Holmes HM5601 quit working

I had the same problem with my Holmes HM5601 humidifer unit - right out of the box. I almost returned the unit to the store, but was able to figure-out the problem. Not enough water had been filling the heating section (where that black knob-like protrusion is) and the lack of enough water had caused the unit to shut-off soon after plugging it in. The problem is in valve at the bottom of the water tank! The valve is a factory defect. It needs to open more when you sit the water tank onto the base so water fills the reservoir. I had solved the problem by going to the hardware store and purchasing some small, rubber pads or feet. These rubber pads are the type used to place under things where you want to protect a table-top from being scratched or you want the item not to slide too easily on a table-top. These rubber feet or pads have an adhesive on the bottom of them. Find the size that matches the diameter of the valve stem on the bottom of the water tank. Once installed, the valve should open and close with your finger without the rubber pad interferring with the operation of the valve. The pad, if installed properly, makes contact with the water reservoir base when you placed the water tank down onto that base. The valve open a bit more allowing water to pass-thru and fill the water reservoir. Water fills the heating section as needed and the unit runs perfectly after! The round rubber pad I had used was about an 1/8 inch thick and 1/2 inch in diameter.