Manual Valve
A Manual Valve is a basic but important device used in heating, cooling, and plumbing systems that controls the flow of water, gas, or other fluids by hand operation. Unlike automatic valves that use electricity or computers, manual valves are operated by physically turning a handle or wheel. They're similar to the water faucets in your home, but industrial-grade. When reading resumes, you might see them mentioned in context of installation, maintenance, or repair work in buildings' heating and cooling systems. They're sometimes called "hand valves" or "shutoff valves" and are crucial for controlling flow in HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems.
Examples in Resumes
Performed regular maintenance and replacement of Manual Valve|Hand Valve systems in commercial buildings
Supervised installation of Manual Valve|Shutoff Valve networks in new construction projects
Trained junior technicians on proper Manual Valve operation and maintenance procedures
Typical job title: "HVAC Technicians"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find HVAC Technicians
Professional Organizations
Online Forums
Job Resources
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you plan a large-scale manual valve replacement project in a commercial building?
Expected Answer: A senior technician should discuss assessment of existing systems, planning for minimal disruption, safety procedures, team coordination, and proper documentation of valve locations and specifications.
Q: What factors do you consider when selecting manual valves for different applications?
Expected Answer: Should explain choosing valves based on fluid type, pressure requirements, temperature ranges, ease of maintenance, and cost considerations. Should also mention importance of manufacturer reputation and parts availability.
Mid Level Questions
Q: How do you troubleshoot a sticky or difficult-to-operate manual valve?
Expected Answer: Should describe inspection process, common issues like mineral buildup or worn parts, proper lubrication techniques, and when to repair versus replace.
Q: Explain your preventive maintenance routine for manual valves.
Expected Answer: Should discuss regular inspection schedules, checking for leaks, testing valve operation, lubricating moving parts, and documenting maintenance history.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What are the basic types of manual valves and their uses?
Expected Answer: Should identify common types like ball valves, gate valves, and globe valves, and describe basic applications for each in HVAC systems.
Q: What safety procedures do you follow when working with manual valves?
Expected Answer: Should mention checking system pressure, wearing proper safety equipment, confirming valve positions, and communication with building occupants before shutting off systems.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic valve identification and operation
- Simple maintenance procedures
- Safety protocols
- Basic tool usage
Mid (2-5 years)
- Complex system troubleshooting
- Valve replacement and repair
- Reading system diagrams
- Preventive maintenance planning
Senior (5+ years)
- Project management
- System design consultation
- Team supervision
- Complex problem diagnosis
Red Flags to Watch For
- No hands-on experience with different valve types
- Unfamiliarity with basic safety procedures
- Lack of preventive maintenance knowledge
- No experience reading system diagrams or schematics
