Many tap water pipes in homes and communities use brass gate valves. Many people worry about scale buildup over time. If scale builds up, will it cause blockage and affect water flow?
First, it's important to understand that scale doesn't form out of thin air. It's primarily related to the quality of the tap water. The tap water we use contains minerals such as calcium and magnesium ions, especially in areas with hard water. When tap water passes through a brass gate valve, its flow slows, especially around the valve core and seat, where water can easily stagnate. Over time, the calcium and magnesium ions in the water gradually precipitate and adhere to the inner wall and surface of the gate valve, forming a layer of white or yellow scale. Furthermore, the brass gate valve itself is made of metal, which is corrosion-resistant. However, prolonged contact with water may cause slight oxidation on the inner wall. This oxide layer also combines with minerals, causing scale to grow faster and thicker.
If scale is not cleaned over time, it will accumulate and thicken, and the impact on water flow will become increasingly significant. First, water flow will be reduced. Scale will occupy space inside the gate valve, narrowing the previously unobstructed passage and slowing water flow. For example, when you turn on a faucet, the water flow may initially be strong but then gradually tapers off. This may be caused by scale clogging the gate valve. More troublesomely, scale may adhere to the valve core, causing the gate valve to open and close smoothly. For example, when you try to close the gate valve, the scale may get stuck in the valve core, preventing it from turning or closing tightly, resulting in leakage. When you try to open the gate valve, the scale may also hinder the valve core, making it difficult to open and close.
In fact, to reduce scale clogging of the brass gate valve, regular maintenance is sufficient; it doesn't need to be complicated. The first thing is to open and close the gate valve regularly, for example, open and close the gate valve fully once a month, so that the water flow can flush away some of the newly formed thin scale and prevent the scale from accumulating thicker. Then you can check the gate valve regularly. If you find that the water flow has become smaller or the switch is not smooth, disassemble it and clean it in time. Cleaning is also simple. Use a wrench to disassemble the gate valve, use a hard-bristled brush dipped in white vinegar, brush off the scale on the valve core and the inner wall, then rinse with clean water and reinstall it. In addition, if your home uses hard water, you can also install a water purifier or water softener at the front end of the tap water pipe to reduce the calcium and magnesium ion content in the water and reduce the formation of scale from the source. This not only protects the Brass Gate Valve, but also reduces the scale problem of other water-using equipment in the home.
