What type of valve is this? (for residential... water lines, keeps draining)?
Hi,
I have a valve in my utility room , where the hot water and boiler is. It is connected on either side by 1/2" pipes, on the bottom of the valve there is a pipe that goes to the drain. Well, it keeps draining, so I suspect it's a bad valve.
I'll see if ican post a picture here, if anyone can suggest what type of valve this may be, and how much you think I'd be looking at to replace it?
I'm in Vancouver (Surrey) Canada

Thanks
KC
Additional Details
Here's a picture of the valve I'm talking about, it may be for in floor heating, but I am not sure... I see the 2 pipes off it going into the house, but don't see where. I do have in floor heating, could it be for that?

http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx318/supercommando69/IMAGE_423.jpg

Hi KC

That is what is called a TRAP PRIMER.

A trap primer releases a tablespoon or so of water every time a fixture is used in the home... it's purpose is to keep a PTRAP or a floor drain trap from drying out and allowing sewer gasses into the home. Look for the end of the pipe coming out of the middle... where does it go... should go to a trap somewhere?

If the trap primer releases water periodically, you're all set. If the trap primer releases water all the time it needs to be replaced and is easily purchased at any plumbing supply store... ;)

Questions? Let me know, OK?

Mark

Thanks for your answer Mark, I appreciate it and it helped..

I got it working, see below:

Hi
I think I got it sorted out. I got home early from work and I remember reading an article online that these Trap primers can sometimes be cleaned out.
So, first I took it out, and then I noticed inside the device, there is a black (sponge like?) membrane, I took it out, and I noticed a lot of “build up” on it
I washed it away, and reassembled the Trap. I reinstalled it and it seems to be fine now, it drips at times like I think it should, but doesn't keep pouring the water out of it into the drain like before.

Let's see how it goes I guess...

Thanks again
KC

I'm glad to see things worked out so well. Nice job!

Thanks you for taking the time to pop back and let us know the result... always helpful to future members/guests!



Mark

Some primers have adjustable drip flow so you can adjust them according to your needs. Usually, it drips in intervals of about 1 droplet a minute or so. Good job.

Milo