Stockham Valves and Fittings, headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, was a major manufacturer of iron body and bronze valves and fittings supplying the US Navy for auxiliary and secondary service applications throughout World War II and the Cold War. Stockham’s product line emphasized iron body valves for lower-pressure utility service — the valve types found in auxiliary steam systems, fire main, drainage, and service water applications aboard Navy surface ships and auxiliary vessels.

Asbestos in Stockham Valve Components

Stockham valves used asbestos packing and gaskets as standard sealing materials consistent with industry practice of the era:

  • Iron gate and globe valve stem packing — braided asbestos packing in Stockham iron gate and globe valve stuffing boxes provided stem sealing in auxiliary steam and utility service applications. Stuffing box packing replacement was performed by Machinist’s Mates and Damage Controlmen when valves developed stem leaks
  • Valve body gaskets and bonnet seals — asbestos sheet gaskets at valve bonnet joints and at threaded or flanged connections were disturbed during valve maintenance and replacement
  • Iron fitting gaskets — Stockham’s iron pipe fitting product line included flanged fittings with asbestos-containing gaskets at flange faces in steam and water piping applications
  • Check valve disc gaskets — asbestos gasket materials in check valve construction were disturbed during valve overhaul and disc replacement

Auxiliary System Applications

Stockham iron valves appeared extensively in secondary service applications throughout Navy surface ships:

  • Fire main isolation valves — iron gate valves in fire main service provided isolation and sectioning of the ship’s fire main throughout its distribution piping. Fire main valve maintenance was performed by Damage Controlmen as part of fire protection system maintenance
  • Drainage and bilge system valves — iron gate and globe valves in drainage and bilge piping throughout engineering spaces
  • Cooling water systems — seawater and freshwater cooling water isolation and control in auxiliary machinery spaces

Shipyard Contractor Application

Stockham valves were installed by shipyard construction contractors during initial ship construction and during shipyard maintenance periods, making Stockham products present in ships built throughout the WWII and Cold War period. Shipyard workers — pipefitters, plumbers, and insulators — installing Stockham valves and fittings in new ship construction or during maintenance availability were exposed to asbestos from valve packing and gasket materials during installation and subsequent maintenance.

VA Claims

VA presumptive service connection under 38 CFR § 3.309(d) covers asbestos exposure from valve maintenance in Navy ship service systems. Engineering and damage control ratings who performed valve maintenance involving Stockham and other asbestos-packed valve products and have since been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestosis, or asbestos-related lung cancer may qualify for VA disability benefits.