my float valve stinks

it seems that my float valve in my sump is junk, it has water in it and does not always completely shutoff.
anyone know where i can get a decent one locally?
heres a pic of what i have. i want to keep this same type but just a different brand.
http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/group/11283/product.web
i have sent a email to thatpetplace asking them to replace it becasue of its defect but i doubt i get one within a week.
if i can get a better one locally ill just send the one i have back to them and ask for a credit.
this one here looks like its better built but the makers dont reccomend it for what i want to use it for. in sump use as tank topoff for evaporation.
http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/group/655/product.web
so if youve seen one in a plumbing shop let me know.
thanks, sean.

 

Posted By jtesdall on 12/21/2007 7:20 AM
Sean,
Here is the one the Filter Guys sell at about half the cost. I have been using these valves on my tanks for about three years and they work very well. Make sure to get the adjustable.
http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=usplastic&category%5Fname=6109&product%5Fid=12596
If you are going to run Kalk for topoff I would get the 3/8 or bore out the hole a bit on the 1/4 inch. I drilled the whole larger as mine would clog. Now it works great. Also, to mount these on the side of a sump -  find some 90 degree plastic gutter peices at your favorite store and cut them to make brakets. Then put a big glob of silicone and mash it against the glass where you want the level. This also works very well. Nykademus used hard non flexible gutter gaurd on his sump. He just used flat plexi and mounted the float through this gaurd.
One other thing, US Plastics sells good check valves for about $1. For 1/4" RO tubing get the 1/8" Check valve, if using Kalk get 1/4" so it doesn't clog. The sizes are ID, I found that out the hard way as 1/4" won't fit 1/4" OD tubing very well so I ordered the 1/8" and it fits great. The 1/4" valves can be forced into the soft 1/4" tubing but not the hard.
http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=usplastic&category%5Fname=45&product%5Fid=15641
They ship very quickly normally. Holidays ????
thats exactly what i was looking for it looks well built and im gonna order one maybe 2 in case i want to do something in the future with new tank water in the basement.
great price also, im gonna look around that site to see if theres anything else im interested in.
thanks for the link.
on a sidenote, i got my response from thatpetplace today , they told me to call the manufacterer.
that seems kinda weird to me, ive never been told that by a supplier.
in the future i think im gonna stick with aquacave on stuff that i buy.
ive read a few posts by people that got defective products and aquacave sent the replacement immediately, on one instance they replaced a pump for a octopus skimmer that they didnt even sell them, LOL.
oh well, ive had pretty good luck with equipment so far, im not gonna cry over a 20 dollar float.