plumbingvalve
I was just wondering, because I could not find a cheap combinated valve (not from the US) for my sink and washing machine hoses and all of those I found, even tho they were overpriced, were not even ball valves.
So this route is much cheaper, but what matters to me the most is if there is any negatives to this approach (or if its possible at all for my case)?
You need to find the main shut off valve in the road, side walk or somewhere on or near your property. They are usually placed in mini manholes with easy access:
But if you're unlucky you will need to get some building plans and try to find where on the plans the supply pipe runs and find the valve at the connection point to the main supply. In most cases it will be near the connection point of the main supply:
but if its not, or if you struggle to close it call your council to help you. You don't want to break that!
It is easy to snap these valves- if its rusted badly apply (known as WD-40, LN-40, HT-40) spray oil based rust release (spray leave an hour try again.. repeat a few times), TAP the valve with a hammer (!TAP!, do not whack it, to help release the valve. Also, usually opening the valve slightly helps to release it then try to close it.
I was about to answer that these stainless steel-wrapped hoses are more reliable than plain rubber, but after looking at some articles on line, I'm not so inclined to say so. This PDF says they're no more reliable nor last longer than good quality rubber hoses, and another article here says about the same thing. Both rubber and stainless steel clad hoses should be replaced at the same interval, about three - five years.
I would still go with the stainless steel hoses, as they're not too expensive and during their lifetime are less prone to damage. However, if your water supplier uses chloramine (as opposed to chlorine) to disinfect your water, then I strongly recommend using good quality rubber hoses and replacing them every three years.
Best Answer
I assume you are asking to be able to independently turn the water off for the sink or the washer. The only issue you could have with a T is running water past the right angle connecting pipe. If you do this run water line in into the singular and let it split out to the other two ends that are in line with each other. (See the picture below)
The reason for this set up is what is the siphoning effect , as fluid passes the singular it will have a tendency to create a suction - siphoning water from that line , also no resistance one way could allow more water to flow in one direction (unrestricted) and not flow in the other - so if you follow this rule as per the picture - you should not have any issue.