Choosing the Right Valves Up Front Pays Off Down the Line
Saving money always sounds like a good idea, but don’t make the mistake of cutting corners on valve installation. Choosing the ideal valve for the application on the front end may result in the selection of a costlier valve, but this investment saves savvy manufacturers from untold money and hassle down the road.
When you have more than one valve to consider and each appears capable of getting the job done, the obvious selection point becomes the cost. However, there are more factors to consider before jumping at a cheaper price:
- Materials: Valves need to be built to last. A cheaper model may not be constructed from the same level of reliable, long-lasting materials. Unforeseen maintenance and replacement costs could result from investing in the shoddier product.
- Applications: A single valve that can be used for multiple applications is likely to cost more up front, but it may save you from having to purchase multiple valves for a variety of uses.
- Quality: Purchasing from known suppliers with a reliable history of quality control offers more protection for your investment than buying cheaper products from a less-reliable source.
- Repair and Replacement: Eventually, all valves will need repair or replacement. The key is investing in products where the frequency of this occurrence is lessened and the cost of eventual repair or replacement is manageable.
- Standardization: One final important factor to consider is standardizing your valves across the plant. Costs may be higher initially, but streamlined repair and replacement as well as staff comfort with the equipment could be a big payoff long term.