Best drain system (while minimizing flow disruption)

[Kharz]

Hey guys -

I am on WC build #2; the first one was the original Swiftech Apex kit (love the storm water block) and now I am building my second box. I am using the L5 pump, Voyeurmod quad heatercore and a radiator. However, a lesson from my first build -- I want to build in a drain system.

My best thought now is to add in a T-line at the bottom of the case with a DD fillport in it. To drain I would remove the cap from the reservoir and then drain away. However, I hate that all the barbs I can find online are plastic and was curious if people had better ways to drain the system?

I do realize there will be some flow disruption to this WC set-up; however I really dislike having my current loop w/o a drain.

Any and all advice is welcomed, thanks!

-Kharz

**edit**
Minor spelling adjustments ;-)

 

[Arcygenical]

Yeah, I use a 5/8" to 1/2" Tline (5/8" in the main part of the loop so I actually DECREASE flow resistance) at the bottom of my case. I attached to that 2" of tubing and a brass ball valve found at home depot. Total cost 6$.

I agree, non-metallic hose hardware sucks, the brass stuff is really nice and sturdy.

 

[el rolio]

i would love to see pics. and everytime ive gone to the hardware store, they dont know what "bleed valvE" or "ball valve" means. sigh.

 

[mwin]

I've got a 1/2" ID t-line and a delrin fillport that I use as a drain. It's a real bitch to get the tubing on the oversied 't', but it shouldn't restrict flow.

 

[phide]

However, I hate that all the barbs I can find online are plastic and was curious if people had better ways to drain the system?

What's wrong with plastic fittings?

 

[lifeinchains]

i would love to see pics. and everytime ive gone to the hardware store, they dont know what "bleed valvE" or "ball valve" means. sigh.

Hardware store employees that don't know what a ball valve looks like? Wow, that is sad.

Anyway to spot a ball valve look into the valve housing through one of the pipe fitting ends. Then turn the handle, if you spot what looks like a ball with a hole right through the middle then you found one. Another way to easily spot one is to look at the handle itself. Usually a ball valve will just have a straight handle that is only a quarter turn from stop to stop. A gate valve has a circular handle that is most often associated with valves (think any valve handle in Half Life).