Exercising Valves
#1
02-15-15, 04:39 PM
Exercising Valves
Not sure what others do, but I make it a practice to turn a valve's operating lever or wheel every year or so. That keeps the packing from drying out and the internals from getting stuck. I do this with ball and globe valves. It's even more important for gate valves, but I don't have any of them - replaced them with ball valves.
#3
02-15-15, 07:17 PM
As long as we are on the subject of exercise; I make it a point to exercise my circulators once a week all year. Same should be done with zone valves.
#4
02-15-15, 07:28 PM
Question... "gate valve". In general, the type with the round handle, stem and a packing nut? Like one would have outside to connect a garden hose to? Coming to grips with terminology here! 
#5
02-15-15, 07:36 PM
No.
Your garden hose valve is more of a 'globe valve'.
Many different valve types look more or less the same from the outside, but there are subtle differences that will give clues as to the type.
This page has some nifty interactive toys to play with.
Types of Manual Valves | TLV
hint: click the buttons multiple times. Make sure to open the valves before you leave the site, wouldn't wanna blow up the internet.
Your garden hose valve is more of a 'globe valve'.
Many different valve types look more or less the same from the outside, but there are subtle differences that will give clues as to the type.
This page has some nifty interactive toys to play with.
Types of Manual Valves | TLV
hint: click the buttons multiple times. Make sure to open the valves before you leave the site, wouldn't wanna blow up the internet.
