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Three-Way Diverter Valve Options

Two favorite diverter valves for gravity-fed greywater-harvesting systems are the Jandy valve and the FLO2 valve

The following is meant as a supplement to the greywater-harvesting chapter and appendix of Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands and Beyond, Volume 2, 2nd Edition.

These valves enable you to direct greywater either to the landscape (if using greywater-compatible soaps that won’t harm your plants or soil) or the sewer/septic (if you are using products toxic to soil and plants such as chlorinated bleach or bubble bath; or if your soil is already saturated or frozen). Many states require the ability to direct your greywater to either the landscape or sewer/septic when installing a greywater-harvesting system.  Both valves fit 2-inch (50-mm) diameter ABS or PVC pipe.

Jandy valve on the left. FLO2 valve on the right.

Jandy valves are also available in 1.5-inch (37-mm) diameter pipe size and are typically found at pool and spa suppliers. They were not designed to be drain valves, but they work great for that purpose. However, they have not been tested and approved by IAPMO (International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials) for that purpose, so some municipalities may not allow their use in permitted greywater-harvesting plumbing.

FLO2 valves, available at www.flo2valves.com, have been tested and approved by IAPMO for any drain/waste/vent application – including any permitted greywater-harvesting plumbing, so they should be allowed anywhere for permitted greywater-harvesting plumbing.
NOTE: As of 12-2021, it seems the Flo2valve is not available – I hope this changes. Let me know if it does and I’ll edit this. Nonetheless, it can serve as inspiration for other manufacturers if it is no longer in production.

The FLO2 valve comes in either an ABS or PVC plastic shell with a CPVC internal ball. NOTE: As of 3-2021, the FLO2 valve no longer seems to be available. I have had no luck getting in touch with the manufacturer to confirm this, but I cannot currently find a distributor. Nonetheless, I am leaving this information up in case manufacture and availability resumes, or another manufacturer uses this as inspiration to develop a similar product.

Let’s take a closer look at each valve and some the unique characteristics that differentiate the two from each other…

The Jandy valve Note that one of the Jandy valve ports will always be the designated inlet (see “INLET” on the valve’s cover), and the other two will be the outlets. (You can change which is the inlet.)

Note that the nut in the center of the Jandy valve handle can be tightened down to lock the valve handle in place (maybe little kids or curious guests may mess with it), though I’ve never needed to do that as of yet.

NOTE: a very similar three-way valve to the Jandy valve is the Pentair 3-way valve

Here the inlet is at the top of the Jandy valve. And the valve directs water to the landscape. The sewer outlet is off.
Here the Jandy valve handle has been turned to direct water to the sewer. The landscape outlet is now off.

You can change the orientation of the inlet on the Jandy valve.

Here, the inlet is in the middle. Screws and handle are removed to change this orientation.
Top plate of the Jandy valve has been moved so inlet is now on the side. Next step is to reinsert the screws and handle.

Note that you cannot close or turn off the Jandy valve inlet. You can close one of the outlets only.

Reoriented Jandy valve now has inlet on the side/top

If you look inside the Jandy valve you can see some rough surfaces. It would seem that hair and other objects in greywater could get caught up on this. But I’ve never had a problem with that, and I don’t know anyone who has. And if the valve did clog, you could take it apart to clean it.

Looking inside a Jandy Valve
Jandy valve, exploded view
Jandy valve, exploded view two

The FLO2 valve  Greywater flowing through the FLO2 valve takes only an easy 45-degree turn to exit an outlet, unlike a Jandy valve, which requires the greywater to turn 90 degrees. The inlet is always at the side opposite the handle.  

The FLO2 valve’s inlet is always at the side opposite the handle. Thus, inlet is on the bottom in this photo.
FLO2 valve directing greywater to landscape
FLO2 valve directing greywater to sewer

If you don’t want to glue the valve to the incoming and outgoing pipe (maybe you want to be able to easily remove the valve at some point and use it elsewhere), you can use no-hub couplings, sometimes called “shielded transition pipe couplings” or “specialty couplings.”

FLO2 valve with no-hub couplings

You can change the orientation of the FLO2 valve’s handle with a 90-degree adapter, then create an extension arm of whatever length you like from 1.5-inch diameter ABS or PVC pipe. I really like this, because it enables you to put the valve under a floor where there is a crawl space, then run just the handle up through the floor for easy access. For example, you could have the handle accessible in a bathroom so you can conveniently direct the greywater to the landscape (if using soaps that are biocompatible or safe for your soil and plants) or the sewer (if using bubble bath, salts, or soaps that would harm your soil and plants).

FLO2 valve with 90-degree adapter changing the orientation and height of the valve’s handle for easy access
Another view of FLO2 valve with 90-degree adapter and extension arm.

How to attach the FLO2 valve’s 90-degree adapter. Remove the grey cap with the flow direction arrow on the valve’s handle. This was a bit of a pain when I did this, as the cap was difficult to pry out of place; the manufacturer said they are reworking this part to make this easier.

The FLO2 valve and its 90º adapter
Cap removed, loosen and remove the uncovered bolt with an allen wrench / hex key
Remove the handle
Insert the 90-degree adapter
Put nuts on the bolts and tighten

Note how smooth the interior of the FLO2 valve is. No potential for clogs.

Looking into the FLO2 valve. Note how smooth it is. No potential for clogs.
Looking into the FLO2 valve from the inlet port
FLO2 valve, exploded view
FLO2 valve as seen from inlet port with shell removed

For more

Book Cover #2

Volume 2

Check out the greywater harvesting chapter and kitchen resource drain appendix of Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands and Beyond, Volume 2, 2nd Edition – available at deep discount direct from the author, Brad Lancaster.

Buy the Book Now
Greywater Harvesting
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