The lifespan of a high-quality pressure relief valve ranges between 10 and 20 years—or possibly even longer with proper maintenance and regular inspection. Through regular inspection, scheduled testing, and routine maintenance, you can wring every last second out of your valve’s lifespan.
But what happens if your valve breaks down or springs a leak prematurely? It might seem like your only option is a potentially expensive replacement—an entirely new valve. A shorter service lifetime and an expensive valve replacement cost you in more ways than one. However, pressure safety and relief valve repair services can both save on the high short-term costs of a valve replacement and maximize your long-term operational cost-efficiency.
In this article, we will explore where and when industrial valve repair services can breathe new life into your safety and relief valves.
Repair Versus Replacement for Safety and Relief Valves
Industrial valve repair and valve replacement are horses of two different colors. Replacement marks the end of your valve’s service life. It will never function up to spec in its operational environment again. It is an ex-valve. If your relief valve has given you a decade or two (or more) of service, especially in harsh environments such as shipboard systems, it is easy to accept that the valve has done all it can for you. It has earned its retirement.
On the other hand, if your pressure relief valve is leaking—or worse—relatively early in its service life or if routine maintenance reveals warning signs of potential failure, replacement is likely the better option.
Safety and relief valve repair services give your valves a second chance at life. Unless a valve is completely totaled, repair is almost always cheaper than outright replacement—especially for large, complex, or custom valves. Because only the faulty components need replacing, the material costs of repair services are lower. Repairing a valve usually has a faster turnaround and shorter lead times than sourcing and a pressure relief valve replacement, reducing potentially costly downtime and keeping your projects on track.
Extending your relief valve’s longevity through repair services also stretches the initial costs, maintenance costs, and repair costs of your valve over a longer period of time—that’s a lower average cost over its operational lifetime. However, if the damage is extensive enough, it might end up more cost-effective to just replace it.
When to Know if Your Valve Needs Repairs or Replacement
Maintaining the safety and efficiency of the maritime and industrial pipelines and systems you are building depends on keeping a close eye on your pressure relief and safety valves. If your pressure relief valve is dripping or leaking, or if its behavior is inconsistent, your systems won’t just be unreliable—they could pose significant safety hazards as well.
Some warning signs that a pressure relief valve or safety valve in your system might need repairs or replacement include:
- There are visible signs of fluid, gas, or steam leaking from the valve.
- The valve lifts or pops more frequently than expected or does not open or close consistently
- The valve opens above or below the intended set pressure—in other words, too early or too late.
- The valve isn’t reseating properly.
- You can see corrosion, cracks, or warping on the valve’s body or internal components.
- You notice excessive vibration.
The sooner you catch these warning signs, the sooner you can repair or replace the valve as needed and keep your systems running smoothly.
Is a leaking pressure relief valve dangerous?
If your pressure relief valve is leaking, its ability to relieve pressure is likely highly compromised—potentially leading to an overpressure event. Overpressure can cause severe damage to downstream equipment and expose workers nearby to fire hazards or severe burn risks. Even if the leak doesn’t cause catastrophic failure, it can lead to energy inefficiency that increases operating costs and violates safety standards.
How to Replace a Pressure Relief Valve
When a pressure relief or safety valve needs replacing, take immediate action, starting with isolating the valve to prevent further damage or danger. Inspect the valve to determine if it requires repair or replacement. Finally, investigate the root cause of the leak or whatever other issue is affecting it.
When you have the new or repaired valve and it’s time to change your pressure relief valve, follow these simple steps to get your system back up and running:
- Follow lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures to ensure no one can accidentally start the system while you’re working on the valve.
- Drain and clean the pipeline and vent any residual pressure.
- Mark the set pressure.
- Prepare the valve for installation.
- Mount the valve and check alignment, according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Reconnect the discharge line, if applicable.
- Test the installation to verify proper operation.
- Document the change in your system maintenance log.
- Remove lockout/tagout and return the system to service.
Dante Valve: A Trusted Source for Industrial Valve Repair
Safety and relief valve repair services are an essential resource for mechanical contractors, whether in commercial or industrial settings. Having your pressure relief valves repaired by ASME and VR certified technicians keeps your projects running smoothly and safely, minimizes downtime, and makes your operations more cost-effective.
Dante Valve knows safety and relief valves inside and out. From recertification to repair, we provide fast-turnaround services for both in-warranty and out-of-warranty valves to the highest standards of quality. Request a quote today.