Easiest way to go from 1/2" ball valve to 1/4 inch compression fitting?

Studly · 11-01-2011, 06:06 PM

I'm planning to replace a saddle valve that connects my 3/4" water line to my furnace humidifier via flexible copper tubing.

I'm going to install a 3/4-1/2-3/4 tee, and then the 1/2" ball valve on the 1/2" side of the tee leading to the humidifier, but then I need to get some kind of reducer to connect the 1/2" ball valve to the 1/4 inch compression fitting that is at the end of a flexible cobber tube that leads to the humidifier.

I went to two Home Depots and the only thing they have to go from the 1/2" ball valve to 1/4" compression is to sweat an MIP female fitting onto the ball valve and then connect a threaded 1/2" male MIP fitting to that, which then has the 1/4" compression connection on the other end.

Isn't there a way to go directly from the ball valve to some kind of reducer that connects to 1/4" compression fitting, w/o messing with the MIP threaded fittings in between?

Or maybe I just need to try a different store than Home Depot? Would Menard's have more fittings than an HD?

**oh'mike** · 11-01-2011, 06:32 PM

You are thinking about this wrong.

Once you have the T and 1/2" stub---simply add a 1/4" shut off valve --they are exactly like the shut offs under your sink---except they have a 1/4" outlet for the little copper line.

**TheEplumber** · 11-01-2011, 06:32 PM

Use a 5/8 comp x 1/4" comp, quarter turn straight stop.

Studly · 11-01-2011, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oh'mike

You are thinking about this wrong.

Once you have the T and 1/2" stub---simply add a 1/4" shut off valve --they are exactly like the shut offs under your sink---except they have a 1/4" outlet for the little copper line.

Do they have quarter-turn ball valves that are 1/4"? I was hoping to use a ball valve rather than the standard shut off valve that can leak down the road.

Studly · 11-01-2011, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheEplumber

Use a 5/8 comp x 1/4" comp, quarter turn straight stop.

I didn't see that at Home Depot. Seems like the smallest quarter turn valve is 1/2" at HD. Do other stores carry a 1/4 inch ball valve?

Thanks everyone for the suggestions!

bob22 · 11-01-2011, 08:02 PM

Try Lowes; I think I got one there.

ddawg16 · 11-02-2011, 12:04 AM

You have to go to the right section....they keep that kind of stuff usually in pull out drawers...

fireguy · 11-02-2011, 12:34 AM

Try the automotive parts house. Or a real hardware store. 1/4 turn ball valves are available in 1/8 to 6 inch

**oh'mike** · 11-02-2011, 07:22 AM

I know that the Depot does not sell 1/4" 1/4 turn shut offs--however in the fitting section you should find a 3/8 to 1/4 adapter.

Studly · 11-02-2011, 04:36 PM

Hmmm, just checked Menards and no luck there finding the 5/8x1/4" comp. quarter turn valve. They did have more valves than the Depot there, but not the one I need.

We don't have a Lowes nearby. Next I may check our local Ace Hardware, but it's not a very big store so I doubt they'll have it.

May have to find a plumbing supply store somewhere.

**oh'mike** · 11-03-2011, 08:05 AM

Look for a screw on 3/8 " to 1/4" cap--Job done.

**TheEplumber** · 11-03-2011, 08:57 AM

You could buy a rough in box for an ice maker. It has the valve you want. Take the valve out of the box and solder it on your tee.