Does Bunnings sell evaporative air-conditioning parts?

[Noyade]

Does Bunnings sell this Fluidmaster float-valve system?

And a flexible hose - 15mm one end and an angled 20mm the other end?

Or an Adapter for the 15mm end?

I went to Bunnings last night - 1800hrs - and had no luck. Being late the plumbing staff had already left.

[EricL]

Hi @Noyade

Sorry to hear you missed the plumbing specialist at the store. But the good news is that the parts you asked for are both available. I suggest calling the store first to make sure they have it in stock.

• Fluidmaster Side Entry Inlet Valve I/N 4921355
• Kinetic 450mm Bent Elbow Water Connector I/N 4750085 (also available in 300mm and 600mm lengths)
• Brasshards 20 x 15mm M / F Brass Threaded Adaptor I/N 0260415
• Kinetic 12mm x 10m White Standard Thread Seal I/N 4920185

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Noyade]

Thank you very much Eric!

I will remember that next time - now that I know exactly what to look for.

Unfortunately, the air-conditioning unit died around 1600 hrs yesterday - and it took a little time to get on the roof and into the unit to diagnose the problem. Bad time of the year to happen.

I felt it was the drop-valve.

On the ground, I rang the air-conditioning firm I always ring for spares/advice and was told they had a replacement valve. But it was 1645 hrs and "we close at 1700hrs, reopen at 0900 hrs tomorrow."

Me - "Cost?"

Reply - "$87 plus GST."

I took the old parts to a plumbing store at 0800 hrs this morning. Not expecting any luck, as I always thought the drop valve was a specific air-conditioning unit part, I felt really stupid when he put it all together for around $50. I had the unit running in less than an hour.

I learn a very valuable lesson today.

[Noyade]

Proof they were trying to sell me the same $34 valve for $87.

This the "before" photo.

Next time things fail - I'm gonna put a longer "Kinetic Connector" hose on and bypass that solenoid valve (indicated) - going straight to the drop valve. Both now being 15mm fittings.

Should work?

Thanks again Eric!

Cheers!

[EricL]

Hi @Noyade

The solenoid serves as an electro-mechanical stop. It might be an emergency stop or serve as a backup to the fluid master. Either way, it's best to ask an air-con specialist if it's safe to do a direct connection.

Happy Holidays

Eric

[Noyade]

"ask an air-con specialist"

It's an old unit - circa 1997 - but that solenoid was meant to work in harmony with a much larger vertical solenoid that controlled the water discharge.

The theory was every 5 hrs a programme activated the smaller (indicated above) solenoid so that the water supply was stopped, and then the larger vertical solenoid opened to discharge all the water.

Basically the unit took a dump. The theory was it cleaned the unit with regular water and ''prevented scaling."

Total BS. In fact the large vertical solenoid failed on two occasions and a watertight seal rarely happened due to mud and debris resulting in a constant outflow of water. To replace the solenoid was around $200 each time.

In the end, even "they" recommended removing it and replacing it with a $15 funnel that was adjusted to the depth dictated by the flow valve.

Removing that smaller solenoid just makes maintenance and function simpler. In the end it just becomes a large toilet cistern where the water pressure is simply controlled by an inexpensive Fluidmaster flow valve product. Sounds good to me!

And at the end of summer, the water can be turned off at a tap - just below the unit.

It's been a very educational day for me Eric! Have a good Christmas mate!

Cheers

Graeme.