How to Inspect & Service Valve in Roadway Box?

1/16/2025

What is an acceptable means to inspect/supervise underground fire line isolation valves in a "roadway box?"

These are non-indicating and unsupervised valves on a fire line. They do not have a lockable lid and may be in a drive or roadway, i.e. subject to traffic. If you recommend a seal, please be descriptive of how that would be practical.

NFPA 13 provides the following applicable guidance: 16.9.3.3.1 Valves on connections to water supplies, sectional control and isolation valves, and other valves in supply pipes to sprinklers and other fixed water-based fire suppression systems shall be supervised by one of the following methods: (4) Valves located within fenced enclosures under the control of the owner, sealed in the open position, and inspected weekly as part of an approved procedure.

Thanks for your help.

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8 Comments

Peter

1/16/2025 08:14:17 am

You don't supervise underground valves in roardway boxes.

16.9.3.3.3
The requirements of 16.9.3.3.1 shall not apply to underground gate valves with roadway boxes.

In terms of inspecting them, you are required to perform an inspection and test of the valve per NFPA 25. Naturally because the valve is buried and you can not really inspect the valve itself, you inspect the surroundings of the valve.
1) Is the valve box lid accessible (you don't need a hammer to pound it off).
2) Is the valve box free of debris and dirt.
3) Can you use a wrench to normally grab on to the operating element of the valve (nut).
4) On an annual basis you'd close the valve and re-open it. Any difficulty closing and re-opening should be documented and remedied.
5) After closing the valve, you'd perform a main drain test downstream of the valve to determine if the valve is partially or fully closed.

Glenn Berger

1/16/2025 09:25:27 am

I concur with Peter's comment above. If necessary you can consult with security engineers on means that they use for similar applications. I have also seen the covers welded in place (not recommended) and also an unique keying system used.

Jose Figueroa

1/16/2025 09:44:50 am

In my experience, most improperly closed valves (ICVs) are found in pits under roadways. On one occasion, I had to conduct a double-loop water test and discovered through deduction that a valve was missing beneath the roadway, with the valve access covered by asphalt.

If yearly inspections are the only option, all valves should be operated through their full range of motion to ensure they can be easily operated when necessary. Maintaining records of the number of turns required to operate each valve from the fully open to the fully shut position is important. This information is valuable for determining whether a valve has jammed in a partially open position.

Additionally, clear and durable signage should indicate the presence of a valve beneath the roadway. Avoid using painted arrows on the walkway.

The inspection checklist should require the inspector to locate the valve visually.

I also recommend adding a weld dot to the cast iron cap and marking the position of the cap with red paint. This should be renewed every year.

Jack G

1/16/2025 10:00:59 am

FM global has some good info on testing a roadway box.
First of all this valve/ location does not give any indication of the valves position. It is very important to conform which direction the valve must turn to open or close. A valve"T" wrench is used to do this. If a valve on a private system, the T wrench should be stored close by. If in the street, the valve T wrench might have a special box at the end of it that fits over the valve box stem.
The valve must be physically tried to confirm its true position.
Weekly:
Confirm the valve is accesible and locked if possible.
Verify the valve is not mechanically damaged.
Verify the T wrench type and works in the stem.
Monthly:
First perform the weekly inspection. Then
Remove the cap over the curb box and ensure it is not jammed in place.
Place the T wrench --- that it fits on the stem.
Verify the direction of rotation to open/ close the valve.
Confirm the valve is open by turning the handle towards open.
Turn the handle towards open 3-4 turns to verify that maintenance is not required.
Reopen completely. Apply torque on the valve with the T wrench. When pressure is releasedbthe handle should spring back to normal position slightly.
Remove handle and replace the cap.
Annual:
Perform weekly and monthly inspections.
Count and verify the number of turns of the handle to open and close the valve and that they are the same and appropriate.
Turn handle to close about a quarter turn.
Replace the cap.
Perform a main drain test-- record snd compare to previous main drain tests. If not similar, then the valve may be impaired partially closed or is filled with sediment.
If the valve is difficult to turn handle, then lubricate and/ or repair.
If the number of turns to open or close has been reduced check for sediment or other obstructions.
( I once flushed rocks, a good size rag, and a torn tyton rubber gasket thru an underground lead into a building to a firenpump. Needless to say the firemarshall was ticked at the gc. The line was in the plumbing contract) we were awarded a change order to expose and check the line/ gaskets. The " torn rubber " was on the joint/ building side of curb valve.

Author

1/16/2025 11:06:39 am

First, thanks for all the feedback.

Second, I fully acknowledge:
NFPA 24 6.7.3
Supervision of underground gate valves with roadway boxes shall not be required.
And NPFA 13 16.9.3.3.3

My intent is to investigate a best practice that is practical for inspecting devices that aren't very inspectable. This group has provided some pretty good advice, in addition to the normally required annual maintenance/inspection.

Thanks

Dean Melanson

1/16/2025 12:12:35 pm

Just a reminder comment. Know who owns the street box valve before you do anything to it, especially welding or marking. In my community they are the property of the municipal water company and their maintenance does not directly fall to the property/building owner. You may need a permit and a water department presence to access and function the valve as they are responsible for it being in operable condition and being in the fully on position.

Phil W

1/16/2025 03:24:24 pm

I always try to persuade clients to provide accessible valve chambers for section / isolation valves. Not always easy because of the costs but I've seen too many failed valves / failed connections requiring expensive excavation and repair.

Katherine

1/17/2025 03:51:15 pm

Don't forget that if a box is on the property of a healthcare facility it is required by 101 to be supervised. 9.7.2.1, 2012 edition (current federal standard)

How to Inspect & Service Valve in Roadway Box?

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