Auto drinkers help!!!

ILuvCowparsely

ILuvCowparsely

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I took the plunge and ordered this >> http://www.robinsonsequestrian.com/wall-drinker-blue-16-litres.html

Arrange my plumber to come fit which he did, but used a smaller pipe than the existing one as it was cheaper so there will be less flow going through. Well HORROR I just came back and this is what Robinsons has sent me and it is on the wall now * without* a header thank which it says it must have. The wrong one :( http://www.robinsonsequestrian.com/...-mangers/automatic-water-drinker-blue-pv.html What is a header tank needed for????
 
Not good :( it needs a header tank so that there is less pressure going to it and the valve will work properly. you needed to check it before it was put on the wall and sent it back for the correct one but its late for that now its fitted.
 
I *think* its to reduce the pressure coming from the mains.
Therefore possibly you may have problems with auto fill valves?

Cross posted with crabby!
 
think you can get a little device that go's in pipe to reduce preasure , did with the one we have !
 
New plumber time? Suggest you print off instructions and put them under plumbers nose with suggestion he re-does the job and gets it right this time. Header tank not expensive if you need one.
 
It will depend on your water pressure from the mains. The manufacturers of the drinker should have figures and the water board should have figures and your plumber should be able to match them up!

I do know when I put in auto drinkers here I had a choice between low pressure and high pressure ones. I am in a bit of a valley here and have tremendous pressure so obviously put in the high pressure ones and I have had no problems. (These days, plumbing is like Leggo and I do it myself. Don't even need a spanner most of the time).

The bottom line is, if they work and don't leak, don't fix 'em! If they drip, it may be just a case of fitting different valves to the troughs. I'd phone the manufacturers and ask to speak to their technical department, then, armed with that knowledge, speak to the plumber. At the end of the day, a header tank is no big deal, just a holding tank with a high pressure vale on the inlet.
 
I have 6 of these exact drinkers in my stables. They are fed from the mains and we have excellent (very high!!) water pressure. Not had any problems at all with them, except one ball cock which had to be replaced because it kept sticking on. You can get the replacements in b&q for a few pounds. I did the plumbing in myself too, and it was v simple, as dry rot says, no tools required except the pipe cutter thing.
 
My understanding is that you have to have a header tank to prevent any back flow into the mains water system and that this is now something that is being insisted on at all premises where there may be contamination, at stable yards the risk is there due to effluent, dung and urine, kennels and vets/doctors hospitals are the same. at the vets even the washing machine has to have a header tank to prevent contamination. there yard my mare is on had to put header tanks in for all of the taps as the water board came out and gave a time limit for it to be done within or they were proceed with legal prosecution. I am not sure if this applies if you are a private yard and the mention of water pressure above makes sense too.
 
twiggy2 said:
My understanding is that you have to have a header tank to prevent any back flow into the mains water system and that this is now something that is being insisted on at all premises where there may be contamination, at stable yards the risk is there due to effluent, dung and urine, kennels and vets/doctors hospitals are the same. at the vets even the washing machine has to have a header tank to prevent contamination. there yard my mare is on had to put header tanks in for all of the taps as the water board came out and gave a time limit for it to be done within or they were proceed with legal prosecution. I am not sure if this applies if you are a private yard and the mention of water pressure above makes sense too.
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Yes this is the main reason. The other reason is to control the pressure . For practical purposes a non return valve and a Pressure reducing valve will work.
 
I don't see how auto fill drinkers could syphon as the inlet will be above the water level in the bowl, but who would dare to question the logic of a bureaucrat?
 
Dry Rot said:
I don't see how auto fill drinkers could syphon as the inlet will be above the water level in the bowl, but who would dare to question the logic of a bureaucrat?
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I agree, there is the all important "air gap" often quoted in the regulations,however in practice since there is no overflow to ensure the continued existance of the air gap in all circumstances .It is unlikely to meet the requirements.
 
turnbuckle said:
New plumber time? Suggest you print off instructions and put them under plumbers nose with suggestion he re-does the job and gets it right this time. Header tank not expensive if you need one.
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It was not the plumber fault I brought thee £ 56 pound one which does not need a header tank. I told him this did not need a header as Robinsons stated it on their web site so he fitted it. Only today I went out and re checked the photo and realised it was not the one I ordered. Robinsons screwed up !!!!! and said as it is on the wall they wont take it back.
 
AnShanDan said:
I have 6 of these exact drinkers in my stables. They are fed from the mains and we have excellent (very high!!) water pressure. Not had any problems at all with them, except one ball cock which had to be replaced because it kept sticking on. You can get the replacements in b&q for a few pounds. I did the plumbing in myself too, and it was v simple, as dry rot says, no tools required except the pipe cutter thing.
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Sorry which one you have the one I was supposed to have or the cheaper 36 pound one needing a header tank!
 
HGA-12 said:
It was not the plumber fault I brought thee £ 56 pound one which does not need a header tank. I told him this did not need a header as Robinsons stated it on their web site so he fitted it. Only today I went out and re checked the photo and realised it was not the one I ordered. Robinsons screwed up !!!!! and said as it is on the wall they wont take it back.
Click to expand...

Find out who the managing director of Robinson's is and politely explain that his staff have misled you over the correct water bowls to fit and will he be paying your plumber's bill for replacing them?

The only reason they make statements like this is because people let them get away with it. I'd sit outside their shop with a very large sign handing out leaflets until they refunded me.
 
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