Using washing machine valves as drain valves

[vetinry]

Good morning
I'm getting on with the plumbing in the kitchen and utility today.

I've removed some uneeded pipe in the utility room and now only require hot and cold water, and a cold feed for the washing machine.

The hot water to the sink is a circulating system.

I want to put drain valves into the system and was last night discovering the differences between type A and type B.

I'm off to Screwfix this morning but suddenly toyed with the idea of using washing machine valves rather than drain cocks. Much easier to screw on a washing machine hose and drain this way.

Any reason not to?

Thanks

Steve

 

[Onetap]

Any reason not to?

No, they're ball valves, but you'd do better to fit a good quality lock-shield ball valve with a hose fitting on the outlet. The washing machine valves might not be rated for the temperatures and they're usually poor quality. Many M&E consultants now specificy ball valves and no longer use the A or B type drain cocks. You get a better flow through a full-bore valve for flushing.

 

[ChrisR]

Try these:

http://www.bes.co.uk
products 13180

 

[Nige F]

Any reason not to?

Many M&E consultants .

My ENT consultant put his P.nis in my ear WTF are you doing , Doc Just trying to **** some sense into you, Nige.

 

[mysteryman]

Now then, Mr 'Erriott,

You could use washing machine taps. I would screw a 3/4 BSP brass cap and washer on to each one. Buy good quality ones, as cheapies may leak at the spindle gland, or stick.

 

[vetinry]

Thanks for the responses

Slightly confused now.

If I'm correct, you're saying that ball valves are ok to use in principle but that washing machine valves may not be very good quality.

What type of valves are the type A and B?

And are washing machine valves not full bore?

The ones on BES look good - they're rated half inch - will they be ok with 15mm copper pipe?

Thanks

Steve

 

[kevplumb]

If I'm correct, you're saying that ball valves are ok to use in principle but that washing machine valves may not be very good quality.

yes

What type of valves are the type A and B?

View media item 14822
one has a gland seal (as above) one does not

And are washing machine valves not full bore?

no

The ones on BES look good - they're rated half inch - will they be ok with 15mm copper pipe?

yes