While lift stations and pumps tend to get the most attention, a valve vault in a pump station can play a critical role in keeping systems safe, organized, and easy to maintain. Understanding their function can help ensure that your system runs smoothly and remains accessible for future service.
What Is a Valve Vault?
A valve vault is an underground or partially buried structure that houses important valves and piping components for a sewer lift station or water system. Typically made of fiberglass, the vault provides a secure, dry, and easily accessible space to install and maintain valves, fittings, and other controls.
Installers typically place valve vaults next to the wet well or pump station for easy access and maintenance. They serve as the access point for isolation valves, check valves, pressure gauges, and sometimes flow meters. This allows maintenance teams to control and monitor flow without having to enter the wet well itself.
The Purpose of a Valve Vault in a Pump Station?
The primary purpose of a valve vault in a pump station is to provide safe and efficient access to the valves that control system operation. Without a vault, these components would be housed in the wet well. When they are housed in the wet well, it can make them more difficult to access.
Key functions include:
- Isolation: Operators can shut off sections of piping for maintenance or emergencies without draining the entire system.
- Protection: The vault shields valves from environmental damage, flooding, freezing, and corrosion.
- Accessibility: Provides a controlled, confined area for maintenance and inspection without disrupting the rest of the system.
- Organization: Keeps valves and fittings neatly contained and separated from electrical components or sewage in the wet well.
Benefits of Installing a Valve Vault
- Improved Safety: Maintenance teams stay safe by performing work outside hazardous wet wells.
- Reduced Downtime: Quick access to valves means faster repairs and less disruption.
- Longevity: Protects valves and piping from environmental wear.
- Clean Layout: Makes future troubleshooting and system modifications easier.
Valve vaults may not be the most visible part of a lift station, but they are vital to system performance and reliability. They make maintenance safer, extend the life of key components, and allow for efficient control of wastewater or water flow.
At Triple D Pump, we supply complete lift station packages—including valve vaults—designed for durability, safety, and easy access. Whether you’re building a new system or upgrading an existing one, buying a properly designed valve vault is an investment that pays off for years to come.
