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UK diy (uk.d-i-y) For the discussion of all topics related to diy (do-it-yourself) in the UK. All levels of experience and proficency are welcome to join in to ask questions or offer solutions. |
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#1
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Float valves which are OK if submerged
I'm after a float valve of some sort which will not get damaged if it
is completely submerged. I want to have a tank which is mostly filled from local sources of water but, if the local sources dry up, then the float valve will maintain a foot or so of water in the bottom of the tank from the mains. (I guess there will have to be strict non-return precautions to conform to water byelaws too) So, I need a float valve that won't mind being underwater, I suspect that the 'standard' sort of cold water tank valve with a big spherical float won't survive being under water. Would a Torbeck valve be OK, or do they include the flushing mechanism which I don't need? -- Chris Green |
#2
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Float valves which are OK if submerged
wrote in message ... I'm after a float valve of some sort which will not get damaged if it is completely submerged. I want to have a tank which is mostly filled from local sources of water but, if the local sources dry up, then the float valve will maintain a foot or so of water in the bottom of the tank from the mains. (I guess there will have to be strict non-return precautions to conform to water byelaws too) So, I need a float valve that won't mind being underwater, I suspect that the 'standard' sort of cold water tank valve with a big spherical float won't survive being under water. Would a Torbeck valve be OK, or do they include the flushing mechanism which I don't need? -- Chris Green You could used the low pressure diaphragm switches (*) used to set the levels in washing machines, and have them controlling solenoid valves - again from washing machines - so not only is the switch not submerged, but the two sources of water can be totally isolated. AWEM (*)They use a column of air trapped in a tube, as the level rises so does the pressure in the tube and the switch triggers - usually have two independant set points that are tweakable with a little screw |
#4
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Float valves which are OK if submerged
Dave Osborne wrote:
wrote: I'm after a float valve of some sort which will not get damaged if it is completely submerged. I want to have a tank which is mostly filled from local sources of water but, if the local sources dry up, then the float valve will maintain a foot or so of water in the bottom of the tank from the mains. (I guess there will have to be strict non-return precautions to conform to water byelaws too) So, I need a float valve that won't mind being underwater, I suspect that the 'standard' sort of cold water tank valve with a big spherical float won't survive being under water. Would a Torbeck valve be OK, or do they include the flushing mechanism which I don't need? As Andrew said, I would be inclined to use an electrical solution. A float switch like this: http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=12167 And a solenoid valve from a washing machine. Oh, just found this: - perfect http://www.halstedrain.com/Mains%20W...p%20Valves.pdf Seems to use a washing machine solenoid valve and a tundish for non-return isolation. Doh, just noticed page 2 of the pdf where there is a non-electrical solution as well. Mechanical float valve on a piece of string. Clever! |
#5
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Float valves which are OK if submerged
Andrew Mawson wrote:
wrote in message ... I'm after a float valve of some sort which will not get damaged if it is completely submerged. I want to have a tank which is mostly filled from local sources of water but, if the local sources dry up, then the float valve will maintain a foot or so of water in the bottom of the tank from the mains. (I guess there will have to be strict non-return precautions to conform to water byelaws too) So, I need a float valve that won't mind being underwater, I suspect that the 'standard' sort of cold water tank valve with a big spherical float won't survive being under water. Would a Torbeck valve be OK, or do they include the flushing mechanism which I don't need? -- Chris Green You could used the low pressure diaphragm switches (*) used to set the levels in washing machines, and have them controlling solenoid valves - again from washing machines - so not only is the switch not submerged, but the two sources of water can be totally isolated. I'd rather not have a power (electrical) operated valve if I can avoid it. I could do something similar to what you have described with a float switch which is definitely OK submerged. -- Chris Green |
#6
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Float valves which are OK if submerged
Dave Osborne wrote:
wrote: I'm after a float valve of some sort which will not get damaged if it is completely submerged. I want to have a tank which is mostly filled from local sources of water but, if the local sources dry up, then the float valve will maintain a foot or so of water in the bottom of the tank from the mains. (I guess there will have to be strict non-return precautions to conform to water byelaws too) So, I need a float valve that won't mind being underwater, I suspect that the 'standard' sort of cold water tank valve with a big spherical float won't survive being under water. Would a Torbeck valve be OK, or do they include the flushing mechanism which I don't need? As Andrew said, I would be inclined to use an electrical solution. A float switch like this: http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=12167 And a solenoid valve from a washing machine. Oh, just found this: - perfect http://www.halstedrain.com/Mains%20W...p%20Valves.pdf Seems to use a washing machine solenoid valve and a tundish for non-return isolation. I had a set-up which did *exactly* this, my design was amazingly like what's described in the above link to a PDF, down to using a similar plastic box to put it in. However they don't survive all that long in an outdoor environment, even in a shed (which is where mine was). The combination of occasional freezing and our very high mains water pressure soon breaks something. (I guess I may have the same freezing problem with any sort of float valve but at least they're cheaper) The www.halstedrain.com site is a bit worrying, no indication of prices anywhere that I can see. -- Chris Green |
#7
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Float valves which are OK if submerged
Dave Osborne wrote:
Dave Osborne wrote: wrote: I'm after a float valve of some sort which will not get damaged if it is completely submerged. I want to have a tank which is mostly filled from local sources of water but, if the local sources dry up, then the float valve will maintain a foot or so of water in the bottom of the tank from the mains. (I guess there will have to be strict non-return precautions to conform to water byelaws too) So, I need a float valve that won't mind being underwater, I suspect that the 'standard' sort of cold water tank valve with a big spherical float won't survive being under water. Would a Torbeck valve be OK, or do they include the flushing mechanism which I don't need? As Andrew said, I would be inclined to use an electrical solution. A float switch like this: http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=12167 And a solenoid valve from a washing machine. Oh, just found this: - perfect http://www.halstedrain.com/Mains%20W...p%20Valves.pdf Seems to use a washing machine solenoid valve and a tundish for non-return isolation. Doh, just noticed page 2 of the pdf where there is a non-electrical solution as well. Mechanical float valve on a piece of string. Clever! That's exactly what I want, maybe I can simply add a bit of string to a 'conventional' float valve of some sort. It does look as if the valve they're using is quite like some of those available from BES. I just get this nasty feeling that Halsted Rain charge a silly amount for the device. -- Chris Green |
#8
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Float valves which are OK if submerged
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