Practices for Storing and Handling Gate Valves

Gate valves are workhorses in plumbing, industrial, and oil & gas systems—reliable for full open/close flow control. But their durability hinges on how well you store and handle them. Mishandling can warp seals, bend stems, or corrode components, leading to leaks, inefficiencies, or costly replacements.

In this guide, we’ll break down proven practices for storing and handling gate valves, from warehouse storage to on-site installation. Plus, we’ll touch on why quality matters—with a nod to brands like Eagle that build valves to withstand rigorous handling.

Why Proper Storage & Handling Matters for Gate Valves

Gate valves operate via a vertical “gate” (or wedge) that lifts to open and lowers to seal. Their precision parts—like the stem, seat, and flange faces—are vulnerable to:

Rust/Corrosion: From moisture or chemical exposure during storage.
Mechanical Damage: Bending, dents, or misalignment during handling.
Seal Degradation: Dirt, debris, or improper positioning that ruins tight closures.

A poorly stored gate valve might work initially but fail prematurely—costing you time and money down the line.

Storage Practices for Gate Valves: Step-by-Step

1. Clean Thoroughly Before Storage

Before putting a gate valve away—whether new, used, or temporarily removed from service—clean it inside and out:

Remove debris: Flush internal passages with water (for water systems) or solvent (for oil/gas) to clear grit, scale, or residue.
Dry completely: Wipe external surfaces and let internal parts air-dry to prevent rust. For metal valves, apply a light coat of anti-corrosion oil to flanges and stem threads.
Seal openings: Cover flange ends with plastic caps or plywood to block dust, insects, or moisture. For threaded valves, use thread protectors.

2. Control the Storage Environment

Gate valves thrive in stable, dry conditions. Aim for:

Temperature: 10–30°C (50–86°F). Avoid extreme heat (can warp plastic components) or freezing (trapped moisture expands and cracks metal).
Humidity: Below 60%. Use dehumidifiers in damp warehouses.
Location: Store on pallets or racks—never directly on concrete (which absorbs moisture). Keep valves away from direct sunlight, chemicals, or heavy machinery that could bump or crush them.

3. Store Valves in the Correct Position

How you orient a gate valve during storage impacts its integrity:

Large-diameter valves (6+ inches): Store vertically, with flanges supported on a stable base. This prevents the valve body from bending under its own weight.
Small valves (<6 inches): Can be stored horizontally on shelves, but separate them with foam or cardboard to avoid metal-on-metal contact.
Actuated valves (electric/pneumatic): Keep actuators upright to prevent oil leaks or internal component damage.

4. Label and Organize for Easy Access

Mislabeled valves waste time and increase handling errors. Use clear tags or color-coding to note:

Valve size (e.g., 2” gate valve).
Material (brass, cast iron, stainless steel).
Pressure rating (e.g., 150 PSI, 300 PSI).
Date of storage.
For bulk storage, group valves by size or application (e.g., “water system valves” vs. “industrial gas valves”).

Handling Practices: Avoiding Damage During Transport & Installation

Even well-stored valves can fail if mishandled during moving or setup. Follow these rules:

1. Lift Valves Properly

Use lifting equipment for heavy valves: For valves over 50 lbs, use a crane, forklift, or pulley system with soft slings (nylon or canvas). Avoid chains or steel cables—they scratch flanges or dent bodies.
Lift from the body, not the stem: The stem is fragile; lifting by it can bend or break the mechanism. Always grip the valve body or flange ends.

2. Prevent Impact and Vibration

Pad during transport: Wrap valves in bubble wrap or foam when moving them in trucks or carts. Secure them to prevent sliding (use straps, not ropes, which can dig into surfaces).
Avoid dropping: Even small valves can crack if dropped. Set them down gently, especially on hard surfaces like concrete.

3. Install with Care

Poor installation negates good storage/handling. Remember:

Inspect before installing: Check for rust, bent stems, or damaged seals. A quick visual check saves headaches later.
Align flanges properly: Misaligned flanges strain the valve body and cause leaks. Use shims if needed to align bolt holes.
Don’t over-tighten bolts: Follow torque specs to avoid warping the flange or crushing the gasket.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Storing valves with water inside: Trapped moisture leads to internal rust. Always drain and dry valves first.
Using harsh chemicals for cleaning: Solvents like acetone can degrade rubber seals. Stick to mild detergents or manufacturer-recommended cleaners.
Ignoring maintenance during long-term storage: For valves stored over 6 months, check monthly for rust or pest infestations (yes, rodents love valve interiors!).

Why Quality Valves Withstand Better Handling: A Note on Eagle

Even with perfect storage/handling, cheap gate valves fail faster. Brands like Eagle design valves with robust materials—like forged brass for corrosion resistance or ductile iron for impact strength—that hold up during storage and rough jobsites. For example, Eagle’s industrial gate valves feature reinforced stems and precision-machined seats, reducing the risk of bending or leaks even if mishandled (occasionally). When you invest in quality, you’re not just buying a valve—you’re buying forgiveness for the small mistakes that happen on the job.

Final Thoughts

Storing and handling gate valves might seem like “basic” tasks, but they’re the foundation of a reliable system. By cleaning thoroughly, controlling storage conditions, lifting carefully, and choosing durable valves like Eagle, you’ll extend valve life, reduce downtime, and avoid costly repairs.

Remember: A valve is only as good as how you treat it. Follow these practices, and your gate valves will perform when you need them most.