Anyone have problems with automatic watering system?

[reptilegirl07]

Has anyone had any issues with automatic watering systems using edstrom valves? I know they can sometimes flood, but any other issues you notice with the system.

I want to see if I can work out any kinks during the planning system.

Also, if you know of issues, state whether it's a gravity fed system (bucket) or if it's a pressure system using a pressure regulator.

thanks

[88Snakes]

I've been using a gravity feed system on 6 different racks (about 100 valves) for about a year now and my only two issues have been the occasional flood (about 4 in a year) and a clogged up filter once restricted the flow to the point I lost a handful of rats due to dehydration. That was a hard lesson to learn ...now I simply check the filter atleast twice a month. The only other issue I've had isn't directly a flaw of the watering system but has got me in trouble twice was loose rats chewing through the water lines and flooding the bins below. I've seen others plumb their system with PVC pipe and use screw in fittings but I'm going to stick with the flexible hose due to price and ease of installing/replacing. I've since managed to avoid this issue by simply installing 2 live traps to catch them before they do any harm.

[CapeFearConstrictors]

I have three 7 tub racks and 1 birthing rack (a total of 61 valves). Every day I check on them. I make sure there are no flooded tubs and that every valve is flowing properly. It's only been a few months, but so far the only flooding I've had was when an escapee chewed through some tubing. Checking every day has helped me find some slow leaks and replace those valves before they become a problem. Only had 3-4 of those though. So basically, if you check often to make sure everything is working properly, you shouldn't have any problems.

[jasbus]

I've been using Edstrom valves for a very long time. I replace alot of gaskets, but other than that, I rarely have problems with them. I replace them after a few years just to avoid any problems. Occasionally I have to rebuild a sticky valve with new gaskets. Of all the valves I've used over the years, Edstroms are the best for the money. I have used more expensive valves, but I always go back to the Edstrom valves...
Just keep a good eye on your system, like said above, loose rats will chew through your water lines, and just clean out your bucket once a month to keep all the crap out of the lines. I put the shut off valve about an inch above the bottom to avoid any junk getting sucked in to the lines, and just sit the lid on the bucket to keep stuff out as well. Drill a small hole in the lid to keep it from vacuuming if it does get on too tight.

ONe thing I've never been brave enough to do is a low pressure system.. It just scares me that a valve will get stuck open and flood everything below it... Lots of pepole use them, but I've just never trusted it..

[88Snakes]

I've been using Edstrom valves for a very long time. I replace alot of gaskets, but other than that, I rarely have problems with them. I replace them after a few years just to avoid any problems. Occasionally I have to rebuild a sticky valve with new gaskets. Of all the valves I've used over the years, Edstroms are the best for the money. I have used more expensive valves, but I always go back to the Edstrom valves...
Just keep a good eye on your system, like said above, loose rats will chew through your water lines, and just clean out your bucket once a month to keep all the crap out of the lines. I put the shut off valve about an inch above the bottom to avoid any junk getting sucked in to the lines, and just sit the lid on the bucket to keep stuff out as well. Drill a small hole in the lid to keep it from vacuuming if it does get on too tight.

ONe thing I've never been brave enough to do is a low pressure system.. It just scares me that a valve will get stuck open and flood everything below it... Lots of pepole use them, but I've just never trusted it..

Sorry to partially hijack Jasbus , How do you when to change gaskets and are you changing all 3 pieces at once (2 o-rings and the diaphragm) I guess I am curious to know how to diagnose which component to replace when they start to leak.

[jasbus]

Sorry to partially hijack Jasbus , How do you when to change gaskets and are you changing all 3 pieces at once (2 o-rings and the diaphragm) I guess I am curious to know how to diagnose which component to replace when they start to leak.

I change both rings and the diaphram.

[jasbus]

Also, dont use bleach to clean the lines/bucket/valves... It corrodes the rings. I know some people will put a cup of bleach in the bucket to clean the system/kill mildew, etc... It wears the rubber out quick. I just take the bucket down once a month and give it a good cleaning.

[reptilegirl07]

Thanks jasbus. I plan on ordering my pressure regulator this week. I'm actually doing a pressure system. My boyfriend is an engineer and said he can somehow put in a safeguard that will shut off the water in case of a flood.

I don't know HOW he will do it, but that was my concern as well!

[jasbus]

There are all kinds of gizmos that will shut off the water in case of a leak. Look up washing machine leaks, that will help...
Some of them are sensitive enough to know that say, a gallon in a minute is too much, and will shut off the supply..