Valve Exercising Program

Every water system has valves—devices that regulate, stop, or start the flow of water in the distribution lines. Being able to operate these valves at a moment’s notice is extremely important. In an emergency, sections of a distribution system may need to be shut down without delay. However, if a valve is not used over a period of time it can seize-up from corrosion and get stuck, making the valve inoperable. A valve exercising program helps maintain the useful life an operation of water system valves.

Hydromax, USA, the City’s designated contractor, will begin their large valve-exercising project on Monday, Oct. 29, and will progress in phases throughout the service area over the next five years. Contractor crews will begin working in Raleigh, Garner, Knightdale, Wendell, and Zebulon communities over the next two months, exercising approximately 290 valves. The City expects that the second phase will include the Wake Forest and Rolesville communities will begin in the Fall of 2019.

The majority of valve maintenance will occur within the edge of right of way. If crews need to access valves located within the roadway, citizens can expect to experience short term lane closures. If you have concerns and need to verify Hydromax, USA crew work locations for safety and security reasons, please call the Water Distribution Division at 919-996-3245.

• Work Zone Map
• How to Identify Hydromax USA
  Vehicles and Work Crews

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose for exercising a valve?

• The City’s goal is to exercise each of the 70,000+ valves in the service area over a five-year period.
• To gain basic condition assessment and make certain valves are accessible and operable.
• Valves are often paved over, buried, striped or have a broken operating nut that spins free or won’t turn. This project will help identify valves needing repair or replacement.

Why are valves installed in the distribution system?

• Start and stop flow
• Isolate a specific line segment
• At pipe intersections
• Typical distribution spacing <800 feet

What happens when valves are not accessible or operable?

• Valve may leak which leads to water loss in the distribution system
• Crews must close more valves to isolate the line which takes more time which leads to longer repair times
• More customers are impacted resulting in low water pressure or loss of water service

How frequently are valves exercised?

• Once every seven years
• Some valves have a different schedule then others based on their location, criticality, or unusual operating conditions.