5 Common Mistakes When Installing Gas Butterfly Valves (and How to Avoid Them)

In our previous article, we compared Gas Butterfly Valves and Ball Valves to help you decide which one fits your system better. But even the best valve can fail to perform if it’s installed the wrong way. So today, let’s talk about the most common mistakes people make when installing gas butterfly valves — and how you can easily avoid them.

1. Ignoring Flow Direction

One of the biggest (and surprisingly common) mistakes is installing the valve against the flow direction. Gas butterfly valves are designed to allow gas to flow smoothly in one direction. If you reverse it, you risk turbulence, leakage, or even premature wear.

✅ Tip: Always check the arrow mark on the valve body before installation. It shows the correct flow direction. Simple, but crucial.

2. Over-Tightening Bolts

We’ve seen this a lot — installers think tighter means safer. Nope, not always. Over-tightening bolts around the flange can warp the valve disc or damage the seat, leading to improper sealing.

✅ Tip: Follow the manufacturer’s torque specifications. Each bolt should be tightened evenly in a crisscross pattern.

(And yes, we mentioned this briefly in our earlier blog on valve maintenance tips, but it’s worth repeating here!)

3. Not Checking Alignment

If the valve and the pipeline aren’t perfectly aligned, the disc may not rotate freely — which means the valve won’t fully open or close. Misalignment also increases operational torque and reduces lifespan.

✅ Tip: Before tightening everything down, test the valve’s open/close motion. It should move smoothly without scraping or resistance.

4. Using the Wrong Type of Valve

Some users try to use standard gas butterfly valves in high-pressure or acidic environments, which can cause corrosion or leakage. This is a classic example of “wrong valve, right job.”

✅ Tip: For corrosive or harsh environments, consider Acid/Alkali Resistant Butterfly Valves or Cryogenic Butterfly Valves. Companies like Shanghai Rogers Valve Co., Ltd., a trusted China valve manufacturer, offer a full range for different industrial uses — from Gas Butterfly Valves to Hydraulic Check Valves.

5. Skipping Function Testing

We get it — once everything’s bolted in place, you just wanna get it running. But skipping a function test is a serious mistake. If there’s a leak or obstruction, you’ll only find out after the system is pressurized — and that’s a bad time to discover a problem.

✅ Tip: Always do a pre-operation test. Rotate the valve through several cycles and check for smooth operation before introducing gas pressure.

Why Proper Installation Matters

Even the highest-quality valve can fail early if installation isn’t right. Proper installation not only ensures leak-free operation but also extends the service life of your entire gas system.

As we discussed in our last blog (Gas Butterfly Valve vs Ball Valve), the valve is the heart of your flow control system. So treat it right from day one.

Installing a Gas Butterfly Valve might seem straightforward, but small details make a big difference. By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll save both time and maintenance costs — and keep your gas system safe and efficient.

And hey, in our next post, we’ll go deeper into “How to Choose the Right Butterfly Valve for Different Media (Gas, Oil, and Water)”, which connects perfectly with today’s topic. Stay tuned!