Installation Of AVT EZ Valves To Support New Water Line Connection

Water system expansion projects can present a significant operational challenge when a new connection must be made to an existing main that cannot be isolated without interrupting service. This was the situation facing a water district in Star, Idaho, where a growth-driven tie-in was needed on a 10-inch C900 main located between two existing valves. With no practical way to shut down the affected section without taking customers offline, the district needed an alternative installation approach. The project also had to meet Build America, Buy America (BABA) compliance requirements.

This case study examines how the district worked with its distributor and the valve manufacturer to evaluate the available options and determine an approach. It follows the district's first on-site experience with insertion valve technology and details the installation process, which was carried out by an AVT-certified installer from Curb Box Specialist. The account also captures the district superintendent's observations after witnessing the work firsthand, providing insight into how the technology performed under actual project conditions. Finally, the case study considers what has happened in the district since the installation, offering additional context beyond the initial project.

Explore the case study to understand the decision-making process, installation experience, and practical implications for utilities facing similar challenges when modifying existing water infrastructure without disrupting service.