5 Common Valve Failures & Practical Maintenance Tips for Plant Operators

Most valve breakdowns come from improper operation or neglected routine inspection, not quality defects. Regular maintenance can greatly extend valve service life and avoid safety accidents.

1. External Packing Leakage

Cause: Packing aging, loose gland, frequent stem movement Solution: Tighten gland properly; replace graphite or PTFE packing regularly

2. Seat Internal Leakage

Cause: Impurity scratch on sealing face, long-term throttling use Solution: Clean sealing surface; replace trim if scratch is deep

3. Valve Stuck / Hard to Operate

Cause: Rust, sediment deposition, actuator overload Solution: Lubricate stem; clean internal pipeline impurities before operation

4. Water Hammer Damage

Cause: Too fast open/close speed Solution: Slow operation; select anti-water hammer check valve

5. Flange Joint Leakage

Cause: Gasket aging, uneven bolt torque Solution: Retighten bolts crosswise; replace damaged gasket

Best Maintenance Schedule Suggestion

  • Monthly: Visual inspection for leakage and appearance
  • Quarterly: Operation test and stem lubrication
  • Annual: Disassembly inspection and sealing part replacement