3-Way L-Port Ball Valve with 1/2" Female Thread - Switches Water Flow Between Two Outlets, for Motorhomes and Boats
- 3-way L-port ball valve with an ABS body and three 1/2" female threaded connections. Turn the lever to send water to one of two outlets or to shut off the flow.
The 3-way L-port valve has one inlet and two outlets. By turning the red lever you decide which outlet the water flows to, and in the middle position the flow is shut off. The body is made of ABS plastic and all three connections have a 1/2" female thread. This valve is useful wherever one system needs to be switched between two consumers or two water sources.
One inlet, two outlets
- 3 connections with 1/2" female thread
- ball with an L-shaped bore
- flow to one outlet or the other, or closed
- red lever, operated by hand without tools
- ABS plastic body
One valve replaces a T-piece and two separate taps here. The system has fewer joints and you change the flow direction in one move.
How an L-port valve works
Inside the body there is a ball with a bore bent at a right angle, in the shape of the letter L. The bore always connects the inlet with only one of the two outlets. When you turn the lever, the ball turns with it and opens the way to the other outlet. In the intermediate position the bore does not meet any outlet and the flow is shut off. Water never flows to both outlets at once.
Where it works well
- switching the water supply between the tank in the motorhome and an external connection
- choosing one of two fresh water tanks
- sending grey water to the tank or straight to the drain
- switching the supply between two consumers, for example the kitchen and an outdoor shower
- water systems on boats and in holiday cabins
Installation
- Plan which connection will be the inlet and which ones the outlets, and check the lever positions in the diagram.
- Screw parts with a 1/2" male thread into the connections, for example hose barbs or fittings.
- Apply a thin layer of PTFE tape to the thread and screw the parts in by hand. Overtightening can damage a plastic thread.
- Mount the valve so that the lever has room for a full turn.
- Fill the system and check for leaks in all lever positions.
Winter storage
Before winter drain the water from the system and leave the valve open so that no water stays in the body. Frozen water can crack plastic parts. After the season it is also worth turning the lever a few times so that the ball does not stick in one position.
Choosing the valve
Choose the 3-way L-port valve when water has to go to one of two places. If you only need to shut off the flow in a line, a 2-way valve for hose is enough. To shut off the water right at a tank or pump with a thread, pick the valve with a ring nut and hose barb.
Three lever positions
The diagram shows the water path in three lever positions. In the first, water flows from the inlet to one outlet, in the second the flow is shut off, and in the third water flows to the other outlet. The lever position shows at a glance where the water is going.
Matching parts
- 2-way ball valve for 13 mm hose - two hose barbs
- 2-way ball valve for 10 mm hose - for thinner hoses
- 2-way ball valve for 20 mm hose - for thicker hoses
- Ball valve with 1/2" ring nut and 13 mm hose barb - mounts on a 1/2" thread
- Ball valve with 3/4" ring nut and 13 mm hose barb - version for a 3/4" thread
- Ball valve with 1/2" ring nut and 16 mm hose barb - 1/2" thread and 16 mm hose
- Ball valve with 1/2" ring nut and 20 mm hose barb - 1/2" thread and 20 mm hose
Technical data
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | 3-way ball valve |
| Ball type | L (90° bore) |
| Connections | 3 x 1/2" female thread |
| Lever positions | outlet 1, closed, outlet 2 |
| Operation | lever |
| Lever colour | red |
| Body material | ABS |
| Use | water systems in motorhomes, caravans and boats |
Frequently asked questions
How do I connect a hose to it?
Screw a hose barb with a 1/2" male thread into the connection, push on the hose and secure it with a hose clamp.
Can water flow to both outlets at once?
No. An L-port ball always connects the inlet with only one outlet or shuts off the flow.
How do I shut off the flow completely?
Set the lever to the middle position. The bore of the ball then does not meet any outlet.
Does the thread need sealing?
Yes, we recommend a thin layer of PTFE tape on the thread of the part you screw in.
What should I do with the valve before winter?
Drain the system and leave the valve open. This way no water stays in the body that could freeze.
Manufacturer
Carbon Zorro Sp. z o.o., ul. Humańska 8, 02-789 Warszawa, Poland.