Utilizing valve tags to prevent water damage

Water damage can have disastrous effects for all contractors working on a jobsite. Simple pre-planning and prevention methods such as utilizing valve tags can greatly reduce the risk that your project is impacted by water damage.

How to use a valve tag: 

Always tag shutoff or isolating valves when working downstream. This indicates to other contractors on the jobsite that the system is currently being serviced and can only be turned on by the person responsible for the work.

• Fill out a valve tag with key information such as contact person, location where work is being conducted, time and date
• Zip or wire tie tag to the shutoff or isolating valve
• Ensure valve stays in place for duration of the work
• Remove the valve tag upon completion of the work

Download a sample valve tag:

Wet Work Valve Tag

Why valve tags matters

The construction industry is familiar with locking or tagging out an electrical energy source to prevent injuries to employees and damage to equipment. But one energy source that is often overlooked is water. 

Without proper warnings, contractors may not know that you are working downstream of the valve and that energizing a particular valve could have disastrous results.

Whether it is a sheetrock contractor needing water for mud or other contractors looking to clean off tools, water is a necessity on a jobsite. Water is an energy that if not properly controlled can cause significant damage to buildings, equipment and could also contribute to employee injury.

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