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IRC Valve FAQs

Please click the question/ problem below to view the answer.

Test mode does not function
No power Ensure unit is powered. Change batteries if battery powered; ensure mains electrical power is functioning if mains powered.
Incorrect power supply. The valve is powered by either battery or mains electricity. If both have been fitted simultaneously the sensor may be damaged beyond repair. Disconnect one source of power and check by pushing the test/retest button. When the sensor is mounted directly on the valve it should be battery powered ONLY. Also check remote wiring if sensor is remote from valve.
No water passing the valve
Water supply Ensure water supply is turned on and reaching the valve. The valve comes with a factory fitted 1.5mm insert fitted for water pressures of 2 - 6 bar. If your water pressure is within this range and the optional 3mm insert has been fitted then revert back to the 1.5mm insert. The 3mm insert is for use with water pressures of 0.1 - 2 bar.
Blockage on the outlet pipe If a petcock or bibtap has been fitted ensure it is removed or fully open. Instructions state there should be no restriction after the valve.
Mesh filter blocked on inlet Remove valve; check to ensure filter on the inlet side of the valve is clear.
Flow regulator Ensure the flow regulator is fully opened; when the valve is letting water run, turn down to the required flow rate.
High water pressure (above 6 bar) Fit pressure reducing valve.
No power The power has failed while the valve is in the ‘closed’ position. Ensure unit is powered. Change batteries if battery powered; ensure mains electrical power is functioning if mains powered. Press reset button.
Water is continously flowing through the valve
User perception Once activated the valve remains open for a period of 30 minutes and will reactivate if someone comes within the range of the sensor in the last 5 minutes of the 30 minute period. The valve appears to work continuously as long as someone is in the washroom. To test the valve cover the sensor to prevent further detection and check again after 30 minutes when there should be no water running.
No power The power has failed while the valve is in the ‘open’ position. Ensure the unit is powered. Change batteries if battery powered; ensure mains electrical power is functioning if mains powered. Press reset button.
Valve incorrectly fitted Ensure the arrow on the brass body is pointing in the direction of water flow.
The valve remains shut when the room is occupied but opens at other times
Incorrect remote wiring If the valve and sensor have been set up remotely, ensure the remote wiring is wired as follows: ‘1’ to ‘1’ and ‘2’ to ‘2’. If you find the wiring is connected ‘1’ to ‘2’ and ‘2’ to ‘1’ then the valve is working in reverse.
Water flow rate through the valve seems to be very slow
Flow regulation Increase the flow rate by turning the flow regulator anticlockwise until you reach your desired flow rate; ideally it should fill the cistern once per activation and then flush.
Mesh filter blocked Remove valve; check to ensure filter on the inlet side of the valve is clear.
Flow restrictor/insert The valves comes with a factory fitted 1.5mm diameter insert fitted for water pressures of 2 - 6 bar; this should be changed over to the 3mm insert (for water pressures of 0.1 - 2 bar) to allow more water through.
Water flow rate through the valve is fast and the cistern is flushing too frequently
Flow regulator Decrease the flow rate by turning the flow regulator clockwise until you reach your desired flow rate. Ideally it should fill the cistern once per activation (i.e. every 30 minutes) and then flush.
The LED does not flash
User perception The LED only flashes during the self-test/reset cycle or when there is low battery power.
There is a leak around the solenoid
If the black bracket/solenoid has been removed from the block and rotated for flow orientation the ‘O’ ring seal at the join may be dislodged or lost. If dislodged, re-position. If lost, call Cistermiser.
I have just changed the batteries and there is no power to the unit
Battery orientation Check battery orientation; ensure there is not excessive corrosion on battery terminals. Ensure batteries are a reputable brand. Press reset button.
The unit has been working fine then stopped working. I have changed the batteries and ensured there is no blockage upstream or downstream
Seized valve If the valve has not been powered for some time, there is a possibility that the valve has seized. Should this be the case a spare solenoid can be purchased from Cistermiser or a local plumbers’ merchant.