Best valve for weep?

[I.B. Washincars]

I think I have pretty much run the gamut as far as what valves I have used for my weep system. I need to order a couple and I still don't know which is the best to use. I know 24V and normally open, but other than that I'm lost. I know a few of you oldtimers have your favorite brand and style of valve, so lets hear it.

 

[MEP001]

I've had great luck with Dema's diaphragm solenoids. O743P is 3/8" NO. All seats are stainless and don't erode out. I replaced all the Asco valves on the Vector with Demas because the seats washed out.

The first winter we were open I put a Dema O412P on the weep and it stuck open the first time I tested it, and stuck open the first time the weep tried to shut off.

 

[Randy]

ASCO 8210G34 1/2" We've been using them for over 20 years, never touched one after they've been installed and they still work great.

 

[Bubbles Galore]

These two "old timers" have gotten me out of more jams than I can count. I second the DEMA only because that's what was installed when I bought the wash and I haven't had to touch it.

 

[PaulLovesJamie]

not an old timer, but here's my 2c anyway.
The only solenoids I have never touched are the asco's on my SFR. Dont recall the model # because I never touch them.
That said, I use a dema 0743P NO on my weep for the last 15 years. I replaced it once (this summer) just because I was doing some work to make the weep more flexible and maintainable, and since solenoids are a pita I figured I'd just replace it. FYI, I do put a repair kit into the weep solenoid every other year just because its such a critical piece of the weep system and freeze-ups are a massive pain.

 

[Waxman]

Asco Red Hat.

Randy Nix turned me on to one on ebay and it works great. Nothing but problems w/DEMA valves on my weep.

 

[waright]

Does anyone turn off their water ball valve and de-energize the weep solenoid during the non-weeping months (only 5 months here)?


Usually the issues I find with weep solenoids is that they don't like being energized all summer long.

I prefer dema... the buzzing sound is music to my ears.

I miss the buzzing sound...haven't heard it for 2 months now. Steady weep. Temp -2 tonight, next 8 days forcast: highs single digits, lows going to -10. wind chills -20. Now I'm depressed...thanks for the thread

 

[MEP001]

Does anyone turn off their water ball valve and de-energize the weep solenoid during the non-weeping months (only 5 months here)?

I do; I've always set up with a 120V solenoid with a plug going through a remote bulb thermostat so it can be unplugged/turned off. I did leave it on all summer a couple years ago and didn't realize it until I went to plug it in for the first freeze.

 

[Jeff_L]

Does anyone turn off their water ball valve and de-energize the weep solenoid during the non-weeping months (only 5 months here)?

I do the same as MEP, de-energize during non-weep months. No reason for it to get hot over the summer keeping it closed. I feel the lifespan is shortened if you don't, could be wrong, but at least I sleep at night during the non weep months knowing i'm not throwing money down the drain because of a failed solenoid.

 

[Ghetto Wash]

I also turn off the valve and unplug the weepmizer during the summer.

I took all my Dema valves out 5 years ago because of sticking and suffered the freezups afterward. Replaced them all with Peter Paul Electronics 71P9ZGM. Haven't had a problem since. If they fail I will try a diaphragm valve next, but 5 years and still going which is 4 more years than the Dema.

 

[Earl Weiss]

I Use Dema NO and NC. The water supply has Hot and Cold with seperate valves and T'd together. I can then regulate how much Hot and cold I wish to have go thru the weep. (Or shut them if their is a nimrod washing with the weep.)

The supply after the T has 2 Branches, one to a weepmizer type unit which operates NC solenoid, (Actualy 2 1/2 inch solenoids to supply all 8 bays and FB) and the second to a NO Dema. The weep mizer is wired to an oultet and the NC solenoid is plugged in to the outlet.

The NO Dema is plugged into an outlet controlled by a light switch. If the power fails that branch opens. Also, if I get a freeze and I want to run it steady, I just turn the switch to off.

Whenever possible I set up solenoids with cords and plugs to go into an outlet. Makes swap outs easirer.

No Solenoid issues with Dema. Have found at other locations that a Y screen filter on water lines helps amke them trouble free.

 

[MEP001]

I also turn off the valve and unplug the weepmizer during the summer.

Some say to leave the Weep Mizer powered year 'round so it won't lose its programming. The people I've seen use them have the Weep Mizer powered separately from the normally open solenoid so the solenoid can be left off during the summer.

 

[Randy]

Whenever I install a Weepmizer I always run all the power in conduit with a switch on the power to the solenoid valve so I can turn off the power to the solenoid valve when not needed and install ball valve on the water supply that feeds the weep solenoid valve so I can turn off the weep water in the summer. This makes for a nice professional looking installation. You don’t want to unplug the power to the Weepmizer when not needed as it will drain the backup battery over time and you’ll lose the memory in the Weepmizer. I don’t know how many times I’ve gotten calls from customers who have plugged in their Weepmizer on the first freezing night only to find that it doesn’t work because it’s lost its memory or the temperature sensor has gone bad during the summer. We keep a spare Weepmizer and Temperature sensor on hand just for these situations.