12 best float valves
A float valve is a fundamental component of automatic irrigation systems, particularly in drip irrigation kits, and plays a crucial role in controlling the water supply to maintain consistent moisture levels for plants in gardens or lawns. Here's a comprehensive overview:
Definition and Function: A float valve, also known as a float-controlled valve or float-operated valve, is a mechanism designed to regulate the flow of water in response to changes in water levels. It typically consists of a valve connected to a float, which rises or falls with the water level, thereby controlling the opening and closing of the valve to maintain a specific water level.
Usage in Drip Irrigation Kits: In drip irrigation systems, a float valve is often integrated into the water supply system. The valve helps maintain a constant water level in a reservoir or tank, ensuring a consistent supply of water to the drip irrigation system. When the water level drops below a certain point, the float valve opens to allow more water into the reservoir, maintaining the desired water level.
Components and Mechanism: The main components of a float valve include the float (which can be a ball, cup, or other buoyant device), a valve mechanism (often a diaphragm or ball valve), and a lever or arm connecting the float to the valve. As the water level changes, the float moves accordingly, either opening or closing the valve to regulate the water flow.
Types of Float Valves: Float valves come in various types, such as ball float valves, diaphragm float valves, and piston float valves. Ball float valves use a ball attached to a lever, diaphragm float valves use a flexible diaphragm, and piston float valves use a piston and valve seat arrangement.
Benefits and Advantages: Float valves are crucial for automating the irrigation process, ensuring a consistent water supply to plants. They help prevent over-watering or under-watering, leading to efficient water usage and promoting healthy plant growth. Additionally, they reduce the need for manual monitoring and intervention in the irrigation system.
Installation and Maintenance: Proper installation and periodic maintenance of float valves are essential to ensure their effective functioning. Regular checks for leaks, cleaning, and adjustments to the float level can contribute to optimal performance and longevity.
Float valves are an integral part of modern irrigation systems, offering automation and precision in water management for gardens, lawns, and agricultural applications. Their ability to regulate water levels helps achieve optimal plant growth while conserving water resources.
Below you can find our editor's choice of the best float valves on the marketProduct description
- Estimated rate of flow up to 1.5 gpm at 60 psi
- PVC for corrosion resistance
- Tank mount with extended threads on inlet side of valve for mounting through tank wall
- Note: MA052 has a 1/2 NPT pipe thread. This is extremely common in the plumbing world. The thread measures about 3/4 of an inch in diameter, this is a common mistake to those who are unfamiliar with pipe threads and plumbing
- 1/2" NPT male threaded inlet and free-flow outlet
User questions & answers
Question: | My two valves leak and over flow my tank, are my seals bad? Both valves are new and the water level rises abovethe valve even with low water pressure |
Answer: | The unit I have is 7 1/2 inches long overall. It should fit you tank as about 1 inch of the valve, the threaded part, will, I suspect, be outside the tank. |
Question: | Can this be used with gravity flow |
Answer: | I didn't see a float valve with a garden hose thread. However look at this adapter on Amazon and it will connect the end of the garden hose and thread on to the 1/2" male NPT pipe thread on this float valve.... Anderson Metals Brass Garden Hose Fitting, Swivel, 3/4" Female Hose ID x 1/2" Female Pipe |
Question: | What is the full length between the last tread and the end of the floater? It needs to be installed inside a cilinder tank of 9inches diameter |
Answer: | No, it will not. In bought one to replace an existing 50 ft expanding hose that had burst and this hose could not reach the same places the old hose did. I returned it. |
Question: | I would like to connect this valve to a 5/8 inch garden hose. Is this valve available as a 5/8 or is a coupler available |
Answer: | No, just get an outdoor flower pot and let it just unwind into the pot. Best expandable hose ever. |
Product features
Kerick PVC Mini Float Valve
Kerick’s M series float valves are available in two different styles: the adjustable-arm MA and the fixed-arm M. Both are tank (bulkhead) mountable.
About Us:
The Kerick Valve brand is known for high-quality PVC float valves and other related components that are used in a wide variety of industrial agricultural applications, including cooling towers, irrigation, water treatment, livestock and animal watering, and commercial ice-making equipment.
- PVC MINI FLOAT VALVE is just what you need to keep water supplied to your project. This is well designed and ruggedly built with tough PVC. You'll get great service from this float valve for a long time. From Cz Garden Supply.
- JUST RIGHT FOR PONDS, AQUARIUMS, CHICKENS, or REVERSE OSMOSIS SYSTEM. Keeps the water level right where it should be in your pond or aquarium. No more worries about a mechanism that gets stuck or corroded and overflows or fails to fill. Includes an adjustable arm to dial in the perfect water level in ponds, swimming pools, etc.
- BONUS ¼” QUICK CONNECT FITTING lets you attach to 1/4" supply tube. You can start using immediately without a trip to the hardware store for an additional fitting. Has a 1/2" NPT Male connection with a standard washer to eliminate leaks. DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN
- PERFECT FOR HYDROPONICS TANK RESERVOIR. Now you can get maximum growth and yield with the reliability and precision of this excellent Mini Float Valve. It's been engineered for trouble free operation so you can set it and forget it.
- 100% MONEY BACK GUARANTEE ensures this will quickly become your favorite no-risk purchase. Many people are buying several of these to outfit their entire operation.
User questions & answers
Question: | Will this attached to a garden hose |
Answer: | Since my float is is use, I can't measure it, but my guess is that it is about 3" long and less than 1" in diameter. I had a different brand that lasted about 8 years. |
Question: | What size hole to drill? I have seen 3/4 and |
Answer: | Just measured mine. 11/2” dia x4” long. |
Question: | what is diameter of float? What is length of float? Will this shut off water consistently over many seasons |
Answer: | May check to see if you have it right side up. The first time I installed mine I put it in the wrong way. If that does not work check to make sure there is nothing that may keep it from closing all the way. Sometime there may be a burr or foreign matter causing it not to close. |
Question: | What is the diameter of the float |
Answer: | Yes, these work perfectly with gravity flow. I have 55 gallon drums hooked up to float assemblies on gutters for self watering. They do NOT need to be pressurized to maintain the water level. |
Product features
What's in the box?
- 1 mini Float Valve
- 1/2" NPT Male connection
- allows 1/2 vinyl tubing or water hose installation
- 1/4” QUICK CONNECT FITTING
- allows 1/4" supply tube installation
Float Valve Dimensions
mini Float Valve measures less than 8" with a 4" float. Easily fits in a 3.5 or 5 gallon bucket to top off watering applications for livestock, hydroponics, etc.
PVC Screw = NO RUST!
PVC Screw for adjustable arm prevents rust, oxidation, corrosion, etc.
Leak Free Operation
Rubber washer for a tight, leak free fit.
Integrated Strainer
Strainer to help control particles from clogs
Product description
4 Pieces water filter float ball valve 1/4 inch adjustable float valve plastic water tank float valves for ponds, water pump, water trough, aquariums, aquaculture, water tank, reservoir
Features:
Practical to use:
You can connect float valves to the 1/ 4 inch supply tube, and install an appropriate number of water float valves according to the size of the water tank to meet your needs in different situations. The angle of the valve ball is adjustable, you can flexibly set according to the requirements of the water level, automatically control the water level, no power or pump is required.
Widely use:
The adjustable sink float valve can be applied for ponds, small water tanks, toilet storage tanks, household water purifiers, pools, aquariums, aquaculture, reservoirs, industrial and large water tanks, etc.
Specifications:
Material: POM plastic, PE plastic
Length: approx. 5.91 inches
Color: white
Package includes:
4 x Adjustable float valves
Warm notice:
Please allow measurement error.
Please check the size carefully before purchasing.
- Size and material: you can connect float valves to the 1/ 4 inch supply tube, you can install an appropriate number of water float valves according to the size of the water tank to meet your needs in different situations; The ball of the water float valve is made of PE material, the other parts are made of POM material, low temperature resistance and corrosion resistance, durable and non-toxic, can serve you for a long time
- Adjustable design: the plastic water tank float valves come with adjustable arms, when the water level of the water tank is low, the gate of the float valve opens to ensure that water can enter, when the water level rises, the ball of the water float valve and the adjustable arm will form a flat angle and close in this state, realizing the automatic adjustment of high water level and low water level
- Wide applications: the adjustable sink float valve can be applied for ponds, small water tanks, toilet storage tanks, household water purifiers, pools, aquariums, aquaculture, reservoirs, industrial and large water tanks, etc., if needed, you can choose to use multiple float valves at the same time, so that water can be input faster
- Easy to operate: the angle of the valve ball is adjustable, you can flexibly set according to the requirements of the water level, automatically control the water level, no power or pump is required, the water float valves are applicable for low pressure gravity water supply systems, hand tightening for leak-free operation
- What you receive: 4 pieces of water float valves in white, sufficient quantity can satisfy your daily use, will bring you a nice using experience and bring a lot of convenience to your life
User questions & answers
Question: | What PSI (pressures) is this item good for, what range of pressures |
Answer: | If you used a hose to 1/2 in. adapter you could make it work. |
Question: | Is the 1/4 inch size tubing inside dia. or outside? I use 1/4 drip tubing and it refers to outside diam |
Answer: | looks more like 3/8 |
- Super High Quality - Float Ball Valve adopts modern CNC machine tool for precision machining, and the metal material is formed once. The product has uniform wall thickness, smooth surface, high dimensional precision, tighter plating layer and longer service life.
- Strong Sealing - The top of the piston is fitted with a sealed thickened rubber washer
- Corrosion Resistant - Float Valve is a combination of high-quality metal elements, acid and alkali resistance, high performance, suitable for various process requirements.
- Environmental Protection - This product does not release substances that are harmful to the environment.
- High Hardness - The hardness is twice as high as copper, ten times higher than aluminum, and not easily deformed.
User questions & answers
Question: | Will a female garden hose thread onto this fitting |
Answer: | The outside diameter is 20mm |
Question: | Max temp |
Answer: | I don't know but we use it on an out door well in Florida It's stainless steel it should hold up to almost any temperature range |
Question: | What is the thread type |
Answer: | I have mine at 35psi with no problems |
Question: | what temp range will this valve operate in |
Answer: | I used it with 1/4” drip tubing and it worked fine. |
Product description
1" inlet Hudson water tank valve. A valve specifically designed to control the flow of water in tanks and troughs automatically. High volume, full flowing valve is protected by its own multi-functional bell-shaped body of glass reinforced nylon resin. Does away with breakage of floats, balls and lever arms by livestock. Positive shut off feature functions in a 5 psi to 150 psi water pressure range.
- High volume
- No moving parts
- Made in United States
- Brand name: Hudson Valve
User questions & answers
Question: | brand new valve is not shutting off, why? I has previous installed the same valve and it worked fine |
Answer: | According to the listing, water pressure at the valve should be 5-PSI or more (some say 8-PSI.) Pressure created by a gravity system will depend on the configuration of the system. If the water tank is elevated, pressure at ground level will be higher than if the tank is at ground level. The higher the tank, the higher the water pressure at the valve (ground level.) Using a value of 0.433 PSI per foot, it would require the storage tank to be almost 12-feet above the float valve if you need 5-PSI at the valve. If you need 8-PSI at the valve, the tank would need to be closer to 20 feet high. (To supply reasonable pressure for general household use, the water tank would probably need to raised to about 100 feet.) |
Question: | It doesn't explain how the unit mounts to the tank |
Answer: | The threads are 1” for sure. I just installed one last week in the trough in my arena. I must say that the newer ones are improved over my older ones. The valve diaphragm will need cleaning periodically because algae and scale will gather inside the valve. The Nelson valve is our best unit compared to others we have used. Very reliable. |
Question: | Hi will this work on low pressure gravity flow |
Answer: | You have to get a pcv fitting that screws to the hose with a male thread that screws into the float. |
Question: | I want a 1" Hudson Valve, but in the description it doesn't say this is 1". Can you confirm please |
Answer: | The temp range is -20°-160° |
- Package includes: 4 packs tank float valves, spend less time filling and checking the water tank to protect the plants from drying
- No power or pump required: the water float ball valve is suitable for low pressure gravity feeding systems, leak-free operation is achieved by hand tightening
- Material: the mini float valve is durable with adjustable arms, made of hard ABS, will not corrode or rust
- Size: the floating valve has a 1/2 NPT pipe thread; This is very common in the pipeline world, the thread size is approx. 3/4 inch with standard gaskets to eliminate leakage
- Applicable environment: the water trough float valve is suitable for ponds, chickens, livestock sinks, aquariums, Aquaponics, aquaculture, hydroponic tank reservoirs
User questions & answers
Question: | Can a hose be attached to it without adaptors |
Answer: | The valves are made for horizontal use since the bladders function by gravity and are turned off by the upward push of the rising water. Vertical positioning would limit the rising water to the level of the lower edge of the bladder or about 4 inches. Placed horizontally the water level can be adjusted to the level of placement which can be any height. they are however strong enough to hold the pressure from a hose coming from the house. |
Question: | apply pressure: 0.01-1.2mpa" millipascals or megapascals? do you really mean it is rated for up to 174 psi equivalent |
Answer: | The diameter is 1.57in, the height is 3.35in. |
Question: | Can this be used vertically instead of horizontal? I’m assuming by the pics that I could get by. It will be on a 60psi system |
Answer: | Unscrew the top a bit. It act like an adjustment on mine |
Question: | What is the diameter of the float |
Answer: | It doesn't mount to the tank, it threads onto a 3/4" or 1" male fitting. In my case, 1" pipe ran into a fish pond and this valve threaded right on. |
Product description
Very easy to install and adjust water level, nice and lazy solution!
High flow rate, works well between 14.7-170 psi.
It is perfect for water trough, humidifier, fountain, aquarium, pond, livestock water tanks, etc, saving you a lot of time and effort!
Specifications:
- Material: ABS and PE(Polyethylene)
- Product Size: 12.9" in length
- Product Weight: 0.54 lbs
Package Contents:
- 1 x Heavy Duty Float Valve
- DURABLE MATERIAL AND STURDY STRUCTURE: This water float valve is made from high quality engineering plastic ABS and PE (Polyethylene) for corrosion resistance; heavy duty hardware and structure;
- HIGH FLOW RATE AND NO LEAK: High flow rate; rubber washer ensures a tight, leak free kit; adjustable arm with over 180 degrees of adjustment range; PVC Screw for adjustable arm prevents rust and oxidation;
- VERSATILE: 12.9" in length, works great for water trough, water pump, humidifier, fountain, aquarium, pond, chicken/dog/horse/cattle waterer, etc;
- EASY TO USE: 3/4" thread, very easy to install and adjust water level, nice and lazy solution!
- WE ARE HERE TO HELP: We always stand behind our products, feel free to contact us if you need any help with this float ball valve.
User questions & answers
Question: | Hello Can the arm length be increased |
Answer: | Pipe threads |
Question: | What is the actual flow rate on this? i see "high flow rate" but that doesn't actually give a number. i.e. 12gpm at 60psi kind of rating |
Answer: | I put two in with tee and get a great flow |
Question: | hose or pipe threads |
Answer: | No. It would probably take two adapters to attach a GARDEN hose. You could also attach to PEX with a Pex fitting or polyethelene or copper tubing with the appropriate compression fitting. Take the valve in to Lowe's or Menard's and they can fix you up. |
Question: | Does anyone have any flowrate specifications? What kind of gpm are we talking about here? I need at least 16 gpm |
Answer: | Yes, the apply pressure is 0.01-1.2MPA(millipascals). The valve has a 0.093-inch hole and an estimated flow rate of 1.3 gallons per minute (gpm) at 40 psi, at 60 psi. |
Product description
Specification:
Material: Plastic
Thread diameter: 15.5mm
Total length: 140mm
Float Ball Size: 72*45mm
Feature:
100% New, Never Used
Plastic float valve automatically start and stop water flow.
The float is adjustable to allow you to control the water height.
Tank mount with extended threads on inlet side of valve for mounting through tank wall
Package Included:
2x float ball attached to adjustable valve shutoff arm
2x 1/4" Quick Connect Push in to Connect Tube Fittings
- Package included: 2pcs Float Ball Valve; 2pcs 1/4" Quick Connect Push in to Connect Tube Fittings.
- Material: Plastic; Corrosion resistance, Top mounted.
- Suitable for Reverse Osmosis System, Fish Aquarium.
- Tank mount with extended threads on inlet side of valve for mounting through tank wall.
- Mini Float Valve, Tank Mount, Adjustable Arm.
Product description
Automatic bowl tank horse dog cattle Water Leveler PVC Auto Fill Float Valve
Features
Used with 304 stainless steel,Corrosion resistance,No deformation, no rust, Clean And Sanitary
The use of float water level floating principle control the inlet and outlet water switch, to achieve a constant water level effect, keeps enough water and always clean water, water sealing effect
Significantly save more than 30% of the water when cattle drinking, reduce the sewage discharge pressure.
Can be accessed by water pipes, need to have water pressure This float valve is designed to easily thread into a 1/2" national pipe thread (NPT) threaded female connection. Same basic principle as your flush toilet - fills when below level, stops when at level. It is perfect for water trough, humidifier, fountain, aquarium, pond, livestock water tanks, etc, saving you a lot of time and effort!
Specification: Float valve
Material: High quality plastic
Color: white
Application: cattle, horse, pig, dogs, etc large animals water trough
Package Contents:
2 x Float valve
- Used for 304 stainless steel waterer bowl automatic bowl tank horse dog cattle Water Leveler PVC Auto Fill Float Valve,Durable,Corrosion Resistance,No Deformation, Clean And Sanitary
- Little giant floatThe use of float water level floating principle control the inlet and outlet water switch, to achieve a constant water level effect, keeps enough water and always clean water
- Float valve for water trough horse cattle auto filterRubber washer ensures a tight, leak free kit;Adjustable arm with over 180 degrees of adjustment range; PVC screw for adjustable arm prevents rust and oxidation
- Works great for water trough, humidifier, fountain, aquarium, pond,float valve for water trough horse cattle auto filter
- Significantly save more than 30% of the water when cattle drinking, reduce the sewage discharge pressure,Water flow, and high efficiency. Water faster than the traditional straight-sealed, less splash.
User questions & answers
Question: | Country of origin |
Answer: | I believe I know why it says Stainless Steel: this float device is originally advertised to work as a water feed for a cattle trough. Most cattle troughs are made out of Stainless Steel. I have 3 of these floats supplying water to my outdoor garden fountains (no Stainless Steel here), and they work flawlessly |
Question: | what is the gpm flow rating |
Answer: | It is 1/2 NPS - I.e., straight, not tapered. However, I was able to seal a 1/2 NPT fitting using extra tape and thread caulk. The output is not threaded but one can squeeze a 5/16 tube on it. However it doesn't help because the float mechanism isn't sealed, so water will come out of there if there is any back pressure on the "outlet". |
Question: | Why does this say Stainless Steel when it is not? Very misleading title |
Answer: | Hey, Yes you can open the screw and move in up abd down. |
Question: | Inlet thread is npt? what size? 1/2? is that outlet threaded |
Answer: | About 7 gal a minute. I bought two and put a tee in to get proper flow |
Product description
Standard Bob float valve assemblies consist of valve, brass stem, and float ball for positive water level control. Applicable for precision liquid level control, aggressive water applications, increased resistance to corrosion and chemicals, de-ionized, ultra pure, and reverse osmosis water, boiler feed water systems, kitchen steam tables, cooling towers, evaporative coolers, livestock waterier, car wash, high pressure wash, swimming pools, industrial tanks, food service and sanitary applications, many other agricultural and industrial uses. SST Valve. NSF Listed. 3/4" NPT male inlet x 3/4" NPT male outlet. Red brass body. High capacity, heavy duty. Adjusting arm tapped 1/4"-20 thread. Buna-N-Disc standard. Free discharge flow capacity: 21 gpm at 35 psi, 32.5 gpm at 65 psi and 39.9 gpm at 85 psi.
- Red brass body
- High capacity, heavy duty
- Adjusting arm tapped 1/4"-20 thread
- Buna-N-disc standard
- Not compliant with CA Prop 65 or Safe Water Drinking Act
User questions & answers
Question: | Does this valve include a bulkhead nut and seal for installation on a plastic water tank |
Answer: | NO! It is not compliant with the Safe Water Drinking Act for low-lead fixtures. This item is not intended to for use with potable (human consumption) water systems. |
Question: | Haveing troubles getting the valve to shut off completely. Do you have any tips for proper adjustment? Water feeds from the bottom of a stock tank |
Answer: | stander plumbing treads 3/4 inch no not tapered any pipe or pvc just use tape |
Question: | Can I use this one for my drinking water tank |
Answer: | I'm sorry, but why does this matter? These floats work as advertised and I run them on my fountains with great success |
Question: | are the inlet threads tapered |
Answer: | That would totally depend on your source water psi. |
- Float valves use a rod and float ball attached to a valve shutoff lever to control
- Valve Material: Brass; Floating Ball Material: 304 Stainless Steel
- Designed with G3/4 inch thread that is normally used, can fit many pipe connection
- This float valve has a high-temperature rubber seal, durable to aging for long time use for better sealing and makes sure no leaking
- Widely used in magnetic level switch and liquid level measurements
User questions & answers
Question: | Is this threaded for a garden hose connection |
Answer: | If there is enough upward pressure on the float lever...it should shut off unless rubber seal is damaged. It takes some pressure....but usually the float will be only partially submerged when valve shuts off for me. However...I do not have high pressure in my line. It feeds from a pond with only about a 4 foot head...less than 18 lbs pressure, I believe. Good luck. |
Product description
Little Giant Plastic Housing Trough-O-Matic Stock Tank Float Valve TM825
- FLOAT CONTROLLED - This automatic cattle waterer has float controlled refill feature that automatically refills the tank based on it's water level.
- STANDARD HOSE CONNECTION - This automatic watering device connects to a standard 3/4 inch garden hose, making it easy and convenient to set up.
- HIGH POWER WATER PUMP - This livestock waterer can flow up to 245 gallons per hour and has an operating water pressure between 20 and 50 psi.
- HEAVY-DUTY PLASTIC HOUSING - This water tank includes a heavy-duty polystyrene housing that protects the Trough-O-Matic from the elements and damage.
- ALUMINUM HOUSING AVAILABLE - This automatic watering tank also is also offered with Aluminum Housing (See SKU No. TM830, sold separately)
User questions & answers
Question: | Is there no way to adjust the float? I bought two of these, & after 6 months both now allow the tank to overflow even sitting as far down as possible |
Answer: | I did not use the metal brackets I made a mounting out of !/2" regular plastic tubing which I secured to the float unit with nylon screws and nylon wing nuts from Home Depot as I was concerned about the salt reaction on the metal. The whole unit lasted around 4 years and the only failure was the washer on the float that shuts off the flow. It was in my pool 24/7 all those years but after rain when the level rose the float was forced to press hard on the outlet and eventually caused an indentation that stopped it from cutting off the water flow. I could not find any suitable replacement in any hardware stores so I had to buy another complete float valve. Lesson learned, when the water rises above shut off level lift the valve out and turn off the supply until the water is lowered manually or evaporates naturally. |
Question: | I have a staypoolizer that suddenly stopped working (won't shut off). can i retrofit this unit to the staypoolizer unit |
Answer: | The brackets are 4-3/4" apart and open to 2" |
Question: | Is it suitable for salt water pool? Thanks |
Answer: | It's a 3/4" male thread on the end. This product is garbage. A waste of money. I'm sorry I bought it. |
Question: | Are the brackets wide enough to fit on a behlen country blue plastic tank |
Answer: | No. You will need a plastic tank fitting to get you to a 3/4" NPT. You can get these from Atlantic pump and equipment. 804-233-4396 |
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