Durham, N.C. Gate Valve Replacement

Stormwater Restoration

Durham, N.C. | Commercial | Permitting Compliance

Overview:

AQUALIS was contracted to replace a failing gate valve at a high-traffic commercial mall. The team successfully completed the repair with minimal disruption, ensuring the system’s functionality and structural integrity.

Problem:

The property owner of a popular mall needed to have some stormwater restoration services to remain in compliance with both city and state regulations. One of the key issues identified was the need to replace a gate valve. A valve is a critical stormwater component designed to fully open or close the flow of stormwater within a pipeline.

This component plays a vital role in stormwater management for several reasons. It allows stormwater technicians to isolate sections of the system during routine maintenance, helps control or delay discharge during storm events and can be completely shut off for flood protection. Without a functioning gate valve, a system is more vulnerable to a range of operational, safety and environmental problems.

For example, the inability to isolate part of the stormwater system can create unsafe working conditions for crews and lead to more complex and costly repairs. If the valve fails to close, stormwater or wastewater can back up into upstream areas such as streets, yards, buildings or basements. In a high-traffic commercial area like a mall, issues like these can be especially detrimental, potentially causing property damage, disrupting business operations and creating safety hazards to visitors and tenants.

The valve on this property was integrated into the design of the retention pond. The valve allows for precise amounts of runoff to flow through the system, a process referred to as drawdown. Because this retention pond was designed to hold a permanent volume of water, controlling the amount of runoff in the basin as well as what runoff leaves the asset, is vital. With this valve, stormwater professionals can regulate the water level of the pond and make adjustments in anticipation of rain events.

AQUALIS’ experienced team is well-versed in identifying and addressing these kinds of issues. They quickly assessed the system, confirmed the valve failure and implemented a timely solution to restore proper function and compliance.

Solution:

To begin the project, an 8-inch plug was inserted into the system to temporarily block the flow of water, allowing for safe removal and replacement of the faulty valve.

 

The existing gate valve, which was no longer functioning properly, was manually unbolted and components like the extension stem and handwheel were carefully removed. With the old valve out, the team thoroughly inspected the surrounding area to ensure there was no structural damage that could compromise installation. Before any new valve can be installed, technicians must verify that all connecting pipes are structurally sound and dimensionally stable. Any weakness could lead to premature valve failure or cause a larger problem within the entire stormwater system.

Once the integrity of the system was confirmed, the new 8-inch gate valve was installed, complete with a new extension stem and handwheel. The new valve was tested to verify proper operation and functionality. The valve replacement had been completed successfully. Dedicated team members then performed general cleanup of the site, demobilizing all equipment and restoring the site to its original design.