The primary function of a stormwater valve is to prevent backflow of water from a stormwater pipe network. In a coastal city, sea water can enter the stormwater pipe network during high tide, resulting in street flooding. The water becomes trapped and cannot drain until the tide returns. This effect can be amplified when Nor’easter winds push tide water up into the stormwater collection system, causing more widespread road flooding. During these events, a stormwater valve is critical to avoid these disastrous flooding situations.

Vortex valves

Vortex valves are a type of stormwater control device that is designed to slow the flow of stormwater into conveyance systems. Their unique design features include a conical or snail-like shape, which acts as a natural hydraulic brake. When head pressure builds, a vortex within the valve is initiated, preventing excess water from entering conveyance systems.

Using vortex valves is a cost-effective and effective solution to controlling the flow of stormwater into combined sewer systems. The valves are designed to limit the amount of water that flows offsite to a pre-development level. This method requires little additional investment compared to a traditional stormwater system design, which would require 24-36-inch diameter pipes to collect and treat stormwater.

A Vortex valve can be an ideal solution for engineers who need precise control over discharge rates. Their unique design features eliminate the need for moving parts and can be customized for any location. Additionally, Vortex valves are installed by a trained team that can provide advice regarding local regulatory requirements. This can lead to a faster approval process.

Tideflex Check Valves

The stormwater valve Tideflex Check Valve was developed by the Red Valve Company to address the problems of flooding and stormwater intrusion. Its curved bill provides superior sealing and entrapment of debris. It has been the preferred method for backflow prevention for over 30 years. Today, Tideflex has more than 50 varieties.

The Tideflex Check Valve is a low-profile device that can be installed in pipe openings. It is highly resistant to cracking and has low cracking pressure. It protects the upstream storage capacity and has been proven to save hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage due to backflow. The CheckMate Inline Check Valves are another alternative for high-quality protection of stormwater systems.

The Tideflex Check Valve was first installed in New York harbor. Its patented design and 100% rubber construction makes it a versatile choice for wastewater treatment applications. It can be installed on any type of pipe. It simply slips onto the existing pipe and can be attached with ANSI flanges or thimble plates.

Thermostatic mixing valve

A thermostatic mixing valve can be a useful tool for controlling stormwater temperature. It measures the temperature of water and sends the result to a controller. The controller reads the sensor input and calculates the difference between the mixed temperature and a preset temperature. It then sends an output signal that positions the valve so that the mixed temperature is closer to the set-point value. This process is repeated each time a delta reading is taken. This closed-loop control makes the valve highly responsive to changes in water temperature.

This type of valve controls the mixing of hot and cold water. The water temperature inside the valve should not exceed 50oC, to prevent scalding. These valves are usually installed in schools and childcare centres, where they are designed to provide safe, hot and cold water. These valves are important safety devices, but should only be installed by a qualified plumber.