They can be found in basements, utility rooms or near the main water inlet to the building.

A ball valve is a quarter-turn valve that uses a pivoting sphere with a hole drilled through its centre. When the hole is in line with the flow direction, the valve opens. When the ball is turned 90 degrees, the valve closes completely. 

Ball valves are ideal for situations where quick shutoff is critical. They’re frequently used in plumbing systems because of their durability and quick, easy operation.

Butterfly valves are another type of quarter-turn valve that use a disc-shaped element to control flow. This disc, or “butterfly,” rotates within the valve body, either blocking or allowing the flow of fluid. When the butterfly is perpendicular to the flow, the valve is closed; when it’s parallel, the valve is open.

Butterfly valves are often used in larger systems due to their ability to handle high flow rates with minimal pressure drop. They are also relatively inexpensive and easy to maintain.

Safety valves are designed to protect equipment and systems from excessive pressure. When pressure exceeds a predetermined limit, the valve automatically opens to release excess fluid, preventing the system from failing.

Pressure reducing valves are a type of safety valve that regulates the downstream pressure of a fluid. They work by reducing the pressure of the fluid to a specific level. This is particularly useful in systems where high pressure could damage components or create safety hazards.

Three-port valves, as the name suggests, have three ports or connections. These valves are used to control the flow of fluid between two different sources or destinations. They can be used to mix fluids, divert flow, or isolate sections of a system.

There are several types of three-port valves, including mixing valves, diverting valves, and selector valves. Each type has its own specific function and application.

Check valves have one simple but vital function – to allow liquid to flow in only one direction. They automatically prevent backflow, which can protect systems from damage. For example, in a water system, a check valve can stop contaminated water from flowing back into clean water supplies.

They can be found in pump systems, near water heaters and in certain plumbing fixtures.

Need Assistance?

If you’re unsure about the type of valve you’re dealing with or have encountered a different type of valve and need support, our team at MechFlow is here to help. Sometimes, all it takes is a phone call to get the assistance you need. Contact us today on 0208 088 2444 for on-the-spot support with your valves.

Valves may be small components in your building’s overall infrastructure, but unplanned downtime can have a ripple effect, costing businesses up to £31,000 per year.

With preventative maintenance, you can identify valve issues early on to save costs later down the line.

At MechFlow, we believe in fixing, not replacing whenever possible. This approach ensures efficient and effective problem-solving, minimising downtime and disruptions for our clients.

By investing in preventive maintenance, businesses can save up to 12% on overall maintenance expenses every year.

During a maintenance check, our skilled technicians will thoroughly assess your valves, checking for smooth operation, signs of wear and tear, and any leaks. They will also inspect pipe runs and systems to determine isolation point suitability. This proactive approach helps prevent emergencies, saving you from the expense of a sudden valve failure.

Some valve issues are easy to spot, but others require a trained eye to diagnose. Faulty valves can lead to water damage and health and safety issues in commercial buildings, which may result in costly insurance claims or legal liabilities or a complete plant shutdown​. Staying vigilant, however, will address any issues before they escalate. 

Above all else, valve maintenance is key to avoiding costly interruptions. It reduces the high costs associated with emergency call-outs, and improves the energy efficiency of your building systems.

While regular maintenance can prevent multiple issues with valves, more complex challenges often require expert intervention. At MechFlow, our specialists are equipped to handle repairs and replacements beyond routine maintenance.

If a valve is too worn or damaged for simple repairs, replacement is usually necessary. In these cases, a specialist should handle the work. It might be tempting to ‘DIY’ it, but you may end up compromising the entire system.

When valves fail unexpectedly, fast action is crucial. A leaking valve can lead to damage and present a safety risk. In these cases, don’t hesitate to call a valve repair specialist from MechFlow who can quickly diagnose and fix the problem.

As buildings evolve, so do their mechanical systems – and valve technology is no exception. When upgrading your building’s plumbing system, a valve repair specialist can advise on the best options for your specific needs, making sure that new valves meet current regulatory standards.

At MechFlow, we understand the intricacies of different valve types and systems. We quickly identify the root of the problem, and provide effective solutions to ensure that your building systems run safely. 

Here’s why MechFlow is the right choice: 

• Time Saving – MechFlow engineers are specialists. We can diagnose and repair valve issues quickly to minimise downtime and disruption to your building. 
• Quality Assured – We only use high-quality parts and techniques to ensure that repairs last. Blending industry guidance with knowledge and expertise, we prolong the life of your valves and prevent future breakdowns.
• Compliant – We understand the regulatory requirements for your building. Any maintenance we oversee is compliant with local codes to help you avoid potential fines and legal issues.

Don’t let valve issues disrupt your property. Contact MechFlow today for reliable, expert valve repair and replacement services. Simply call us on 0208 088 2444.