DIY Full Flow brass garden hose shut-off valve

[BlueBeast14GT]

The Water Must Flow

I've been looking into replacing my Gilmour brass quick disconnects with something that has a bit better flow. Along the way I noticed the QDs are only part of the problem...



That is a brass shut-off valve from Home Depot, and it's juxtaposition next to the Arrested Development sticker is no accident.

The inner diameter of the ball valve is just over 1/4". That's a third of the inner diameter of the hose. Unfortunately, well... geometry.
You may think this means that the flow is reduced by two thirds, which sounds bad enough, but you're wrong. The area of the opening through which the water flows is reduced from 0.44 square inches to a measly 0.05 square inches. That's not 1/3 of the water flow, it's 1/9!

Also unfortunate is the fact that there aren't a lot of consumer options. The water pressure needed to keep your petunias alive is fairly weak compared to the pressure needed to blast bird crap off of your paint. The best option I could find was the Dramm Heavy-Duty Brass Shut-Off Valve, but even that only has a 1/2" ball opening. It's better, but screw that, this is Autogeek!

[BlueBeast14GT]

1: Parts
I did this at Home Depot. I am sure you can find the same stuff at Lowes or whatever big chain they have in your area.

1. 3/4" Brass Full-Port Threaded Ball Valve - $10.98
   If it doesn't say "Full Port", then you're about to make a relatively expensive version of the standard model.
   
   
2. 3/4 in. x 3/4 in. Tapped 1/2 in. Lead-Free Brass FGH x MIP Adapter - $4.17
   
   
3. 3/4 in. x 3/4 in. Tapped 1/2 in. Lead-Free Brass MGH x MIP Adapter - $4.17
   
   
4. Plumbing Tape - $0.49
   

Cost: $19.81

So the total before tax is about the same as the cost of the Dramm valve.
But the Dramm won't give you true full flow or the manly satisfaction that comes from building something.

[BlueBeast14GT]

2: Assembly
Easy as pie.

1. Wrap the pipe threads with the tape, like so.
   
   
2. You'll probably want the valve handle to be pointed down when open, so it doesn't get in the way of the end of the hose or any attachments.
   Unfortunately I placed the pieces in the wrong place for the picture, but thanks to the magic of Photoshop you'll never know the difference!
   
   
3. BAM!
   
   
4. Now just connect the hose to one end and your favorite QD to the other end.
   
   

If you're skeptical about the difference a half inch can make, maybe this picture will convince you.
The piece on the right does appear a tad smaller in diameter, but that's just the washer. You could trim it if you want.
Obviously the piece on the bottom is the crappy old valve.


Hope this helps someone!

[jamesboyy]

Very nice DIY project you have invented there and yeah you can buy one and make it easier but building one yourself is even better

[EvolutionDetail]

So this is suppose to increase the water flow?
Giving u better water pressure?

[BlueBeast14GT]

So this is suppose to increase the water flow?
Giving u better water pressure?

Yup. The inner diameter of the hose is 3/4", so this eliminates the bottleneck created by the smaller valve.

[EvolutionDetail]

I will be buying parts and make this exact set up.
I am getting a Adams fire hose nozzle in. So hopefully that will give it full potential

[Shane731]

Do you have video of the difference in water pressure created by the two different shut-off valves?

[GreatAvalon]

Aw man, I just bought a brass Gilmour shut off thing that you have in your picture. Crap.

[ferret1980]

I think like 5 psi but quick connect got to go. I've got 3/4 coming tomorrow. I post my test

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