Why You Need a Floating Outlet Valve

In Hawaii, where many residents rely on rainwater catchment systems for their water needs, maintaining water quality is essential. A floating outlet valve, also known as a floating off-take or floating intake, plays a crucial role in ensuring that the cleanest water is drawn from your tank. This article delves into the importance of floating outlet valves in Hawaii’s rainwater catchment systems and provides a step-by-step guide on installing one.

Understanding Floating Outlet Valves

A floating outlet valve is a device designed to extract water from just below the surface of a storage tank. Since debris and sediments tend to settle at the bottom, and some contaminants may float on the surface, the water found slightly below the surface is often the cleanest. The floating outlet valve consists of a float connected to a flexible hose, which attaches to the tank’s outlet. As the water level changes, the float adjusts accordingly, ensuring consistent access to cleaner water.

Importance in Hawaii’s Rainwater Catchment Systems

• Enhanced Water Quality: By drawing water from just below the surface, floating outlet valves reduce the intake of sediments and contaminants, providing cleaner water for household use.
• Prolonged Equipment Lifespan: Cleaner water reduces wear and tear on pumps, filters, and other system components, leading to fewer maintenance issues and longer equipment life.
• Health Benefits: Access to cleaner water minimizes the risk of waterborne diseases, ensuring the health and safety of households relying on rainwater catchment systems.
• System Efficiency: By preventing sediment intake, floating outlet valves help maintain optimal flow rates and system pressure, enhancing overall efficiency.

Installing a Floating Outlet Valve

Installing a floating outlet valve can be a straightforward process with the right tools and guidance. Here’s how to do it:

Materials Needed:

• 1 – 1 1/4″ union
• 3ʻ – 1 1/4″ flexible tubing
• 2 – 3/4″ hose to 1″ barb fitting
• 2 – 1 1/4″ slip coupling to 3/4″ female
• 1ʻ section of 3″ PVC pipe
• 2 – 3″ PVC end caps
• 1 – 3/8″ eye hook
• Gutter seal
• zipties
• PTFE thread tape
• Marker
• Measuring tape
• Safety gear (gloves and safety glasses)

Steps:

1. Prepare the Tank:
   • Clean the Area: Wipe down the area where you’ll be working to remove any dirt or debris.
2. Determine where to cut:
   • Mark the Spot: Use a marker to indicate where you’ll cut the outlet pipe on the outside of the tank where the union will be installed, typically 1/3 of the way down from the top edge of the tank.
3. Cut the Outlet Pipe:
   • Cut the Pipe: Using a hacksaw, carefully cut the pipe and remove the assembly out of the water tank and place on the ground.
4. Determine where to cut the water side of the Pipe assembly
   • Mark where to cut: With the outlet pipe assembly out of the tank, we will now mark the pipe section connected to the valve, typically 2/3 of the way down from the top
   • Cut the Pipe: Cut the pipe with a hacksaw, the same way you cut the outer pipe
5. Assemble the Flexible Hose:
   • Connect Fittings: Take the 3ʻ flexible hose and install the barbed fittings on either end. Secure with hose clamps
   • Glue Coupling to female threaded fittings: Glue the PVC fittings to the two pieces of pipe you cut that will be located inside of the tanks.
   • Connect the two parts together: Screw in the flexible hose to the female fittings you just glued onto the pipe assembly.
6. Assemble the float:
   • Glue on End Caps: Glue PVC end caps onto the end of a 3″ pipe
   • Drill hole in End Cap:  In one end cap, drill a 3/8″ hole for your eye hook and install, apply gutter seal to make waterproof
   • Attach to Valve:  Using zip ties, attach the float using the newly installed eye hook to the valve right above where the valve meets the pipe.
7. Reinstall and perform checks: 
   • Reinstall the Outlet pipe into your tank, being sure to fully submerge the assembly to fill it with water, then attach it to the outlet pipe with the union.  Run the system to see how it performs.
8. Final Adjustments:
   • Ensure Free Movement: Confirm that the float moves unobstructed throughout the tank’s full range of water levels.
   • Secure External Connections: Connect the external portion of the outlet to your pump or distribution system, ensuring all fittings are tight and leak-free.

Maintenance Tips

• Regular Inspections: Periodically check the float and hose for any signs of wear, damage, or algae growth.
• Clean the Float: Remove and clean the float annually to prevent biofilm buildup, which can affect buoyancy.
• Monitor Water Quality: Regularly test your water to ensure the system functions correctly and maintains optimal water quality.

Conclusion

Incorporating a floating outlet valve into your rainwater catchment system in Hawaii is a proactive step toward ensuring access to cleaner, safer water. By drawing water from just below the surface, these valves minimize sediment intake, enhance system efficiency, and contribute to the longevity of your equipment. With proper installation and maintenance, a floating outlet valve can significantly improve the quality of water harvested from Hawaii’s abundant rainfall.

For a visual guide on installing a floating outlet valve, you may find the following video helpful: