DaveT
New Member
I have an installation at my kitchen sink which has a standard shut-off valve, 5/8C in x 3/8C out, that serves the faucet and dishwasher [hot water]. The faucet is a pull-out style that has a small supply tube and hence reduced flow. To compound the problem, the installation has what appears to be a 3/8C x 3/8C x 3/8C tee attached to the outlet of the shut-off. The inlet to the tee has a very small "special nipple" that adapts to a female thread on the tee inlet and has a compression nut on the other end to attach to the shut-off outlet. As a result, the flow is really restricted, and if the dishwasher calls for water, it is REALLY restricted.
I have looked at the big box stores, and see the tee, described to do exactly what it is doing - from a 3/8C shut-off to 2-3/8C devices. Looking into the guts, I can see why the flow is restricted. That "special nipple" has a hex hole to allow for nipple installation that is much smaller than the flow area of the 3/8 outlets. At least, that's the way the one I saw at Lowe's was.
I would like to improve the flow. I see there are dual outlet [3-way] shut-off valves available, 5/8C in x 2-3/8C out. Keeney Mfg, #K2903PC @ Lowes is one. Looking into it, the inlet hole is still small, but looks to be bigger than the hex and the round shape has to be better for flow. I would prefer ¼ turn, and the configuration of the Keeney is just what I have, but other configurations are OK.
It seems like eliminating one component would have to be better, so should I just replace the shut-off valve? But will it improve things, and does anyone know if one brand is better than another for flow? I searched and see Brasscraft makes one [different configuration and not ¼ turn] @ Home Depot that I have not investigated in person.
If I do replace the shut-off valve, can I use the current compression nut and sleeve with the new valve? Or should I cut the ½" copper to get a new surface?
Thanks.
I have looked at the big box stores, and see the tee, described to do exactly what it is doing - from a 3/8C shut-off to 2-3/8C devices. Looking into the guts, I can see why the flow is restricted. That "special nipple" has a hex hole to allow for nipple installation that is much smaller than the flow area of the 3/8 outlets. At least, that's the way the one I saw at Lowe's was.
I would like to improve the flow. I see there are dual outlet [3-way] shut-off valves available, 5/8C in x 2-3/8C out. Keeney Mfg, #K2903PC @ Lowes is one. Looking into it, the inlet hole is still small, but looks to be bigger than the hex and the round shape has to be better for flow. I would prefer ¼ turn, and the configuration of the Keeney is just what I have, but other configurations are OK.
It seems like eliminating one component would have to be better, so should I just replace the shut-off valve? But will it improve things, and does anyone know if one brand is better than another for flow? I searched and see Brasscraft makes one [different configuration and not ¼ turn] @ Home Depot that I have not investigated in person.
If I do replace the shut-off valve, can I use the current compression nut and sleeve with the new valve? Or should I cut the ½" copper to get a new surface?
Thanks.