Ball cock self filling reservoir

[mic]

Hi

Had a google, this looks like an interesting project. Anyone made one? I'm thinking could be good for the greenhouse

Basically water storage tub, pipe links to container below with ball cock fitted, which then has pipe system to wherever it needs to go. Reservoir level drops, ball cock fills back up. Simples. Or is it!

Thanks

[jonny the plant pot]

Are you gunna connect the top tank to the mains.

[ESBkevin]

If the tank below is goint to consistently empty then the ball cock will be open nearly all the time so you might as well connect the output to the main tank and cut out the complexity.

[mic]

Storage would be mains or guttering. Suppose would have to be a tap so the tub with the ball cock isn't always being filled, just fill when needed from storage.

Any reservoirs would have to be the same level as the tub with the ball cock, how much it needs to open to refill would depend on how much water is used

[jonny the plant pot]

If it wasnt mains would have to be around 7ft in the air to create gravity

[Potstubsdustbins]

There are many types of float valve of vary designs but basically only two main functions high or low pressure.

A high pressure ball valve needs to be mains fed or it will not work correctly if at all.

A low pressure ball valve needs about 6ft head of water to work correctly.

Your best bet would be a standard side entry brass ball valve, some come with both high and low pressure seats at no extra cost. Look for a red plastic seat attached to the valve, this is the low pressure seat and will need changing before fixing.

[mic]

Quick look around took me here, for cheapness this would be the first attempt. That wouldn't be suitable? Obviously with a ball

Opella Side Entry Toilet Cistern Ball Valve Part 3 | Float Valves | Screwfix.com

[mic]

It has both high and low pressure valves so wil give it a try

[Potstubsdustbins]

Yes that's fine, not as sturdy as brass but it will do the job if you don't knock it about.

[polc1410]

Hi

Had a google, this looks like an interesting project. Anyone made one? I'm thinking could be good for the greenhouse

Basically water storage tub, pipe links to container below with ball cock fitted, which then has pipe system to wherever it needs to go. Reservoir level drops, ball cock fills back up. Simples. Or is it!

Thanks

What is the point? What is you reservoir? Why are you storing water in a reservoir?

I store water off my polytunnels in two IBCs (I have 2 tonnes of water on site!)

But I then PUMP from it to a header tank at 5.5ft from ground to a water system at about 3ft from ground. It has pressure, but not like you would want for a standard micro irrigation system, so I need to pump it to get pressure (using solar) or go with a hole in a pipe approach to dripping... rather than a micro irrigation system

Electronic solenoid valves on the 'medium' pressure pipe is useless, and guzzles tons of power.

Have thought about a standard "tap" on a proper solenoid. But the £5 second pump seemed an easier solution... ...not tested in anger yet!

[mic]

A DIY version of this type of thing. When the water level in the reservoir drops (which is the same level as the container with the ball cock) the ball cock would drop, open the valve and fill back up again. Ball cock rises valve closes. Container stays topped up as long as the main tank has water supply, plants always watered.

I have some liquid food which I could also add. Wouldn't want to put in the main water supply but if I can work out the ratio of food to water, x amount of food to x amount of litres, you could adjust that ball cock to only fill up once emptied the x amount of litres and manually add the food to it.

[jonny the plant pot]

I just go water when needed think you are trying to create a solution to a problem you are causing yourself

[mic]

An afternoon hassle putting this together will save me many days effort watering thru summer
Also handy when on holidays etc
I like building stuff anyway it's half the fun!

[veggiechicken]

Is this for your allotment or at home? Just curious!

[mic]

It's at home. January last year I moved from a flat with a tiny garden to house with a nice sized garden. Last summer I grew a few plants in a wooden planter, this year I'm doing as much as possible within my limits