"Water where you want it, since 1975."

Troubleshooting

How does the valve work?

The valve operates using a float and control diaphragm. When hooked up to a water source the valve will allow water to flow through it until the water reaches the bottom of the valve and starts to push the float up. As the water level rises it causes the float to rise and seal off the diaphragm chamber. The chamber then fills with water and pushes the diaphragm up to close the valve. The valve will shut-off 1”-2” up from the bottom of the valve depending on water pressure.

How do I install my Hudson Valve?
Design your installation keeping in mind that the water will shut off 1” – 2” up from the bottom of the valve depending on water pressure.
  • Do not use pipe compound.
  • Use plumber’s tape on threads of water supply pipe.
  • Screw Hudson Valve on to water supply pipe
  • Turn water source on full volume.
  • The valve must be installed in a fixed manner in order to shut off properly.
  • The valve cannot be fully
  • The valve must be mounted vertically.
Where will the valve shut off?

The valve will shut of about 1” – 2” up from the bottom of the valve depending on pressure (the higher your water pressure the higher up on the valve the water will shut off).

Will my valve work in liquids other than water?
  • The Hudson Valve is designed to be used in water.
  • We only recommend using it in water.
  • We will only warranty valves that have been used in water.
  • This is not to say that the valve will absolutely not work in other liquids. We have  customers that use it in a variety of liquids, but we have not tested it in anything other than water, and thus cannot recommend its usage with any other liquids.
Why won’t my valve shut off / open?
    • Make sure your water source is turned on full volume.
    • If you have less than 4 – 6 lbs of water pressure, your valve may not be getting enough flow to make it shut off or open properly. The valve works with low pressure but requires adequate volume. If you only have a trickle of water, the valve may not be able to shut off or open.

  • Check to make sure none of the valve parts are damaged
    • Remove the cap from the valve body
      • check to make sure the retainer ring is not broken.
      • check to make sure the diaphragm has no tears
    • Remove the float from the body of the valve
    • Check the shut-off pad on top of the float to make sure it has no tears or indentations.
  • If any parts are damaged, a repair kit can be purchased from Hudson Valve or one of our distributors.
  • Your valve might be clogged with debris. The valve needs to be cleaned periodically depending on the cleanliness of the water source. Wash the valve and valve parts with fresh water. Dirt, rust, sediment and sand can build up in the valve and cause it to malfunction. The valve has two very important parts that have holes that run through the center of them. If either of these parts become clogged, the valve will not operate properly.

How to check the holes in these two parts:

  • Unscrew the cap from the body of the valve and remove the retainer ring and diaphragm.

  • Hold the diaphragm up to the light and make sure that the hole that runs through the body of the stem is free and clear. If it is not, try to run water or blow air through the hole to clear it. If that does not work, try to use a very thin needle to clear the hole (if you have pin gauges, use a .029 or smaller pin). Make sure to not force anything through the hole as altering the size of the hole can cause the valve to malfunction.
  • Drop the float out of the body of the valve. To do this, remove the retaining screw at the bottom of the valve.
  • Hold the body up to the light and make sure that the hole in the stainless-steel insert is free and clear. If it is not, try to use a thin needle to clear the hole (if you have pin gauges use a .039 or smaller pin).

     

  • Make sure that all parts are installed correctly.
  • The screen is installed from the top of the cap down. It does NOT go on top of the diaphragm stem. Picture 6 & Picture 7
  • The diaphragm “skirt” sits in the groves of the body of the valve. Picture 8
  • The retainer ring sits on top of the diaphragm, with the flat side up.
  • Do not glue any parts together
  • Check to make sure the float has free movement in the body of the valve
    • Using your fingers, gently push the float up and let it drop back down – it should move up and down freely about an 1/8”.
How do I repair my Hudson Valve?

If any of your parts are damaged, a repair kit can be purchased. Hudson Valve and many of our distributors sell repair kits containing all the internal parts of the valve. (Filter, Diaphragm, Retainer Ring and Float)

Please refer to our products page to learn more about repair kits.

Will the valve work with gravity feed?

The valve will work with gravity feed if you have at least 4 lbs. of pressure and adequate volume.

How to use continuous flow disc

The continuous flow disc is designed to be used only during the winter in freezing climates. When installed, it will allow the valve to keep a slow trickle of water moving through it at all times. When installed, the valve will not fully shut off. The purpose of this disc is to prevent freezing of pipes during the winter. When using a continuous flow disc, you will need an overflow line to take excess water away as the disc will allow the valve to overflow the tank.

What is the warranty on parts?

All Hudson Valve parts are warranted for two years. The warranty covers any defects or malfunctions of all Hudson Valve parts as long as the Valve has been used under normal operating conditions. Warranty is voided for valves that have been used in liquids other than water. Warranty is voided for valves that have not adhered to the maintenance instructions. Warranty is voided for valves that have been operated at pressures outside of the stated pressure guidelines. Any defective or malfunctioning parts that are under warranty will be replaced without charge.