Troubleshooting A Cable Actuated Gate Valve That Won't Fully Close The Gate

Updated 10/02/2023 | Published 10/01/2023

Question:

I have a 3 inch black tank gate valve that only partially closes. I am not sure how to fix it. It is cable activated but installed in a way that the cable is pulling at 90 degrees rather than straight on. I can purchase a new one but dont which configuration or whether it matters. I believe it is Valterra. I have photos.

asked by: Kelly M

Expert Reply:

You'll definitely need to straighten that line out otherwise you'll keep having issues with cable not wanting to fully close the gate. You can remove the four bolts that mount the gate valve to the pipe and see if turning it 90 degrees and re-bolting it in place helps give you a straighter path. If not you would need to cut off the flanges and glue new ones in place at an angle that would allow the gat valve to be mount where the cable can sit straight.

With it being at that angle it could've also damaged the internal connection of the gate valve/cable so you might need to replace it with one like the # TC372 you were looking at. The brand doesn't really matter since there's a standard bolt pattern for these valves between the brands. Without physically seeing your gate valve in person it's hard to tell if it's a repairable fix or replacement.

expert reply by: Kevin C