Control Valve (Motorised) Maintenance Checklist
A maintenance checklist for motorised control valves covering actuator testing, valve stroke verification, gland inspection, and BMS signal checks — for HVAC heating and cooling circuit regulation.
What is a control valve maintenance checklist?
A control valve (motorised) maintenance checklist is a structured list of the 10 preventive maintenance tasks — covering visual, functional, cleaning, safety and record-keeping checks — that keep a control valve (motorised) running safely and reliably. It groups routine checks by frequency, from daily inspections to annual servicing, so FM teams and building engineers can plan and evidence preventive maintenance.
Core control valve checks
- Inspect valve gland for water leaks
- Verify the valve strokes fully open to fully closed and back
- Check the associated strainer is clean
- Confirm the valve is labelled with circuit identification
- Record valve position, actuator condition, and any remedial work
What is a control valve (motorised)?
A motorised control valve regulates the flow of hot or chilled water through heating and cooling coils in response to signals from a BMS controller or local thermostat. The valve body contains a plug, ball, or butterfly element driven by an electric or pneumatic actuator. Correct valve operation is fundamental to zone temperature control, energy efficiency, and occupant comfort.
This checklist is one of 34 in our HVAC maintenance checklists, covering air handling units, fan coils, chillers, VRF, ductwork and extract systems — filters, coils, refrigerant and damper checks.
Typical Control valve maintenance checklist
A practical starting point for planned preventive maintenance. Always refer to the manufacturer's O&M manual and site-specific requirements.
Visual Checks
- Inspect valve gland for water leaks
- Check the actuator is correctly coupled to the valve stem
- Inspect valve body and connections for corrosion or leaks
Functional Checks
- Verify the valve strokes fully open to fully closed and back
- Check actuator responds correctly to the BMS control signal
- Confirm the valve achieves full shut-off with no pass-by
- Verify spring-return operation (fail-safe position) if applicable
Cleaning & Housekeeping
- Check the associated strainer is clean
Safety Checks
- Confirm the valve is labelled with circuit identification
Record Keeping
- Record valve position, actuator condition, and any remedial work
Download the free Control valve maintenance checklist PDF
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Typical maintenance frequency
Suggested intervals for control valve (motorised) maintenance. Actual frequencies should follow manufacturer guidance and site-specific risk assessments.
Quarterly
- •Verify valve operation and BMS signal response
- •Check for leaks at glands
Annually
- •Full stroke test
- •Fail-safe test (spring return valves)
- •Clean strainer
- •Check actuator coupling
Common faults and issues
Issues to be aware of when maintaining control valve (motorised) equipment.
Safety and compliance notes
Key safety considerations for control valve (motorised) maintenance. This is general guidance only — always follow OEM instructions, statutory requirements, and your organisation's safe systems of work.
Reference standards and frameworks
- United Kingdom
- SFG20 schedules and CIBSE Guide M
- North America
- ASHRAE/ACCA Standard 180 (HVAC inspection and maintenance)
Frameworks commonly referenced when planning control valve maintenance programmes. Always confirm the requirements that apply to your site and jurisdiction.
Managing Control valve documentation with PM Assist
PM Assist helps FM and building operations teams search their O&M manuals and building drawings in seconds. Upload your control valve (motorised) documentation and ask questions like “What are the recommended service intervals?” or “Where are the isolation points?” — and get source-cited answers instantly.
See PM Assist answer questions about a real control valve manual — try the live demo, no signup needed.
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Related free tools
Related maintenance checklists
Further reading on control valve maintenance
Compliance topics for control valve maintenance
Frequently asked questions
What is a fail-safe control valve?
What is valve pass-by?
How long do control valve actuators last?
Should I use a PICV instead of a standard control valve?
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