Common Questions About Automatic Control Valves

Automatic control valves are often viewed as simple pieces of equipment. They open, close, or modulate to control water pressure, flow, level, or pumps. Automatic control valves are found all over the world in varying areas such as irrigation, fire protection, aviation, building trades, and waterworks distribution systems to name a few. We install them in unseen or inconspicuous locations underground, on rooftops, inside buildings, and in remote locations. As control valves are often unseen or in remote locations, how do crews know when something is wrong before it causes a bigger problem?  What can they do to prevent or reduce the risk?

There are many operational issues one faces when dealing with a control valve. This Q and A is to help answer some of the common questions we receive in the training and applications department at Mueller Water Products.