Editor's note: This video is part of a series produced by the Rural Community Assistance Partnership (RCAP) focused on helping you operate efficient water and wastewater systems.

Are you confident the valves in your system will operate in an emergency? 

A valve-exercising program extends the life of your valves. It ensures water system reliability and helps you safely and effectively operate your system.

Critical valves such as large transmission valves and valves that serve critical customers, such as hospitals, should be operated more frequently. Smaller valves (4 to 12 inches) should be operated on a set schedule to ensure every valve in the system is operated on a set frequency.

This video offers a step-by-step tutorial that covers the basics of valve exercising. Find out why your municipality should have an established valve maintenance program.

About RCAP
The Rural Community Assistance Partnership (RCAP) is a national network of nonprofit organizations working to ensure that rural and small communities throughout the United States have access to safe drinking water and sanitary wastewater disposal. The six regional RCAPs provide a variety of programs to accomplish this goal, such as direct training and technical assistance.

To learn more, visit www.rcap.org or follow @RCAPInc on Twitter.