Floating autovalve?

[The Odd Couple]

We got our first autopot order in, and setup.

Everything flat and level, but when turning on valve, the autovalves inside the base begin to float, and never stop filling, so water begins pouring out hole the hose runs in.

Any suggestions?

 

[Screwauger]

The auto valves need to be "anchored" to a plastic "T" protruding from the bottom of the tray (near the rear of the autovalve).

 

[The Odd Couple]

They were, but seem to pop off it whilst filling.

When empty they seem to "lock" in place, put cover on, turn on valve, and a few minutes later i have a puddle

 

[BII]

Put a weight on it to hold it down, if it's not locking-into the base properly.

 

[Screwauger]

They were, but seem to pop off it whilst filling.

When empty they seem to "lock" in place, put cover on, turn on valve, and a few minutes later i have a puddle

While I have heard of this, I am on my first AP grow and when my AP's arrived new a few months back this was not a problem, I would be emailing Autopots and asking for direction, new trays or new valves. Just me.

 

[The Odd Couple]

Put a weight on it to hold it down, if it's not locking-into the base properly.

Good idea, ill see about placing something that will use the lid to help hold.

 

[Screwauger]

Good idea, ill see about placing something that will use the lid to help hold.

I'm far from an expert and at some point those more knowledgeable with autopots will likely chime in however; I don't believe a weight or using a filler so the cap holds the valve down is going to work. The valve is hinged so to speak and the top half has to float in the designated space to properly control the flow of solution. Try it, but I suspect it will inhibit the auto "shut off" function of the valve top, floating up to seal the inlet.

 

[The Odd Couple]

Its filling now, so far so good.

 

[The Odd Couple]

PROBLEM DISCOVERED!

The trays dont sit flat, they wobble, like heat warped! I am trying to fill as they sit on a table, and the trays are not sitting flat. Didnt notice on the floor, as the carpeting hid the fact

Contacting the store i ordered through as i type.

 

[BII]

I'm far from an expert and at some point those more knowledgeable with autopots will likely chime in however; I don't believe a weight or using a filler so the cap holds the valve down is going to work. The valve is hinged so to speak and the top half has to float in the designated space to properly control the flow of solution. Try it, but I suspect it will inhibit the auto "shut off" function of the valve top, floating up to seal the inlet.

No, the weight does not "hold the valve down." Obviously, don't weigh down the hinged moving part, which will keep your valve open. The weight goes on the base, anchoring the base on the same prong that doesn't hold it. The base needs to be anchored (can't float)/sitting in the bottom of the water tray, with the hinged part floating.