Wachs Large Valve Solutions Deliver Big Savings for Utilities

A utility client in the upper Midwest operates and maintains approximately 1,250 miles of water main, 31,000 system valves, approximately 1,320 large system valves (16” and larger) and has a maximum day demand of approximately 75 MGD.

In 2017, the utility designed, bid and replaced five large valves in their system. Each valve replacement cost approximately $125,000. At this rate, it would cost approximately $165 million dollars to replace all large diameter valves in the System. Due to this extensive overall cost that would be burdened on the customers, other methods were pursued. In the fall of 2017, the utility contracted with Wachs Water Services to assess and evaluate 20 additional large valves in their  transmission system to pilot the foreign method of maintenance, operation and rehabilitation.

Under the original assessment contract, Wachs rehabilitated one of the eight valves by freeing it from its frozen state. The utility requested and has accepted a proposal from Wachs for the rehabilitation of the remaining seven valves that require repairs. Upcoming work includes multiple gear change-outs, a Level 2 assessment and replacement of a broken stem combined with gate refurbishment. With the utility’s staff assistance, Wachs will restore these valves to full operability – for a fraction (approximately 11%) of replacement cost.

For more information on how rehabilitating large and critical valves can restore operability and deliver significant savings for your utility, contact our large valve experts today at 800-525-5821; or find out more here.