Float valves for water storage

[sam_y]

I'm sure this has been discussed before but I can't seem to find it. I need an auto shutoff float valve for filling my water storage barrel. What should I use? I'm also horrible at plumbing, so the simpler the better. Thanks!

[dishpanhands]

take my advice. float switch and solenoid valve is the way to go. might cost a little more then an auto shut off and a float valve, but its a lot safer..

[aggie_67]

Can find a float valve at Ace Hardware (used for evaorative water cooler,) or RandalB(moderator here) sells a good one too.

[Moon]

I got mine from Home Depot. It's a toilet tank float valve. I drilled a hole on the side of the barrel and fixed the valve and works well.

[dishpanhands]

well look at it like this. 9 out of 10 times a solenoid valve goes bad it won't come on, but 9 out of 10 times a float valve goes bad it won't shut off.have you ever seen a toilet that won't shut off...lol...toilets have an overflow so if you use toilet float valve make sure you put overflow in barrel. if not buy a good wet dry vac.. :D

[sam_y]

Thanks everyone for your replies! For the float valves, do I need any other parts besides the valves themselves?

Dishpanhands,

Can you describe how to setup a solenoid valve/float switch system?

[aggie_67]

Nothing out of the ordinatry; drills, etc for installation.

Idea for your consideration, need to get the valve first and make sure it can be installed this way, but I like to mount my valve on the top of the drum, not the side.

[dishpanhands]

well it's about as hard as hooking up a door bell. here is a link were RandalB hooks up one in his house the pictures are gone but its a good referance.. http://forum.simplydiscus.com//showthread.php?t=38410
if i was you i would private message RandalB he is a sponsor of this site so he is a good guy. he can help you do it anyway you want to do it. he's got float valves, or tank fill controls

[ronrca]

Hi,
The best, simplest, cheapest valve I found for water storage is as follows:
http://forum.simplydiscus.com//showthread.php?t=23174

I use it on my 250G storage tank and have never had a problem. It works great!
Here are pics of my setup:
See post #9 for the storage pic. You will see the connection to the storage tank on the right side of the tank
http://forum.simplydiscus.com//showthread.php?t=36454

HTH

[sam_y]

Aggie,

Thanks for the pic!

Ron,

I'm going to try the FillPro. Looks like a nice, compact unit. Also, it's in Canada, so I might actually be able to find it. BTW, your fishroom's looking great!

[Moon]

Sam
The Fillpro is available at Home Depot for about $17.00 Cdn.

[troyclark]

I use two 100 gallon rubbermaid stock tanks. Since the place I work sells them I checked to see if they made an auto fill for it and they do. They are made by rubbermaid and designed to work on Rubbermaid Stock tanks but would think they would work on others also. I think it was around $20.00. I use on all the time with no problems. HTH

Troy

[daninthesand]

I'm still using the exact same fill-pro valve I talked about at

http://forum.simplydiscus.com//showthread.php?t=23174

Its still works flawlessly. 100 gallons go through it each and every day and i have yet to clean it or otherwise need to adjust it. I have never bothered to look for or use anything else.

Daniel

[JeffreyRichard]

Aquatic eco-systems offer several float valves ... I've used them for years in large holding tanks. I don't trust electric solenoid valves ... too expensive too.

http://www.aquaticeco.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/listings.categories/ssid/353

[dishpanhands]

!WOW! i won't buy my valve there. solenoid valves are safer. check this site.
http://jehmco.com/PRODUCTS_/HARDWARE_/Float_Valves___Switches/float_valves___switches.html

[Discus_KC]

Here's the one I use.

Jack

[jimmyhat]

works the same as a toilet would> im building a pond 3 level and i have been looking at valves for ponds and it has me thinking!!! :D

[turkis]

Float valves used in the storage sump.
Mario

[turkis]

Better view of the float valve.