DIY water shut off for aging barrel

[jim LI]

Can anyone suggest a simple, inexpensive way of having the water re-filling my aging barrel turn off automatically? i was looking for something like the fluidmaster toilet tank filler, but I don't think they are drinking water safe.

thanks,
jim

[Ryan925]

Can anyone suggest a simple, inexpensive way of having the water re-filling my aging barrel turn off automatically? i was looking for something like the fluidmaster toilet tank filler, but I don't think they are drinking water safe.

thanks,
jim

You could drill the tank and install a bulkhead. Then you can use a pool/fountain auto fill. It works same as a toilet. It's just a float valve. They come in plastic or brass

Actually second thought. Forget drilling just plumb a 1/2" or 3/4" pvc up and over then down into barrel to desire height

[DJW]

These will work, you just need to get the right fittings.

http://www.jehmco.com/html/float_valves_switches.html

[Neptune]

How are you filling your barrel? From a faucet/hose?

[Ryan925]

This is what I was talking about. Very inexpensive and would work like a charm 10222016201337.jpg

[jim LI]

How are you filling your barrel? From a faucet/hose?

I put a faucet right next to my aging barrels to make it easier to fill. I use a water potable hose.

[jim LI]

You could drill the tank and install a bulkhead. Then you can use a pool/fountain auto fill. It works same as a toilet. It's just a float valve. They come in plastic or brass

Actually second thought. Forget drilling just plumb a 1/2" or 3/4" pvc up and over then down into barrel to desire height

I like the idea of piping rather than putting a hole into the barrels. I can use the same shut off for both barrels.

thanks

[jim LI]

This is what I was talking about. Very inexpensive and would work like a charm 10222016201337.jpg

Where did you get this float from?

thanks

[Ryan925]

Where did you get this float from?

thanks

I actually got it from my wholesale Pool distributor but I'll find you a link

[Ryan925]

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00TZ...ll+float&psc=1

There are many different ones. Bigger and smaller. Just search aurofill float.

I would recommend not placing it at the very top of barrel. There is always the risk of the float getting out of adjustment if not tight enough. Give yourself a little room for error.

[jim LI]

Thanks Ryan. I was thinking of having the float below the rim and adjust the water fill height with the adjustment screw on the float.

[Ryan925]

Thanks Ryan. I was thinking of having the float below the rim and adjust the water fill height with the adjustment screw on the float.

Right.. With this application there shouldn't be much risk of float getting out of adjustment but I'd give yourself a slight buffer in case.

[Jenene]

This is what I was talking about. Very inexpensive and would work like a charm 10222016201337.jpg

This would be a good one in my thread for little things that make life easier- a few threads above this one. I use a timer on my phone but if I get distracted all bets are off. I have spent many evenings standing over that barrel afraid to walk away from it. Already flooded the house a few too many times.

Jim- when you get it done could you post a pic so we can see it?

Jenene

[DJW]

This is a cheap float valve installed on a barrel. The water line is 1/4" push-in type. Hardware stores have the fittings you need for the water line.

1-DSC_0190-002.JPG1-DSC_0192.JPG

[Jenene]

This is a cheap float valve installed on a barrel. The water line is 1/4" push-in type. Hardware stores have the fittings you need for the water line.

1-DSC_0190-002.JPG1-DSC_0192.JPG

Thanks for the pics Dan. Could you post a pic of the faucet end for those of us who are plumbing challenged? My current kitchen faucet does not allow attachments so I will need to change it to get this to work but curious about the other end of the line.