In highly demanding settings, such as commercial or industrial, replacing a curb valve is a strategic undertaking. Not only will you have to ensure the lasting integrity of the installation but also minimal water service disruption – and everything in between.

Needless to say, achieving this goal will require meticulous planning and precise execution. From choosing the right Ford water shut-off valve and sourcing it from a reputable distributor to notifying stakeholders of the upcoming work, there’s more to valve replacement than meets the eye – and today, we’ll help you familiarize yourself with most of it!

How to replace a curb stop valve?

When a curb stop valve starts exhibiting signs of malfunction, prompt replacement is usually the best course of action. However, “prompt” doesn’t mean “rushed”. Therefore, before you begin replacing a valve, first, you’ll need to consider several factors.

Pre-replacement considerations

For the most part, pre-replacement considerations involve strategies that will impact the speed, efficiency, and quality of the replacement. These are:

1. Verifying valve location and accessibility;
2. Selecting and sourcing the replacement valve that is compatible with the existing infrastructure;
3. Confirming the existence of a functional valve upstream to isolate the section of water supply undergoing work;
4. Obtaining the necessary permits from the relevant authorities;
5. Scheduling the valve replacement;
   1. NOTE: If you’ll be dependent on external water main shut-offs to perform the replacement, you’ll need to coordinate with local water authorities to find a mutually suitable schedule.
6. Notifying stakeholders (e.g., building’s occupants, neighboring facilities, authorities) about the planned works and potential water outage.

At this point, you may say that you’ve laid the groundwork for a successful replacement.

Curb stop valve replacement process

In general, the curb stop valve replacement process consists of the following steps:

Preparation

The first phase involves isolating the section of a water grid where the valve is located. This is done by using the aforementioned upstream shut-off valve. After verifying zero water pressure at the curb valve location, it is safe to proceed with uncovering the valve through excavation.

Old valve removal

This part is pretty straightforward, as all it takes is to disconnect the old valve from the pipes. However, if the valve is encased (which it typically is), the crew will need to remove the casing carefully, which can extend the process timeline.

New valve installation

A new valve is placed at a designated location, ensuring proper alignment with the existing water supply line, and secured in place. While not mandatory, it is advisable to apply a corrosion-resistant coating to the valve and nearby connections as an additional layer of protection.

Testing

The newly installed valve should be thoroughly tested to ensure its functioning at optimal capacity. Typically, this is done by gradually increasing the water pressure and checking for leaks, as well as testing the lever action to ensure it opens and closes properly, as this is the main purpose of the curb stop valve.

Backfilling & restoration

With the replacement complete, the excavated area is filled with compacted soil or aggregate. If the excavation involved removing paving or concrete, the damaged areas should be restored in a way that ensures easy access to the curb stop valve (within spatial constraints, of course).

Where can I purchase a Ford water shut-off valve near me?

At Blair Supply Corp., you can find high-end curb stop valves and their variations, along with any other water, sewage, and drainage material necessary for your project.

We source materials directly from the leading manufacturers in the industry, including names such as Ford Meter Box, Co. Inc. and Mueller, Co., ensuring that the components you purchase are top-quality.

After nearly seven decades in the industry, we boast an extensive network of reliable distributors covering the entire US, so whether you’re in our backyard of High Falls or on the other end of the States, you can count on timely materials delivery. Reach out to us today and discover the perks of working with the industry’s finest!