Is A Shutoff Valve Worthwhile ?

Hi all, just wondering what your experiences are with penis pump shut off valves? Is it worthwhile having one? Do they work well? Or leak?

I’m using a homemade penis pump cylinder with a hose connected directly to the pump (no shut off valve). But I do find myself having to keep pumping to maintain the vacuum. Not sure if the leak is coming from the cylinder or the pump. But was thinking of the leak is coming from the pump then a shutoff valve my be beneficial.

Cheers,

Most (not all) of the female quick disconnect valves have a built in check valve, meaning once at desired vacuum level you can disconnect the hose.

Obviously if you have the barb type hose fitting this does not apply.

As your penis enlarges in the cylinder, the pressure increases (vacuum decreases). Once your penis size has stabilized, the vac level should also stabilize.

Not knowing what type vac pump you have, This may not apply to your situation. Likelyhood of leaks, from high to low, for common pistol style vac pump and separate cylinder is:
1) poor seal at the base. Trim pubes, lube up dry skin, keep cylinder pressed into the pubic area especially at low vacuum levels. My guess this is 75% of the leak issues.
2a) hose connections. As nice as the quick disconnect fittings are, they have weak points that can leak. The female fitting that screws into the cylinder comes loose easily. Just keep it finger tight as a wrench can easily strip the plastic threads. There is also an o ring betwen the fitting and cylinder that is easily damaged. The male fitting typically also has an o ring that can also come off or get pinched. Note that not all male fittings have an o ring. Press the hose with male fitting into the female fitting while pumping to better insure no leaks. Probably 20% of leak issues.
2b) cylinders with barb fitting molded in is a weak point. Visually inspect the barb to cylinder transition location.
3) split in the hose at either of the fittings, or any point where the hose may have been bent in a sharp angle like when storing. Older hoses are at higher risk. Maybe 3% of the leaks.
4) the pistol style vac pumps have a very small vacuum release lever that can stick open.
5) pump itself. Pump to desired vac level, remove hose from pump, keeping thumb over the hose to maintain vac level. If vac level does not change, it’s probably the pump. A pump that has sucked in fluid is likely to have a damaged diaphragm that does not seal, but may still be able to draw a vacuum as long as you keep pumping.
6) crack in cylinder. Does happen but is noticeable. Only wash your cylinder with soap and water. Alcohol and other more severe chemicals can damage the plastic cylinder.

When testing it’s often better to press the cylinder into your thigh or stomach to get a better seal.

thanks for that very thorough response. My feeling from what you have mentioned is that perhaps its not that worthwhile to have a quick release shut off valve. My reason for considering it was to use a standard vacuum pump in the shower so I was looking for ways i could disconnect the hand pump while retaining pressure.

I was looking at the quick release fittings available on Ebay but I am also wondering if i could potentially use a 4 or 6mm pneumatic hose push fitting shut-off valve. Not sure if it would be more reliable that the typical quick release fittings on penis pump cylinders.

Try it and report back.