Zone VI Print Washer - Broken Drain Valve

Hi all:

I just took delivery on a Zone VI 16x20 Print Washer and in unpacking it, the small white drain valve on the bottom broke off. Its got a white plastic threaded screw attached to a rubber ball. As you tighten the butterfly on the plastic screw, it pulls the ball tight against the hole and forms a seal.

In any event, that plastic threaded bolt broke off right near the wall, so there's no way to re-attach that butterfly nut. It seemed like the plastic might have been a bit brittle anyway. So, i'm wondering if anyone has ever had to replace one of these. it seems like you might be able to go to home depot and get a proper valve and use it as a replacement. Any thoughts?


thanks,
scott

As I understand, the Zone VI printwasher did not come with a drain. But many people, including the prior owner of the one I have, added their own.

So the drain you have may not match what others have. I suggest you add a photo for comparison.

Mine uses a plug like this Dead Link Removed

mgb74 said:

As I understand, the Zone VI printwasher did not come with a drain. But many people, including the prior owner of the one I have, added their own.

So the drain you have may not match what others have. I suggest you add a photo for comparison.

Mine uses a plug like this Dead Link Removed

Click to expand...

well, i think something like that would do the trick. there's a hole in the bottom of the washer (now that i removed the broken plug) and that hole is 3/4 inch in diameter. this is a simpler solution than what i was thinking, which was to get a grommet and somehow affix a small spigot. it's not the same as i've got, but like i said, it will probably work!

thanks!

My Zone VI 16x20 came with a drain. It is a coupler-type fitting that holds a vinyl hose that has a clamp to close/drain it. This way it can be on the counter top and empty into the sink.

http://www.jeffreyglasser.com/

jeffreyg said:

My Zone VI 16x20 came with a drain. It is a coupler-type fitting that holds a vinyl hose that has a clamp to close/drain it. This way it can be on the counter top and empty into the sink.

http://www.jeffreyglasser.com/

Click to expand...

That's a better arrangement than the simple drain on mine. Without a drain hose, the drain is really only useful for draining within a sink or getting the last bit of water out. Can you upload a photo of your drain?

I have had good luck buying all sorts of plastic valves, fittings etc from US Plastics ( usplastic.com) Half of the plumbing fittings in my darkroom came from them .

They're a great supplier. I modified my CPE-2Plus to have a drain using one of their drain valves.

mgb74,

The pictures were taken with a phone but should give you an idea. I didn't have time for more elaborate photos -- heading out of town in an hour.

http://www.jeffreyglasser.com/

Those photos work, thanks.

The top is standard. At least that's what I've seen in all the ones I've looked at (a few in person, most in photos). Mine has a simple, neatly drilled hole in the bottom with a plug like I referenced.

I'm not where my darkroom is right now but, if I recall correctly, you can't access the inner side of that outer plexiglass due to the glued in inner wall. So any drain fitting would have to be glued in.