How to Install Swamp Cooler Float Valves
Water coolers operate with a pump that supplies water from a reservoir in the bottom of the cooler to a water tube distribution system that soaks fiber filters. Outside air is drawn through the wet filters and pumped into the house by fan blades that are turned by an electric motor. The wet air evaporates inside the house and provides a cooling effect. The float valve provides an essential function by using a ball float that rests on top of the reservoir water to regulate the water supply to provide water for the pump and to prevent water from being wasted. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Crescent wrench
- Float valve
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Instructions
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Determine when it is necessary to replace the float valve by observing if the float valve lets water into the reservoir no matter how high the float arm rises. If so, the valve is not performing the function of controlling the overuse of water and it is time to replace it. If too much water comes into the reservoir it will simply go down the overflow pipe or off the side of the cooler frame.
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Turn off the water cooler switch inside the house and place a strip of tape over it so no one will inadvertently turn it on while the water cooler is being serviced. Also, unplug the water pump from the electrical socket located at the top and on the side of the cooler frame.
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Turn off the water supply to the cooler. The turn off valve is sometimes located under the bathroom sink along with the on/off valves for the sink. In some cases the on/off valve is located next to the base of the cooler where the water line enters the frame of the cooler.
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Take off the filter holder panel on the side of the cooler next to the float valve by lifting up from the bottom of the panel and swinging it out when it clears the frame.
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Remove the float valve by using a small crescent wrench to turn the connecting nut, located at end of the float arm opposite the float ball, counter-clockwise.
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Take the float valve to the hardware store and purchase the exact same type.
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Attach the new float valve by screwing on the connecting nut to the arm brace from which the old float valve was removed.
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Turn on the water supply valve, the cooler switch inside the house and plug in the pump at the top of the cooler unit.
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Adjust the float by holding the float arm in the left hand and bending the float with the other hand until the incoming water is stopped. Most coolers have a water level mark on the side of the reservoir, but a good rule of thumb is that the water level stays at about 1/2-inch below the top of the overflow pipe, which extends up from the bottom of the reservoir pan.
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Check the water level again after an hour. Adjust the float if necessary and check the water level whenever maintenance is performed on the cooler.
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Tips & Warnings
Take all tools and materials up on the roof before beginning the project.
Routinely check all water lines and connections for leaks.
Be sure the float valve is operating properly. If too much water comes into the reservoir, it will go down the overflow pipe and cause an increase in the water bill.
Never force water connections; a leak will almost certainly result.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/liquidlibrary/Getty Images
