Fresh water control valve - help please.

JackFrobisher

JackFrobisher

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I'm in the process of replacing my fresh water pump so I decided to add a valve that would let it draw water from either of two tanks (a sort of main and reserve arrangement). Can anyone recommend a source of a "Y" type diverter valve for half-inch pipe? I'd prefer plastic of some sort. I've researched the usual chandlery sites and can't find what I (think) I want.
 
I'm sure they are out there somewhere but I'd opt for a couple of domestic ball valves. Bound to be a lot cheaper and probably more satisfactoy in the long run!
 
Thanks for the point. ASAP lists a number of options that look as though they might do what I want. One question that you might know the answer to, what's the difference between "T" port and "L" port ball valves?
 
First you will laugh ... second you\'ll say - idiot ...

But when I first bought the house out here - all water was hand drawn from the well outside. So I dropped a pump in and then fed water via 1/2" hose to water butts in various locations in the house. Main "diverter" was a click-connect Gardena 1/2" Y hose connector. It never leaked and had two thumb valves so that you could decide both or each way you wanted .... about 2 quid .... I think you can even get it with threaded connection ....
 
Re: First you will laugh ... second you\'ll say - idiot ...

I didn't laugh. It's a thought, though I might try a few experiments to see if the flow rate will be good enough and there aren't any problems with the valves/connectors being on the suction side...
 
I can only quote from their catalogue.

L port - one port in, two ports out, only two ports open at one time.
T port - one port in, two ports out, either two or three ports open at one time.
Y port - one port in, two ports out, each outlet has a shut off valve.

Hope that helps. I think the Y port will give you more option.
 
I was thinking of doing something similar, only with two pumps and one tank (well I had a spare pump.) I would use a Speedfit T piece, three short stubs of 15mm Speedfit pipe and two Speedfit plastic ball valves with hand wheels. Total cost about £5.

I have no connection with Speedfit but I find the stuff is easier to use than some other push-fit plumbing fittings.
 
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