TIP: Hose Bib Handle

ZIPPER · Joined: 08 Mar 2003 Posts: 354 Location: San Antonio,Tx

Tip:
Some of us are hard pressed to turn the garden hose bib on and off due to various reasons the hands don't work like they use to.

Here is what I 've done to all my outside hose bibs:

Replace the existing valves, that you have to turn and turn, with a 1/4 turn hose bib ball valve found at Home Depot. SKU # 244-231 for about $3.50.
At present it only comes in 1/2" male threads. You can add a 1/2" coupling [#A181-862} to make it a female connection.

Another advantage is that you don't have to crank down so hard to shut the water off when the valve washer becomes worn out.

Dchall_San_Antonio · Joined: 18 Mar 2003 Posts: 1986 Location: San Antonio,TEXAS

Ball valves are great! However, they are designed to be either on or off. If you try to use them to control the pressure and flow, the inside brass will erode. I've seen leaking brass erode to the point of no return in a week. Once brass erodes, it gets worse fast.

I've been using plastic ball valves on my hose ends to control on/off, and to a limited extent, flow. Plastic does not erode like brass. I used the Gilmour inline and the doubler. Here are pictures of both...

http://www.gilmour.com/Watering_Hose_End/Accessories/Premium_Shut-offs.asp

I love these things. They are super easy to turn on and off, and when I replaced the stinkin flat washer with an o-ring washer, they don't leak. In fact, you might put one of these on your hose bib and control the hose flow with that.

ZIPPER · Joined: 08 Mar 2003 Posts: 354 Location: San Antonio,Tx

David:
The shut off valve that I was refering to is NOT an add-on to the existing hose bib but a REPLACEMENT.

Even with the add-on type that you refer to, the handle/lever is too small for some folks to use.

Regarding the add-on type; plastic will not take the UV sun and South Texas heat as well as the brass metal type. Freezeing temps are also a consideration to keep in mind.

I will agree with you on the metal ball inside, but only if you manage to buy one made in China. The ones I buy have a stainless steel ball.

I have also found that the brass units hold up much better than the plastic due to the heavy calcium/lime deposits, in terms of leakage around the valve ball.