Commercial Valves 201

Includes a Live Web Event on 03/18/2026 at 10:00 AM (CDT)

Part 1 of a 4 part Bundle, Commercial Valves 201 is the first course in the Virtual Learning Day

Move beyond the fundamentals and deepen your technical expertise with "Commercial Valves 201." This advanced, one-hour course is designed for professionals who specify, install, and maintain valve assemblies in demanding commercial applications. We will explore the engineering principles behind reliable valve performance, focusing on the critical interplay between construction, material science, and installation practices. Participants will gain actionable knowledge to enhance system longevity and optimize performance in real-world conditions.

This course will provide advanced discussions on:

· Commercial Valve Construction & Engineering:

· Analysis of robust body designs, stem types, and trim configurations for ball, butterfly, globe, gate, and check valves.

· Understanding pressure/temperature ratings, flow characteristics (Cv), and their impact on system design.

· Examination of industry standards relevant to commercial valve manufacturing.

· Advanced Material Selection:

· Comparisons of bronze, cast iron, ductile iron, and brass for body materials.

· Selecting appropriate seat and seal materials for compatibility with potable water, HVAC fluids, and aggressive media.

· Factors influencing material choice: water quality, temperature extremes, corrosion resistance, and life-cycle cost.

· Principles of Proper Installation & Best Practices:

· Pre-installation inspection, handling, and storage protocols to prevent damage.

· Proper installation technique to prevent leaks and valve failure.

· Systematic Tips for Troubleshooting & Maintenance:

· Diagnosing common field issues: leaks (packing, seat, body), failure to operate, and premature wear.

· Root-cause analysis linking symptoms to installation errors, material incompatibility, or operational abuse.

· Developing proactive maintenance schedules to ensure valve reliability and extend service life.

Aaron Kilburg

Commercial Sales Manager

Nibco INC.

Aaron Kilburg is the Commercial Sales Manager – Midwest at NIBCO INC., the worldwide leader in the manufacture of flow control products for the residential, industrial, marine, and commercial construction markets.

Based out of Batavia, Ill., Aaron is a graduate of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. He joined NIBCO eight years ago and works with MEP contractors and engineers across the Midwest to be a resource for valve and press products, as well as generating demand for NIBCO specified plumbing, mechanical and fire protection products.

Aaron has been a member of ASPE for eight years and has been the featured speaker at ASPE chapter events across the Midwest, including chapters in Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and Missouri.

Aaron has provided training on lead-free copper joinery for press and soldering, as well as commercial valves 101 at Plumbers Local 130 in Chicago and Volo, Ill., Plumbers Local 25 in Moline, Ill., Plumbers Local 75 in Madison and Milwaukee, Wis., Plumbers Local 157 in Terre Haute, Ind., and at the UA “Train the Trainer” event held annually in Ann Arbor, Mich. Aaron is also heavily involved in supporting MCAA and has attended field leader conferences throughout the Midwest. Aaron provides ongoing apprentice training on commercial valves and copper joinery best practices at the Local 597 Pipefitters training facility in Mokena, Ill.