Washing Machine Water Inlet Valves - Cheap Source of Solonoid Control Valves?

Question

All,I'm looking for a cheap source for a electrically controlled solonoidcontrol valve. I've found washing machine water inlet valves as cheapas $12.00. I want to build a cooling system that will swich the outputof a pump to up to several different outputs. When I first saw thewater inlet valves, I thought GREAT! all I have to do is hook my pumpoutput to the inlet valve output. That way, I'd get two valves for onewater inlet valve (one from the hot water input and another from thecold water input).After digging into it a little bit, I found out that the flow throughthese valves is only one way and that at least 30PSI is required in theproper direction.My Question:Is this true for all water inlet valves?Why? Is there a check valve in there?If so, can I disable it somehow?Any help is appreciated.

Speedy Jim · Accepted Answer

Some solenoid valves are direct-operated; others are "pilot-operated". In the latter, the solenoid only controls a tiny orifice. This lets fluid (air,water,gas, etc.) flow to a large diaphragm or other element which actually controls the larger main valve.

Short answer: No, you can't "disable" anything inside.

You *might* get away with something like a lawn sprinkler valve. These are pilot-operated too but maybe more tolerant of your pump's output. They \\are high flow and reasonably priced.

Jim

JoeyB · Answer

Thanks Jim. I'll check them out.

Washing Machine Water Inlet Valves - Cheap Source of Solonoid Control Valves?

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