Installing a Hudson float valve

[Jerry]

It seems staright forward, but I am not sure what I'm doing.  here is what I plan.  Correct me if i'm wrong.
1) Place a tee fitting on a live water line.
2) run pvc to pond.
3) place an elbow on pipe end.
4) tweak the decending pvc pipe so it will be at right depth.
5) attach Hudson valve. Probably need a reducer

Oh yeah, dig the ditch too!

[-Greg-]

Jerry, the only thing I did different is that I added another low voltage sprinkler valve to my sprinkler circuit and then plumbed the hudson valve to it, twice a day for 5 minutes the sprinkler valve opens and sends water to the hudson valve, the only reason I did this was that in case I was on vacation for an extended amount of time and the hudson valve ever stuck open, the pond would not flood over. Here is a picture of one installed:

[Jerry]

Thanks Greg, now I must digest that info.
Why does your valve not go into the pond?

[Esther]

I think we're going to put in a float valve like that too. We have a new pump that didn't come with a built in shutoff float. We're getting a separate one. If I have both, then I won't have to worry when we are away. LOL.

[Jerry]

Yeah,yeah Esther.  You have a built in Plumber!

[-Greg-]

Jerry, that picture is from one of Kent Wallace's builds and is plumbed into his sediment chamber, mine is plumbed into my sikimmer but I did not have a pictures of it. The only reason it is not in the pond is visual. Do you have any automatic sprinkler valves near your pond? Not that you have to plumb into one, but if you wanted to and needed any advice, just let me know..Ester, good idea on the float switch as well, I have read some of the threads on here from people who did not have one, scarry!

Greg

[Esther]

Do you mean sprinkler heads? OH MAN, DO WE!!! There is one that the liner leans against. Are you saying that could be the water source? I was wondering where we'd get the water seeing the pond is on the other side of the sidewalk and I knew DH wouldn't be thrilled to hear my latest hairbrained idea. Then someone is going to figure it out besides me. I know nothing.

[-Greg-]

You could definitely tie into one of your sprinkler heads, you will just need to make sure that the frequency of your sprinkler programs and the station run time is enough to keep your water level. Since you have a sprinkler head near the pond, that is great!

Greg

[Jerry]

Yes , 2 valves are close.  the sprinkler valves are in lower rt hand corner.

[Loritx]

I have soaker hoses near the pond. I just tapped into the soaker hose with 1/4 inch tubing to a float valve in my skimmer box.  It only comes on when I turn on the sprinklers. Fairly low flow. That way when we are on vacation I can set that set for 15 minutes every other day and not have to worry about flooding the yard while away.  I dont worry about declor for only a few gallons of water.

I also have a Fill valve for the pond that my husband tapped off the main sprinlker waterline. just have to turn the valve on to fill pond, I put one of those fan spray hand water(fan spray thingamabob) on the end and the Fish just love to play in the spray, makes it worth going out and cleaning!!!!

[-Greg-]

Jerry, dig out around your sprinkler valves, you should be able to tell the water feed line or inlet line it to both of your valves, turn off the main water line, cut the feed line, add another tee, then add another sprinkler valve (True Value, Home Depot, Lowe's, etc.) Hopefully you will have one extra wire going to your current valves, the new valve will have two wires, one to the common wire, the other to your "free" wire coming out of the main loom. (the common wire will be tied into each of your valves shown). Dig your trench to your pond, or your skimmer, or wherever you plan on adding the hudson valve, if you bought the 1/2" hudson valve you will need a 3/4" to 1/2" bushing or adaptor as your new sprinkler valve will most likely be a 3/4" valve. If you need any help with any of this let me know, I would be more than happy to make the drive and come over and help you out! Loritx, interesting idea about the fan spray head for the sprinkler, any pictures of the spray in action?

Greg

[Jerry]

Thanks Greg.  At the price of gas a plumber would be cheaper!
Good info!  I may do it exactly as you said.  I may even work from the pond back!  So the technical (to me) stuff will be done in one shot.

[-Greg-]

Jerry, good idea working from the pond back, just let me know if you need any pictures or help along the way...

Greg

[Jerry]

I will Greg.
One more question:  wouldn't teeing into a live" line be the most simple?

[-Greg-]

Yes, teeing into a live line would be the most simple, and would be just fine.

Greg

[Jerry]

I am a fan of keeping it simple!

Thanks

[Mikey]

I've considered putting in a float valve system to keep the pond topped off but I then had concerns about not knowing when I have a leak.  Roughly once every two years I seem to loose water and to date it has always been a problem in my stream where water flows over the sides.  I start noticing I'm having to add more water than normal and that starts me on a "water leak" hunt....

[Jerry]

Me too Mike, but then it seems to get normal again!