How to Plumb a Three-Way Valve

Three-way valves allow a single plumbing pipe to provide water to three other pipes. This is an especially useful fitting for a single supply line that needs to branch to a shower, toilet and sink in one location. Adding a three-way valve to a plumbing line can be as simple as pushing on the new fitting and the three new pipes. Modern push-to-fit compression fittings allow for this type of connection using almost any kind of pipe material, including copper, CPVC and PEX.

Cotton rag
Sandpaper
Push-to-fit three-way valve
Additional pipes (copper, CPVC or PEX)

Instructions

- 1
  Wipe off the top of the pipe where you intend to install the new three-way valve. Use a cotton rag to clean the end of CPVC or PEX pipes. If the pipe is made out of copper, use a fine-grit sandpaper to shine the end of the pipe a total of 2 inches from the end. This will provide for a clean surface for the fitting to adhere to.
- 2
  Place the single opening on the bottom of the three-way valve on top of the pipe with the valve controls facing in the direction that they will be accessed for maintenance or shutoff.
- 3
  Push down firmly on the fitting. The valve will slip about 1.5 inches down the end of the pipe. Stop pushing when the fitting no longer moves downward. The compression ring inside the fitting will automatically grab onto the pipe, creating a watertight seal.
- 4
  Clean the ends of three additional sections of pipe and push each one into the top of the three openings on the valve until snug. Your three-way valve is now complete.

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