District Maintains Water Service During Critical Infrastructure Upgrade With AVT EZ Valve Technology

First Use of Insertion Valve Technology Enables Live Water Main Connection Without Disrupting Residents

Rocky Hill, CT,- The Star Sewer and Water District in Idaho has successfully completed a critical water infrastructure upgrade using AVT's EZ Valve insertion valve technology, allowing crews to install a new water line connection without interrupting service to existing customers.

The project marks the district’s first use of insertion valve technology and demonstrates how innovative solutions can help utilities expand and improve networks while avoiding the operational and customer impacts associated with traditional water main shutdowns.

Faced with the need to connect a new line to an existing 10-inch C900 water main, district officials encountered a significant challenge. The planned tie-in location was situated between two existing isolation valves, leaving no practical way to isolate the section of pipe without shutting down water service to residents.

Working in partnership with Ferguson Waterworks and AVT, the district identified the AVT EZ Valve as an effective solution. The patented insertion valve can be installed directly onto a live water main under pressure, enabling utilities to create a new isolation point while keeping the system fully operational.

Ferguson Waterworks' Municipal Sales Team introduced the district to AVT's insertion valve technology and worked closely with AVT engineers to support the project from planning through to installation. AVT provided technical guidance, references from neighboring municipalities already using the technology, and documentation confirming compliance with Build America, Buy America (BABA) requirements.

The selected solution was a 10-inch BABA-compliant AVT EZ Valve installed directly onto the live water main.

Unlike traditional approaches that often require multiple excavations and system shutdowns, the AVT EZ Valve establishes a permanent control point through a single excavation while the pipeline remains in service. The technology is designed for use on a variety of common pipe materials and provides municipalities with new flexibility when managing aging or expanding infrastructure.

Installation was performed by Spencer Stone of Curb Box Specialist, an AVT-certified installer serving communities throughout the Northwestern United States.

District staff remained on-site during the installation and observed the process firsthand. According to project participants, the simplicity and speed of the installation exceeded expectations, with the new valve commissioned and operational in just a matter of hours.

Following the successful completion of the project, district officials expressed confidence in the technology and indicated they would have no hesitation in utilizing AVT EZ Valves on future infrastructure improvements.

The success of the installation has already led to additional deployment within the district’s water system. An 8-inch AVT EZ Valve has since been installed at another location, and discussions are underway regarding the inclusion of AVT insertion valve technology as a preferred specification within future City standards.

AVT and Henkel’s Water and Civil Infrastructure Group

Henkel’s Water and Civil Infrastructure group was established to tackle the rapidly growing global challenge of aging infrastructure and to address some of the most complex issues facing the water industry today.

Henkel’s water industry solutions are provided by Advanced Valve Technologies (AVT), GeoTree, Fyfe, LifeLast, Stopaq, Polyken, Canusa, Covalence and Powercrete.

As water networks around the world continue to deteriorate, utilities and industrial operators are increasingly seeking reliable, long term solutions that minimise downtime, reduce risk, and extend the life of critical assets.

With decades of hands on experience and a deep understanding of water industry environments, the Henkel team delivers proven, high performance technologies designed to restore, strengthen, and protect essential infrastructure.

The group offers a comprehensive portfolio of solutions, including:

• Valve installation without shutting off flow
• Large diameter pipeline lining and structural reinforcement
• Manhole rehabilitation
• Steel water line and tank protection
• Advanced coating systems
• Machine applied tape coatings for large pipelines
• Heat shrink sleeve applications
• Liquid epoxy coatings that deliver durable pipeline protection.

Through these pioneering technologies—combined with exceptional engineering expertise—Henkel helps industries safely extend both the life and value of their infrastructure. By improving reliability, reducing operational disruptions, and enhancing long term sustainability, Henkel’s plays a vital role in ensuring that the world’s most critical water systems remain resilient for generations to come.