DIY Tip: Managing Water Hoses

cautery 4/11/2013, 2:34 pm

Moderator: Move to appropriate forum and delete this line if you think it belongs elsewhere.

OK... the number of hoses and hose-end devices, et al. that I am collecting is climbing rapidly. Moving, reconfiguring, mowing, edging, etc. require me to connect/disconnect stuff all the time. As time is my most valuable commodity, I decided to start using quick connections throughout my garden and yard.

I found an adequate quick connect set at Home Depot, but the rubber washers that come standard have a tendency to foul the cut-off valve when you make a disconnection with the water on. So I spent some time finding the correct o-ring to replace the stock rubber piece.

Here are some images to document the pieces involved:
(As always, click on the image proper to see the high-res image)

The Quick Disconnect Sets are on the "Water Hose" Aisle, and you can buy them as a set (most cost effective) or as individual pieces. I chose the "brass" versions (more expensive) because they will last longer in the sun.

DIY Tip: Managing Water Hoses Hose_qr_1_800

DIY Tip: Managing Water Hoses Hose_qr_1_800

Here, you can see the female piece on-end with the stock type rubber washer installed. Note that the washer inner diameter is really close to the internal shut-off valve. Once this piece is screwed onto a male hose end or water valve, the washer inner diameter tends to decrease and foul the shut-off valve, which results in leaking/spraying when disconnects are made with the water on.

DIY Tip: Managing Water Hoses Hose_qr_2_800

DIY Tip: Managing Water Hoses Hose_qr_2_800

Here, you can see the female piece on-end again after I have removed the stock washer and installed the Danco #17 o-ring. Note the much increased clearance between the brass valve shuttle and the sealing o-ring. The o-ring is minimal, but provides plenty of material to seal the connection.

DIY Tip: Managing Water Hoses Hose_qr_3_800

DIY Tip: Managing Water Hoses Hose_qr_3_800

The Danco #17 O-ring is on the "Plumbing" Aisle adjacent to the replacement and repair parts for water faucet valves, et al. Obviously, you could get this size o-ring at other places, but this package comes with 10ea. o-rings for about $2.50 which is cheaper than making a separate trip to the "real" hardware store. IF I was making a trip to the local hardware store, I'd give them the money.

Additionally, there are likely additional sizes that will work, but the 1-1/16" OD x 7/8" ID x 3/32" o-ring is a perfect fit. You need to work it down into the bottom of the female connection and make sure it is well seated.

Simple fix, not really a big deal, but it's a real time saver to have the quick connects and having the proper sealing o-ring makes it a much drier experience. Wink

**RoOsTeR** 4/11/2013, 4:22 pm

Moved to DIY forum.

bnoles 4/11/2013, 7:42 pm

Excellent tips.... Thanks Clay!

cautery 4/11/2013, 8:33 pm

bnoles wrote:Excellent tips.... Thanks Clay!

You are quite welcome...

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DIY Tip: Managing Water Hoses

DIY Tip: Managing Water Hoses

Re: DIY Tip: Managing Water Hoses

Re: DIY Tip: Managing Water Hoses

Re: DIY Tip: Managing Water Hoses

Re: DIY Tip: Managing Water Hoses


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