Examples of hidden avoidable waste

The linkage between a heating valve and its control actuator was found to have been 'modified' with a hammer and a lump of wood.
A bypass valve on a steam trap in the basement of a paper mill was found in the 'open' position.
The limit switch on an intermittent rake mechanism came loose. As a result the rake, a wash water pump and a macerator were all running continuously instead of briefly once or twice an hour.
A steam leak like this costs about £1,000 a year.
When this non-return valve started to malfunction on a compressor installation, the operators put a second compressor into service at an excess cost exceeding £10,000 a week
These steps were found to be electrically heated - all year round, thanks to a faulty frost thermostat