Doug Henningsen

William Bronson wrote:When I was a service plumber I used a curb key to turn the water off at the street.
It reaches down through a narrow (3" across) hole and turned the manual valve.
A similar device might work for turning a three way valve that's in a crawlspace.
Something as simple as a 2" pvc pipe with notches in it might work.

Irrigation valves that are between 1/2" to 1" are actually quite reasonably priced.
There is a large bump up in price above that.
If you filter the grey water before distributing it through the valves you should be able to use these smaller valves.
A tote, filled with mulch and populated with redwrigglers would probably do the job.

Good ideas.  I especially like the irrigation valves - I've worked with those.  I don't believe there are any 3-way irrigation valves but a small 2 valve manifold would do the trick.  One concern with irrigation valves + less than perfect water... is stuck valves.  Occasionally with well water or water from pipes with corrosion, we sometimes experienced valves that would not close.
Worth a try...as you point out, the price is reasonable.  Thanks!!

K Eilander wrote:I had the same situation.  Wound up using a plastic 3-way valve intended for swimming pools.
Example: https://www.amazon.com/Fibropool-Swimming-Pool-Diverter-Valve/dp/B00GAAANAG/ref=sr_1_6?keywords=3+way+pool+valve&qid=1638409804&sr=8-6

Very nice!  I have an irrigation background but didn't think to check out pool valves.  Great suggestion!!

John C Daley wrote:Do you have good access for manual operation?
Otherwise a series of pulleys and ropes may be a fun device to create.

I do have access but it's not practical - in a crawlspace.  I do like the pulleys/ropes...I did not think of that and will keep that in mind....and has the benefit of no possibility of electrical/motor problems!

John C Daley wrote:Instead of an electronic 3-way valve, could you use simpler stop valves on the lines?
Can you use manual valves?

Absolutely.  And I have considered adding an electric device to turn on/off the valve (see pic, link)



Link: https://www.amazon.com/Automatic-Motorized-Watering-Suitable-Compatible/dp/B08QDZYCYN/ref=asc_df_B08QDZYCYN/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=475752358038&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=12861770945047790997&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9032119&hvtargid=pla-1183326411015&psc=1).

I'd like to install electric 3-way valves for a couple of fixtures that I do not want to permanently commit to greywater.  Does anyone know who manufactures 1 1/2" electric 3-way valves?    I have found some for fluids under pressure (usually brass) but these are too expensive for low-pressure applications.

Thanks
Doug