How to Make a Cheater Cord for Testing Water Fill Valves

A cheater cord is a handy tool for plumbers and DIY enthusiasts who need to test water fill valves. It allows you to simulate the water pressure from a water supply line, enabling you to check if the valve is functioning correctly without needing to connect it to a real water source. This can save you time and effort, especially if you’re working on a new installation or troubleshooting a faulty valve.

Materials You’ll Need:

A short piece of 1/2-inch PVC pipe
A 1/2-inch PVC cap
A 1/2-inch PVC elbow
A 1/2-inch PVC male adapter
A 1/2-inch PVC female adapter
A 1/2-inch garden hose connector
A 1/2-inch garden hose
PVC cement

Steps to Make a Cheater Cord:

Cut the PVC pipe to the desired length. A length of about 4-6 inches is sufficient for most applications. You can use a saw or a pipe cutter for this step.
Connect the PVC cap to one end of the pipe. Apply PVC cement to the inside of the cap and the outside of the pipe end. Press the cap firmly onto the pipe and hold it in place for a few seconds until the cement sets.
Attach the PVC elbow to the other end of the pipe. Apply PVC cement to the inside of the elbow and the outside of the pipe end. Press the elbow onto the pipe and hold it in place until the cement sets.
Connect the PVC male adapter to the elbow. Apply PVC cement to the inside of the male adapter and the outside of the elbow. Press the adapter onto the elbow and hold it in place until the cement sets.
Connect the PVC female adapter to the garden hose connector. Apply PVC cement to the inside of the female adapter and the outside of the garden hose connector. Press the adapter onto the connector and hold it in place until the cement sets.
Attach the garden hose to the female adapter. Screw the garden hose onto the female adapter securely.

Using the Cheater Cord:

Connect the cheater cord to a water source. This could be a garden hose, a faucet, or a water supply line.
Turn on the water source. The water pressure will flow through the cheater cord and simulate the pressure from a water supply line.
Connect the male adapter to the water fill valve. The valve should now be receiving the simulated water pressure.
Test the valve according to its specifications. Check if the valve opens and closes properly, and if it’s able to maintain the desired water pressure.

Safety Precautions:

Always wear safety glasses when working with PVC cement.
Ensure the water source is turned off before connecting the cheater cord.
Use caution when handling the cheater cord, as it will be under pressure when connected to a water source.

Conclusion:

Making a cheater cord is a simple and cost-effective way to test water fill valves. By following the steps outlined above, you can create a reliable tool that will save you time and effort in your plumbing projects.

How to Make a Cheater Cord for Testing Water Fill Valves