Valve Exercising Checklist

Complete this checklist during routine valve exercising to ensure proper operation of water distribution valves and prevent stuck or inoperable valves.

  • Industry: Energy & Utilities
  • Frequency: Annual/Per schedule
  • Estimated Time: 30-45 minutes per valve
  • Role: Field Technician
  • Total Items: 32
  • Compliance: AWWA M44, State Water Regulations, Utility SOP

Pre-Exercise Inspection

Inspect valve and surrounding area before exercising.

  • Valve box located and accessible?
  • Valve box in good condition?
  • Debris cleared from valve box?
  • Standing water in box?
  • Operating nut accessible?
  • Photo before exercising

Valve Operation

Exercise the valve and record operation data.

  • Initial valve position
  • Turns to fully close
  • Turns to fully open
  • Direction of operation correct (CW to close)?
  • Valve operates smoothly?
  • No visible leaks around stem?
  • Excessive force required?

Valve Condition Assessment

Evaluate overall valve condition.

  • Stem/nut condition acceptable?
  • Packing/seal condition acceptable?
  • Corrosion level
  • Repairs needed?
  • Photo of valve condition

GIS & Documentation

Update records and GIS information.

  • GPS coordinates recorded/verified?
  • GIS system updated?
  • Asset tag/ID visible?
  • Turn count recorded in system?

Initial Setup & Documentation

Complete initial documentation and preparation

  • Inspector / Assessor Name
  • Date
  • Location / Area
  • Inspection Type
  • Previous findings reviewed?

Safety & Compliance Verification

Verify all safety requirements are met

  • All safety protocols being followed?
  • Emergency exits clear and accessible?
  • First aid supplies available and stocked?
  • All hazards identified and controlled?
  • Required PPE being worn correctly?

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Why Use This Valve Exercising Checklist?

This valve exercising checklist helps energy & utilities teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for field technician professionals, this checklist covers 32 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: annual/per schedule.

Ensures compliance with AWWA M44, State Water Regulations, Utility SOP. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should a valve exercising checklist include?

A complete valve exercising checklist must document: valve location and ID number (as-built map reference), valve type (gate, butterfly, ball, check), operating turns required to close (record baseline per AWWA M44), date and time of exercise, pre-exercise condition (free turning, requires force, operator damage), post-exercise condition (full closure verified by flow or pressure method, valve returned to operating position), any issues requiring repair work order, and technician name and signature. AWWA M44 recommends recording turning direction and number of turns to full close for every valve as baseline reference for future exercises. GPS coordinates should be recorded for field verification.

Why is valve exercising important for water system operations?

AWWA M44 data shows unexercised distribution system valves fail at an 8 to 12% annual rate, meaning after 10 years without exercising, up to half of valves may be inoperable. Inoperable isolation valves increase water main break repair time from an average of 4 hours to 12 or more hours because larger sections must be isolated using functional valves. Extended outage time increases property damage claims, water loss revenue, and customer compensation liability. EPA Safe Drinking Water Act compliance requires operable distribution system isolation capability as part of sanitary survey requirements. AWWA recommends full valve inventory exercise completion within 5 years maximum.

What regulations govern water distribution valve inspection?

EPA Safe Drinking Water Act 40 CFR Part 141 requires public water systems to maintain a comprehensive distribution system with operable isolation capability as assessed during state sanitary surveys. State drinking water primacy agencies establish specific valve inspection requirements that implement federal SDWA minimum standards. AWWA M44 (Distribution Valves: Selection, Installation, Field Testing, and Maintenance) provides the authoritative technical guidance for valve exercising programs adopted by most state water agencies. AWWA Standard C800 covers installation and maintenance specifications for underground service line valves. Annual valve exercising is required in most state sanitary survey compliance programs.

How should valve exercising programs be scheduled?

AWWA M44 recommends a systematic valve exercising program with all distribution system valves exercised on a risk-based schedule. Critical isolation valves on transmission mains should be exercised annually. Distribution system valves should be exercised at minimum every 3 to 5 years depending on system size and valve age. High-priority areas include hospital zones, fire station supply lines, and areas with recent main break history. Most medium-sized water utilities (10,000 to 50,000 connections) schedule valve exercising in spring and fall when demand is lower and main break risk is reduced. GIS-integrated valve management software tracks exercise history and auto-generates exercise schedules.

What should happen when a valve fails during exercising?

AWWA M44 recommends a specific protocol when a valve fails during exercising: document the exact failure mode (seized, broken operator, won't fully close), immediately notify the system operator to update the valve status in the distribution system maps, place a temporary marker or flag on the failed valve, determine if the failed valve creates a gap in isolation capability requiring emergency repair prioritization, and create a work order for valve repair or replacement with priority classification. AWWA recommends that any valve discovered inoperable during exercising be repaired within 30 days if it is a critical isolation valve and within 90 days for distribution system valves. Failed valves must be documented in the annual infrastructure report.

What is a Valve Exercising Checklist?

A Valve Exercising Checklist is a standardized inspection form used by field technician to ensure consistent energy & utilities operations. It contains 44 inspection points organized into 6 sections. FREE valve exercising checklist PDF. Water distribution valve exercising and maintenance. Download FREE template now.

How often should I use this energy & utilities checklist?

This checklist is designed to be completed annual/per schedule. Regular use ensures compliance with AWWA M44 and State Water Regulations and helps identify issues before they become problems.

Can I download this Valve Exercising Checklist as a PDF?

Yes, you can download this checklist as a FREE PDF for printing or offline use. The checklist includes 44 fields across 6 sections and typically takes 30-45 minutes per valve to complete.

What compliance standards does this checklist cover?

This checklist helps ensure compliance with AWWA M44, State Water Regulations, Utility SOP. Following these standards protects your organization and ensures best practices.

How do I complete this energy & utilities inspection checklist?

Begin by completing the header fields for Valve ID/Number, Location/Address, Valve Type, Valve Size (inches), Technician Name, and Date. Work through each of the 6 sections, marking items Yes or No as applicable. Add notes for any issues found. Finally, complete the footer fields and add your signature. The entire process takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes per valve.

What are the key sections in this energy & utilities checklist?

This energy & utilities checklist is organized into 6 key sections: Pre-Exercise Inspection, Valve Operation, Valve Condition Assessment, GIS & Documentation, Initial Setup & Documentation, Safety & Compliance Verification. Each section contains specific inspection points that field technician must verify. The structured layout ensures nothing is missed during energy & utilities inspections and makes the process efficient, typically taking 30-45 minutes per valve to complete.

Who should use this Valve Exercising Checklist?

This checklist is primarily designed for field technician working in energy & utilities operations. However, it is also valuable for quality assurance teams, safety officers, compliance managers, and supervisors who need to verify that energy & utilities standards are being met. Organizations of all sizes can benefit from using this Valve Exercising Checklist to maintain consistency and accountability.

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