Solenoid Valves (pneumatic air, irrigation, water - washing machine) - Halloween Ideas

Solenoids valves are valves that are magnetically opened and closed using a pulse of electricity. The most common type of  solenoid valve is used inside of a washing machine to trigger the hot and cold water to be released to  fill the washer's tub.

Most haunters are trying to implement some sort of pneumatic air prop. For haunters on a budget, washing machine solenoids are commonly used. More advanced haunters spend the extra money and buy industrial air valves and complementary air cylinders. I’ve gone to the extent of trying to use irrigation valves since they are commonly available at hardware stores.

Compressed air props commonly use valves and solenoid valves in particular because they can be  remotely triggered by electricity. I have found that the hardest part  of using a solenoid valve in a compress air application is finding the  right adapters to  reduce a washing machine hose or irrigation 3/4" PVC connector to a 1/4" air hose connector.

Irrigation Valves

Irrigation systems use solenoid valves to trigger water to flow to a particular  area.  Irrigation solenoid values are commonly triggered by a 26 VAC charge in  the form of a  transformer. The valves come in two sizes, a 3/4" and 1" connector size that match  common  PVC diameter sizes and connector  threads. The price for a 3/4" valve is about $13. Hint, try using a 26 VAC transformer used for sprinkler  valves. Price $10 or try  finding  something similar at the local salvage store for a few bucks. American Science and Surplus has some reasonably priced transformers.

Industrial Valves

Industrial valves are used in many applications. A lot manufacturing assembly line equipment use  compressed air as a  "power" source for driving machinery. Below are some examples of various pneumatic air valves. Used air valves can be found on Ebay for a good price. Pneumatic air valves typically have standardize connectors and air hose diameters. They also drive air industrial cylinders (pistons), which is what most haunters are wanting to do.

Water Fed Valves

Water feed solenoid valves are used in washing machines, dish washers, Ice  makers,  vending machines,  Coffee makers and Coffee Vending Machines, Automatic Water Faucets(Auto  Taps). These are used where water flow is required to be controlled by solenoids.

A washing machine solenoid valve commonly has two valves, each triggered independently by a 120 VAC charge. The valve has standard washing machine hose connectors. The cost for a  new valve is about $20. Finding used valves is a better route to go and  probably can  be obtained for a  few dollars, however, I have yet to get my hands on a used valve. Most  places want to charge for the labor and time it takes to remove a valve  from an old machine.