Torbeck valves

[bugbear]

These are really common - and quite hard to understand.

Last time I had one totally fail on me, I bought a new one (from the local PTS) so I could just replace
the head, but it turned out mine was too old, and the parts non-interchangeable.

So I got a plumber to fit inline isolation valves, and new valves, and I bought a couple
of spare valves of the model fitted.

Time passed.

Recently, I had a valve fail. I tried the traditional clean and reassemble (since
these valves are notoriously vulnerable to dirt) but it still didn't appear to work.

I manually closed the float arm, but water continued to flow.

I checked the parts REALLY carefully, and reassembled.

I manually closed the float arm, but water continued to flow.

I checked the parts REALLY carefully, using a high intensity LED torch
and a lens, and reassembled.

I manually closed the float arm, but water continued to flow.

I swapped in a new valve head from my spares.

I manually closed the float arm, but water continued to flow.

Whilst pondering what the hēll to do next, worrying about plumber call out
fees etc, the water stopped...

It turns out that the modern Torbecks close gently and slowly,
to avoid water hammer, taking around 20-30 seconds.

I swapped the old (clean) valve back in, and it worked nicely.

This whole saga took around 30 hours..

I hope this tidbit of information helps someone else...

BugBear

 

[dj.]

Equilibrium ball valves need to shut off slowly as there needs to be a balance (equilibrium) between the incoming water pressure & the pressure being exerted by the float.

I`m not a fan of this sort of valve for domestic supply, fine when working correctly but can be a right pain, my preference is a Fluidmaster valve for wc cisterns.


Regards.

dj

 

[bugbear]

Equilibrium ball valves need to shut off slowly as there needs to be a balance (equilibrium) between the incoming water pressure & the pressure being exerted by the float.

I`m not a fan of this sort of valve for domestic supply, fine when working correctly but can be a right pain, my preference is a Fluidmaster valve for wc cisterns.


Regards.

dj

It appears my Torbeck IS a fluidmaster?!

http://www.fluidmasteruk.com/our-produc ... y-360.html

BugBear

 

[dj.]

Always thought Torbeck was a brand name.
This is the one I`ve fitted a lot of.

http://www.fluidmasteruk.com/our-produc ... valve.html


Regards.

dj

Edit, fluidmaster bought out Opella (who manufacture Torbecks) in 2011, hence me thinking Opella torbeck & Fluidmaster were different companies.
http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases ... 77528.html

 

[bugbear]

Always thought Torbeck was a brand name.
This is the one I`ve fitted a lot of.

http://www.fluidmasteruk.com/our-produc ... valve.html


Regards.

dj

Edit, fluidmaster bought out Opella (who manufacture Torbecks) in 2011, hence me thinking Opella torbeck & Fluidmaster were different companies.
http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases ... 77528.html

Ah - enlightenment all round. Thanks for that.

BugBear