[Alex Gardiner]

In my case I had the tap on the pole - strapped on using cable ties and the resultant loop in both cases caught on something on the ground yanking the hose out together with the toothy clips. Clips lost, valve useles. In contrast I have had the same gas type tap for three years. I went with the new tap when I bought a CLX but have now reverted back to the old tap.

This would explain it - that must have been quite a yank as usually they will either hold tight or the hose will pop out. I have put a link to the video showing how I use these valves - http://youtu.be/cS51l4oY2mg

Some clients do find that attaching the valve to the pole works well, but I have always found that this seem to get in the way of me holding and using the pole and it does create a permanent loop which as you have found can catch on things.

Perhaps for your usage a bulkier more robust non-push fit valve is more suitable.

[Alex Gardiner]

In our experience of selling these valves they have proved to be eminently 'fit-for-purpose'. We have tried many different valves over the years and these ones stand head and shoulders above others that we have tried for longevity and practicality. We sell about 2-3000 of these a year and the majority of our clients get at least 12-18 months use from them. I personally have some in use that are about 4 years old and have been swapped on to new poles a couple of times.

I am puzzled why Ben has had two fail on him and I can only presume that the valve has been used in a way that exceeds its normal operating parameters. For instance we do not recommend letting them drag along the ground (not that Ben has necessarily done this) whilst in use as this will noticeably shorten their lifespan and could lead to such damage as has been experienced. Also if pulling the Microbore hose around it is always better to pull using the pole hose after the valve thereby not pulling hard on both of the push-fit connections. It would usually only be possible to lose the inner teeth if the valve has been pulled apart - in this case though the teeth would usually have stayed attached to the hose.

If you feel that you have not used these outside of normal usage then please feel free to return them for us to have a look at and if we agree then we can replace them for you. If you wish to do this please ring the office to get a returns number and please quote your order number so that we can look up the age of the units.

Hi,

Just to clarify that i was in no way making a complaint about Gardiner just that i was demonstrating the valve that i was having a problem with. It looks like i have been using them incorrectly so i am to blame entirely and is not a fault on Gardiner's products.

Getting the right technique when using these valves can take a little practise, but when mastered they work very well and last a long time. Check out the video link above for the technique that I use. Of course everyone has their own way of working and one of the chaps that works with me window cleaning has never used them like I do but has the hose looped around his shoulders and has the valve resting on his chest for quick access - personally I would find it annoying, but he finds it works well and it does have the same effect of keeping the valve off the ground and close to hand.

[SB Cleaning]

In my case I had the tap on the pole - strapped on using cable ties and the resultant loop in both cases caught on something on the ground yanking the hose out together with the toothy clips. Clips lost, valve useles. In contrast I have had the same gas type tap for three years. I went with the new tap when I bought a CLX but have now reverted back to the old tap.

This would explain it - that must have been quite a yank as usually they will either hold tight or the hose will pop out. I have put a link to the video showing how I use these valves - http://youtu.be/cS51l4oY2mg

Some clients do find that attaching the valve to the pole works well, but I have always found that this seem to get in the way of me holding and using the pole and it does create a permanent loop which as you have found can catch on things.

Perhaps for your usage a bulkier more robust non-push fit valve is more suitable.

I have been using the method explained in the video for the pole tap for the last week or so instead of my aquadapter it works very well.

[ben M]

In our experience of selling these valves they have proved to be eminently 'fit-for-purpose'. We have tried many different valves over the years and these ones stand head and shoulders above others that we have tried for longevity and practicality. We sell about 2-3000 of these a year and the majority of our clients get at least 12-18 months use from them. I personally have some in use that are about 4 years old and have been swapped on to new poles a couple of times.

I am puzzled why Ben has had two fail on him and I can only presume that the valve has been used in a way that exceeds its normal operating parameters. For instance we do not recommend letting them drag along the ground (not that Ben has necessarily done this) whilst in use as this will noticeably shorten their lifespan and could lead to such damage as has been experienced. Also if pulling the Microbore hose around it is always better to pull using the pole hose after the valve thereby not pulling hard on both of the push-fit connections. It would usually only be possible to lose the inner teeth if the valve has been pulled apart - in this case though the teeth would usually have stayed attached to the hose.

If you feel that you have not used these outside of normal usage then please feel free to return them for us to have a look at and if we agree then we can replace them for you. If you wish to do this please ring the office to get a returns number and please quote your order number so that we can look up the age of the units.

Hi,

Just to clarify that i was in no way making a complaint about Gardiner just that i was demonstrating the valve that i was having a problem with. It looks like i have been using them incorrectly so i am to blame entirely and is not a fault on Gardiner's products.

Getting the right technique when using these valves can take a little practise, but when mastered they work very well and last a long time. Check out the video link above for the technique that I use. Of course everyone has their own way of working and one of the chaps that works with me window cleaning has never used them like I do but has the hose looped around his shoulders and has the valve resting on his chest for quick access - personally I would find it annoying, but he finds it works well and it does have the same effect of keeping the valve off the ground and close to hand.

I will do that now, thank you very much for the video Alex