Home and Auto Evaporative Cooler Question

CaliforniaChief · 04-23-2018, 08:21 PM

Not sure how many of you will know what I'm talking about, but I'll do my best to describe it. With temps in the 80's and 90's, it's time to get our evaporative/swamp cooler up and running.

I'm having issues getting water to the cooler. Kind of.

So I've had it hooked up for years running a water line off of the sprinkler valves using a t-valve. Never had an issue with it, just open the t-valve to send water to the cooler, close it in the winter.

Today, I went to open the t-valve, and no water. The only way I could get water through that line was by opening up the solenoid (twisting it counter-clockwise). That got water moving, but it also turned on the sprinklers. I can't seem to get water to the swamp cooler without turning on the sprinklers. Am I missing something obvious?

Jewish Rabbi · 04-23-2018, 08:45 PM

Have you tried bleeding the line with antifreeze?

banecat · 04-23-2018, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaliforniaChief

Not sure how many of you will know what I'm talking about, but I'll do my best to describe it. With temps in the 80's and 90's, it's time to get our evaporative/swamp cooler up and running.

I'm having issues getting water to the cooler. Kind of.

So I've had it hooked up for years running a water line off of the sprinkler valves using a t-valve. Never had an issue with it, just open the t-valve to send water to the cooler, close it in the winter.

Today, I went to open the t-valve, and no water. The only way I could get water through that line was by opening up the solenoid (twisting it counter-clockwise). That got water moving, but it also turned on the sprinklers. I can't seem to get water to the swamp cooler without turning on the sprinklers. Am I missing something obvious?

I used to build them, but it was so many years ago that I threw out any info that I had on them, and don't recall enough to help ya. Sorry

chinaski · 04-23-2018, 08:48 PM

It's a problem with the solenoid or the sprinkler valve itself...

You could always run a manual sprinkler valve and t-off the supply before it hits the valve...then just manually water. I have a manual valve in the backyard for my raised garden beds with a on/off valve for my citrus and cypress trees...

**Buehler445** · 04-23-2018, 08:51 PM

It’s hooked to your sprinklers?

All the ones I’ve been around have a pump that circulates the water. Probably the pump is bad or isn’t getting electricity.

CaliforniaChief · 04-23-2018, 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buehler445

It’s hooked to your sprinklers?

All the ones I’ve been around have a pump that circulates the water. Probably the pump is bad or isn’t getting electricity.

Yeah it's hooked into the valve that directs zone 1 of my sprinkler system.

Randallflagg · 04-23-2018, 09:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaliforniaChief

Not sure how many of you will know what I'm talking about, but I'll do my best to describe it. With temps in the 80's and 90's, it's time to get our evaporative/swamp cooler up and running.

I'm having issues getting water to the cooler. Kind of.

So I've had it hooked up for years running a water line off of the sprinkler valves using a t-valve. Never had an issue with it, just open the t-valve to send water to the cooler, close it in the winter.

Today, I went to open the t-valve, and no water. The only way I could get water through that line was by opening up the solenoid (twisting it counter-clockwise). That got water moving, but it also turned on the sprinklers. I can't seem to get water to the swamp cooler without turning on the sprinklers. Am I missing something obvious?

I've known several people over the years that had swamp coolers. Everyone of them HATED the damned things and, they ARE a health hazard. Water sits in the tray - becomes moldy and is then transferred into the home.

Other than that, I have no idea how they operate. Sorry.

**Buehler445** · 04-23-2018, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaliforniaChief

Yeah it's hooked into the valve that directs zone 1 of my sprinkler system.

Can you bypass that and run it from a garden hose?

**lewdog** · 04-23-2018, 09:21 PM

Lewdog is gonna need to replace both his AC units.

Anyone want some work?

CaliforniaChief · 04-23-2018, 09:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buehler445

Can you bypass that and run it from a garden hose?

That might be my option...as well as replacing the solenoids and valves maybe.

Thanks!

**Bugeater** · 04-23-2018, 11:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lewdog

Lewdog is gonna need to replace both his AC units.

Anyone want some work?

Are they self contained or split systems?

scho63 · 04-24-2018, 07:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lewdog

Lewdog is gonna need to replace both his AC units.

Anyone want some work?

Two of these and one giant bag of the second and you should be all set for summer for about $40! You can thank me later.

**lewdog** · 04-24-2018, 07:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bugeater

Are they self contained or split systems?

I’m assumimg split? Air handler in attic, condenser unit outside.

One’s 5.5 ton, other 2.5 ton I think. Quotes for everything were $11k for 14 SEER and $13k 16 SEER on Lennox units. Will be getting some other quotes too.

CaliforniaChief · 04-24-2018, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Randallflagg

I've known several people over the years that had swamp coolers. Everyone of them HATED the damned things and, they ARE a health hazard. Water sits in the tray - becomes moldy and is then transferred into the home.

Other than that, I have no idea how they operate. Sorry.

We treat ours and keep it really clean. I hear what you're saying, although living where I live, NOT using them is bad for your financial health.

Randallflagg · 04-24-2018, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaliforniaChief

We treat ours and keep it really clean. I hear what you're saying, although living where I live, NOT using them is bad for your financial health.

Point well taken!!

04-23-2018, 08:21 PM
CaliforniaChief #RIPAce Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: So Cal Casino cash: $12422899	Evaporative Cooler Question Not sure how many of you will know what I'm talking about, but I'll do my best to describe it. With temps in the 80's and 90's, it's time to get our evaporative/swamp cooler up and running. I'm having issues getting water to the cooler. Kind of. So I've had it hooked up for years running a water line off of the sprinkler valves using a t-valve. Never had an issue with it, just open the t-valve to send water to the cooler, close it in the winter. Today, I went to open the t-valve, and no water. The only way I could get water through that line was by opening up the solenoid (twisting it counter-clockwise). That got water moving, but it also turned on the sprinklers. I can't seem to get water to the swamp cooler without turning on the sprinklers. Am I missing something obvious?
Posts: 17,319

04-23-2018, 08:45 PM	#2
Jewish Rabbi What's up braj? Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Placencia, Belize Casino cash: $2138320	Have you tried bleeding the line with antifreeze?
Posts: 15,547

04-23-2018, 08:48 PM	#4
chinaski Veteran Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: He/Him Casino cash: $8739922	It's a problem with the solenoid or the sprinkler valve itself... You could always run a manual sprinkler valve and t-off the supply before it hits the valve...then just manually water. I have a manual valve in the backyard for my raised garden beds with a on/off valve for my citrus and cypress trees...
Posts: 2,224

04-23-2018, 08:51 PM	#5
Buehler445 Supporter Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Scott City KS Casino cash: $2334734	It’s hooked to your sprinklers? All the ones I’ve been around have a pump that circulates the water. Probably the pump is bad or isn’t getting electricity.
Posts: 56,771

04-23-2018, 09:21 PM	#9
lewdog Mod Team Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Valley of the hot as **** Casino cash: $1921900	Lewdog is gonna need to replace both his AC units. Anyone want some work?
Posts: 45,567