What are Valve Boxes and Why Should You Use Them?

Buildings, be it industrial, residential, or commercial, require several vales to supply the structure. Hose or water bibs, electrical conduits, and gas services are all examples of valves. Many buildings have these installations outside, exposing them to the weather. While it is an acceptable practice, storing the valves in weatherproof valve boxes is a recommended option.

What Is a Valve Box Access Panel?

It is a box constructed from robust weather-resistant materials to protect and access the controls or other services inside it. You may find them recessed in walls sometimes and most often outside near critical areas where service personnel can easily find them and gain entry. The protection of such locations is paramount to the operation of the building.

Why Is It Necessary?

It is critical in extending the buildings' longevity and fittings, as is the case with many assets. Protecting the valve that connects utilities from the outside to the inside is one method to achieve it. Valve box access panels are an excellent method to meet this need. Designers can drill it into the side of buildings and hold a wide range of valves.

Some designs even have windows that allow a person to look inside without having to open the panel. It is an excellent feature for checking inside the contents for any disconnection or blockage.

Valve access panels assist in extending the life of building valves by shielding them from harsh elements. Water is one of the most dangerous hazards for many structures and building materials, so safeguards are necessary. When water enters a system, it can cause flooding and structural damage.

Damaged hose bibs or hoses left connected in cold weather may let unwanted moisture inside. The majority of the time, water damage remains undiscovered until it causes considerable damage. Valve access panels can assist reduce this damage by preventing water from entering the holes, therefore protecting your structure and its contents.

Valve box access panels can also provide the required security measures. They can come with locks that prevent unwelcome guests from entering. In an age when even a tiny quantity of water can cost a business a lot of money, having the hose bib covered can help prevent illegal use. You may also use them to store gas valves.

Having them locked up can protect you against unauthorized people from accessing them. They also keep rodents out of the path of the conduits. Despite its durable construction, little rats may still gnaw their way through to get entrance to your cozy building. Having valve box access panels may prevent most of them from gaining entry.

Other Benefits

Installing a valve box also gives you the option of concealing the valves to match the rest of the structure. You can cover the bibs' potentially unattractive extrusions since the boxes are generally flush with the building wall. It can be advantageous for a variety of reasons. For starters, if aesthetics are a factor, the valve box can blend the service bibs into the building's facade. It's especially crucial if the only available location for a bib is in a noticeable area.

Second, landscaping can occasionally obstruct valve access. Some plants climb over buildings or wrap themselves around everything they can get their parts on. If there is even the tiniest opening in the wall, certain plants can dig directly through the structure. The valves are housed in the wall to keep it clean and eliminate access sites for invading plants. They can also allow bigger plants to be planted directly in front of the valves while allowing them access.

Valve boxes that come in various sizes and shapes are an often-overlooked architectural building installation. One approach to preventative maintenance is to make this minimal, very affordable improvement to your structure. Take care of your building and contact a licensed professional for added assistance.