Perhaps the main reason I started with home automation...

My master bath has a whirlpool tub that I would like to switch on (the water that is) from my mobile phone so that it would be filled when I get home. Setup is fairly easy ... touch-tone controller triggers a universal module which switches on 2 "valves" (one hot, one cold) to start the water flow. A water-level detector will switch off the valve as appropriate, and I can even measure the temperature and control the hot and cold water independently as it fills. I'm also lucky that the current hot tap, cold tap, and spout in the tub are 3 separate pieces, so I have access to all the points in the line that I need -- I'm planning to bridge the taps with the valves in parallel.

The problem is the "valve" on the hot-water side. I thought of using a sprinkler-control valve on each side, but of the 2 brands I found, the mfgr of one (Toro) says that it won't handle hot water, and the other (Rain-Bird) says it'll handle a maximum of 150 deg F. My heater is currently at 160F. Though I can drop it a bit, I'm not sure that sustained water flow at the valve's max rating would be good for its health. And I'm sure the temp thru the valve would vary from day to day.

Second thought is to get a tap/valve (maybe like the one under the bath sink) and control that with something like a servo.

But I'd like to find a one-piece solution. Perfection would be finding a sprinkler valve rated at say 180 or 200 deg F.

Any ideas?

Niel,

You need to stop thinking sprinkler and start thinking industrial. There are plenty on the market, here is a link with every valve manufacturer under the sun [Link: gateway-supply.com] Be aware good valves or plumbing products cost a heck of a lot more than sprinkler parts. If I were filling my tub by phone I don't think I would want to chance going cheap.

Bill
www.homeautomationnet.com

Sweeeettt!

I was thinking industrial, but have zero knowledge of what they would call this or where to start looking. this website is great.

Thanks!