three way tap

stu9000

stu9000

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Hi

Im expanding the existing water tank system and want to add a tap that will allow me to switch from one to the other.

I am struggling to find a simple tap for 11mm hose with i think a 6mm internal diameter.

I found this on a site but I think they want a minimum of £30 order.

I am a little surprised I cant find this more easily. Any suggestions?

Thanks
S

3%20Way%20Hose%20Stopcock.png
 
I'd go straight to ASAP:

405522.jpg

http://www.asap-supplies.com/marine/multiple-port-valves/nickel-plated-brass-t-port-valve-405522

and

404621.jpg

http://www.asap-supplies.com/marine...-tails/brass-male-hose-tail-connection-404621

(I picked 3/8" valves as, oddly, they're slightly cheaper than 1/4". The smaller size might perhaps be neater if you're cramped for space.)

They also have L-port valves if for some reason you don't want the option of both tanks connected at once. And you could of course replace the straight hose tails with 90º ones if that makes for a neater installation.

Worth noting that plain on/off valves are a lot cheaper than 3-port ones, so Richard's suggestion of a pair of valves and a T-piece would save a few quid.

Pete
 
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The brass tap looks a bit heavy duty for my needs.

I tried searching for "valves" but still no joy.

To be honest the second "water tank" I mentioned is perhaps too grand a description.
The kids don't like the taste of the boat tank water so I bring on board a couple of 5 litre sainsburys water containers.
I wanted to build in a valve or tap that would allow me to pump from a spur of pipe dropped into the 5L bottles.

The pipe feed for the existing system uses wire mesh reinforced transparent tubing which I think is 11mm outer diameter and 8mm inner.

Cheers

S
 
In that case, how about one of those simple Whale handpumps (or some similar item aimed at caravans), as a "drinking water" tap completely separate from the main boat system?

whale-v-pump-mk6-1289912131-l.jpg


Pete
 
I have used one of these to select the water tank to draw off

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FUEL-TAP-...830?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item234d09d2fe

same valve from the US much cheaper

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FUEL-VALV...ETENT-BRASS-/161518346015?hash=item259b3e5f1f

I have also used this type of valve to select the fuel tank draw off feed, fuel tank transfer and polishing system, secondary fuel filter switching (engine mounted) and water maker water test/tank feed.

These are also available in 4 way 3 position for selecting 1 of 3 tanks.
 
prv said:
In that case, how about one of those simple Whale handpumps (or some similar item aimed at caravans), as a "drinking water" tap completely separate from the main boat system?

Pete
Click to expand...

S'what I have on my boat anyway .... but look at the price.... amazing for a relatively poor bit of kit!


This economy submersible pump is designed to be used with water carriers etc at at under £10 might fit the bill. Ok will need a bit of wiring and a switch/ push button as well

3105detail.jpg
http://www.towsure.com/12-volt-economy-submersible-water-pump

Just an idea before everyone criticises it.
 
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I have used a few of the taps you mention on various systems. They work well, simple and easy and dont leak. Inevitably for a good seal the hose needs compression clips which may be safety critical anyway although I might think twice about using this type of tap if failure might be catastrophic.

Fleabay is your best source under three way tap less than a tenner a go including postage.

PS taps are designed for standard hose pipe and fit fine on anything close to this diameter, heat the pipe first with hope water to ensure a good fit and if it is not coming off in a hurry some silicone around the barbs is a good idea.
 
VicS said:
look at the price.... amazing for a relatively poor bit of kit!
Click to expand...

I didn't look at the price, but I can believe it's a silly one :). That's mostly why I suggested looking for a similar pump aimed at caravans.

VicS said:
This economy submersible pump is designed to be used with water carriers etc at at under £10 might fit the bill.
Click to expand...

Looks good as long as it fits through the neck of the bottles the OP is using :)

Pete
 
Thanks for all the suggestions. Unfortunately I am being a bit picky on this one. The big brass ones are solid bits of kit but over engineered for my needs, and pricy. Its only a spur to a 5L container so I was hoping for something I could pick up chwapish that would switch the suction from the main pipe to the spur. The separate tap is a good thought. If I can source it cheaply I might do that, but the existing hand pumping tap is very good quality so maybe not needed.
I have seen separate y shaped fittings with two taps which but having to switch twice isnt very user friendly. The two in line taps and a t piece is in the same boat. The motor might work with a separate tap. But if I was fitting a motor I would probably put an inline pump into the main tank so we could lean on a button and wash two hands.
Thank you all for your help
I'll keep scouring eBay

S
 
Here you go, just as your picture for about £8 including postage.
http://www.discountleisureproducts.co.uk/pond-supplies-c1/pond-pipe-and-fittings-c20/hose-fittings-c88/12mm-inline-3-way-pond-hose-flow-control-tap-plastic-barbed-flexi-pipe-fitting-p974



stu9000 said:
Hi

Im expanding the existing water tank system and want to add a tap that will allow me to switch from one to the other.

I am struggling to find a simple tap for 11mm hose with i think a 6mm internal diameter.

I found this on a site but I think they want a minimum of £30 order.

I am a little surprised I cant find this more easily. Any suggestions?

Thanks
S

3%20Way%20Hose%20Stopcock.png
Click to expand...
 
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