Coralife and Kent Marine Float valves: WARNING

A few days ago my RO reservoir overflowed. Just a minor flood this time because my daughter heard my strategically located water alarm beeping. Caught it before water seeped under the basement wall that divides the unfinished part from the carpeted finished part. No carpet damaged.

I took the valve off the reservoir and the float was filled up with water. When there is water in the float so the valve it doesn't turn off when the tub is full. This is the second Coralife float valve that has done this. I narrowly avoided a flood the first time only about 3 or 4 months ago.

Squeezing the valve you can see that water leaks through a seam in the plastic. I bought a Kent Marine float valve as a replacement. Unfortunately it is very similar to the Coralife and also has seams. When squeezing it under water you can see bubbles coming out of the seams on the brand new Kent valve which means water can get into that float valve too.

If you are using one of these I'd start looking for a replacement before you have a flood. I'm going to try the float valve from Bulk Reef Supply next.

 

main your lucky. maybe use a toilet bowl float valve next time

 

Unfortunately or fortunately thats why I use float switches and a solenoid valve. I don't trust float valves, too many toilets, swimming pools and evaporative coolers running over in my day!