DIY Full Flow brass garden hose shut-off valve

BlueBeast14GT

BlueBeast14GT

New member
Sep 17, 2013
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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...

20140315_183832.jpg


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!
 
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.

20140315_143415wn.jpg


  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.
    20140315_184443.jpg

  2. 3/4 in. x 3/4 in. Tapped 1/2 in. Lead-Free Brass FGH x MIP Adapter - $4.17
    20140315_184431.jpg

  3. 3/4 in. x 3/4 in. Tapped 1/2 in. Lead-Free Brass MGH x MIP Adapter - $4.17
    20140315_184437.jpg

  4. Plumbing Tape - $0.49
    20140315_200226.jpg

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.
 
2: Assembly
Easy as pie.

  1. Wrap the pipe threads with the tape, like so.
    20140315_162647.jpg

  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!
    20140315_143415fix.jpg

  3. BAM!
    20140315_170648.jpg

  4. Now just connect the hose to one end and your favorite QD to the other end.
    20140315_182538.jpg



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.
20140315_143251.jpg


Hope this helps someone!
 
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
 
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
 
Do you have video of the difference in water pressure created by the two different shut-off valves?
 
I think like 5 psi but quick connect got to go. I've got 3/4 coming tomorrow. I post my test

Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk
 
The problem is the quick disconnects. They are huge flow killers. Just look at the diameter differences. Doesn't matter if you had a 1" hose. Getting non flow restricted quick disconnects are where you should be looking into. They aren't cheap. Are they worth it? Yes.
 
silverfox said:
The problem is the quick disconnects. They are huge flow killers. Just look at the diameter differences. Doesn't matter if you had a 1" hose. Getting non flow restricted quick disconnects are where you should be looking into. They aren't cheap. Are they worth it? Yes.
Click to expand...

I love this idea of building your own, the cool factor, the simplicity, the manly look to it, and the easy to grasp handle compared to the small plastic lever on the 1-piece units for sale.

I have to agree with silverfox on the quick disconnects. It's only going to be as strong as its smallest link, and the QD is a much smaller diameter.

Where can we find a good metal high flow quick disconnect for garden hoses? The only ones I have found so far seem to be made of plastic, which leads me to believe it won't stand up to the abuse we most likely will put it through: dropping it on the driveway, dragging it across the concrete/asphalt etc...

Anyone find good ones please link it!
 
silverfox said:
The problem is the quick disconnects. They are huge flow killers. Just look at the diameter differences. Doesn't matter if you had a 1" hose. Getting non flow restricted quick disconnects are where you should be looking into. They aren't cheap. Are they worth it? Yes.
Click to expand...

DaytonaJae said:
I love this idea of building your own, the cool factor, the simplicity, the manly look to it, and the easy to grasp handle compared to the small plastic lever on the 1-piece units for sale.

I have to agree with silverfox on the quick disconnects. It's only going to be as strong as its smallest link, and the QD is a much smaller diameter.

Where can we find a good metal high flow quick disconnect for garden hoses? The only ones I have found so far seem to be made of plastic, which leads me to believe it won't stand up to the abuse we most likely will put it through: dropping it on the driveway, dragging it across the concrete/asphalt etc...

Anyone find good ones please link it!
Click to expand...

Hey I totally agree with both of you. If you look in the first post, I said I was in the process of replacing my quick disconnects. But while I was looking, I noticed that the valve is even more restrictive, by about 1/4 inch.

I posted another thread asking where I can find some brass full flow quick disconnects, but so far no one has had a solution.

DaytonaJae-
I'm avoiding those plastic ones for the exact same reason. The best brass QDs I can find have a 1/2 inch inner diameter, but that's the same as the brass Gilmours I have now.​

silverfox-
If you know where to get some true, nonrestrictive full flows that are metal (preferably brass) please let me know. I would really appreciate it man.

And don't worry, I just spent $20 making a valve, so I know I gotta spend money to do it right. ;)​
 
Taurus731 said:
Do you have video of the difference in water pressure created by the two different shut-off valves?
Click to expand...

I do not. I tested it without any attachments, just the QDs, and it sprayed about a foot farther. I thought about making a video, but I decided not to, at least for now, because I know the QDs are still restricting it, so it would not be a true test. I suppose I could have taken them off... my bad.

ferret1980 said:
I think like 5 psi but quick connect got to go. I've got 3/4 coming tomorrow. I post my test

Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

Ooo did not see that there were new replies on page 1!

Dude where did you get 3/4 QDs? 3/4" ID, right?
:bowdown:
 
Garden hose + pressure washer= doesn't matter hose diameter :)

However, I wish i saw this before I just bought my new Gilmore connector! Perhaps after this kids break this one I will build a new one!
 
Shaggy1970 said:
I am not a Physics major but doesn't the bottle neck create higher pressure? Just a thought.
Click to expand...

Yes, but with the QD, you have a bottle neck before the nozzle, which means you're not getting enough pressure where you want it: at the exit of the nozzle. I also have a QD at the spigot, so I'm losing flow right from the start.
 
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