Automatic Water Shutoff Valve

bobofthenorth · February 13, 2013, 05:03:20 PM

I've been thinking the same as Sean just suggested. As long as the float can be positioned at the height of the top of the tank, it doesn't need to physically be inside the tank. This isn't a high priority for me but it sure would be nice to have. My fill runs through a manifold so it would be pretty simple to route the line that currently goes to the tank through some kind of a shutoff valve. I have exactly the same gnat-like attention span - start the tank filling and next thing I know I'm racing back through a puddle of water to shut it off. Where did those last 45 minutes go?

Len Silva · February 13, 2013, 06:30:04 PM

I understand about the ADD, we have to use whatever tools are available to us.

Scott & Heather · February 13, 2013, 07:04:34 PM

John, I actually do have a hole in the side of my luggage bay where the hose comes out. But I have to watch the level in the tank so the door has to be open. My goal would be to have an automated system so I could walk away and come back and shut off the water supply. That being said, Sean and I must be of the same breed. I flooded our bay rice because I was distracted by some other nefarious project.

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arutkow · February 13, 2013, 07:59:05 PM

I would think this would be doable with a few probes from a tank monitoring system and a solenoid.

Just a little 12 volt wiring and it could be done....

arutkow · February 13, 2013, 08:08:54 PM

I would think this would be doable with a few probes from a tank monitoring system and a solenoid.

Just a little 12 volt wiring and it could be done....

Van · February 13, 2013, 09:19:27 PM

Maybe a camera with led lighting in the bay, pipe it into the big tv upstairs? just a thought! good luck

Sam 4106 · February 14, 2013, 02:51:28 AM

Scott & Sean,

I think that if you are successful in developing an, inexpensive, effective system, you could market it to others. I know I would like to have one. Maybe a little side business for you. I encourage you to pursue your idea to it's conclusion.

Good luck, Sam

robertglines1 · February 14, 2013, 05:45:14 AM

Float on rod thru top or tank. float rises hits micro switch shuts valve. Could be fishing cork on a 1/4 inch dial rod thru a 3/4 in pvc pipe plug with a 5/16 hole drilled in it. 1 small 1/16th pin thru dial rod could keep short rod from fallin down in tank. The whole assembly only needs to be a few inches long. You just need to sense full tank. rod rises hits switch shuts valve off! Still have to disconnect hose. Could use same set up to work a toilet valve.

Len Silva · February 14, 2013, 06:43:40 AM

If you can get a 1/2" threaded hole in the side of the tank, there are inexpensive float switches for that application.
http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/MADISON-Liquid-Level-Switch-5DYC2?cm_sp=IO-_-IDP-_-RR_VTV70300505&cm_vc=IDPRRZ1

Lin · February 14, 2013, 06:57:27 AM

Easiest thing to do would be to have your wife watch the tank fill. She could even learn to shut the water off and maybe disconect the hose!

lostagain · February 14, 2013, 07:08:55 AM

Maybe some techno-geek could design a smart phone app...

JC

Scott & Heather · February 27, 2013, 07:34:44 AM

Ok guys. I've flooded my luggage bay for the fourth time. I'm normally a calm guy with a reasonable disposition. But I'm over this. The tank is plumbed in pretty solid. It's winter. I don't want to disconnect it all and pull it out to drill a hole in the top and put an overflow pipe fitting or bung or spin one on. That would be major drama. I just want an easy way to kill the water when it's full. Something I can install with the tank in place. This forum consists of an ingenious group of people (of which I am not a member). I know float valves, toilet valves, and a sundry other ideas have been floating around (no pun intended) but can some dear soul please outline something I can build to deal with this once and for all. I would happily build something and experiment, but it's winter in Michigan. I'd rather just freeze my tushy off installing something once rather than experimenting. I'm over this...

Here are some pics of my setup for reference. The first one shows my most recent (just now) flooding experience:

bobofthenorth · February 27, 2013, 08:27:21 AM

What I said to begin with - a stock trough float valve. Now that we see your setup it couldn't be easier. Here's the first link that came up on a Google search but just go to Tractor Supply or wherever the cowboys shop locally and buy the cheapest float valve they have.

http://www.plumbingsupply.com/livestock-watering-valves.html

I've never actually seen a float valve exactly like the one in that link but any of them will work. The ones I'm familiar with have an oblong float inside a plastic housing and they clip over the side of the tank. The one in the link looks like it would work perfectly for you but don't get hung up looking for that exact float - any of them will work.

Lin · February 27, 2013, 08:51:03 AM

1. You could go with a timer temporarily until you settle on the ultimate fix.
2. There are side mounted float switches that you should be able to find a place for without moving the tank (http://www.fluidswitch.com/pages/float-switch-horizontal.htm).
3. There are side mount float valves (https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:X_U4P5QLfVMJ:www.floatvalve.com/documents/KerickValveBrochure_004.pdf+side+mounted+float+valve&hl=en&gl=us&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESjKeRhronNXMrhr5dEytVkTHskyW51LVe5vPmw7h7Py_hv6IBaO8XSZspqqX2JaGoOjgCOwDc5wEIQc67CM4Rf_X6Mf-Gex69iiZdQatN0IwhVxEH7gsE_k-rYt8qSv6dz-zs8Q&sig=AHIEtbQl6WUY_GjvfxwdQnqz65bOgaTp6Q). This would require opening and sealing a hole in the side of the tank, but it would be doable.

Personally, I would use a timer for now before putting any work into something that I am not going to like long term.

jonesyjonesy · February 27, 2013, 11:48:54 AM

Just tee off where the water comes into the coach, before the check valve. Run that line into tank float valve. This way when your running off pump pressure your pump wont try to fill the tank. tank will get filled when ever you hook up to outside water supply and be full when your ready to go.