The Water Balloon Launcher - Ball Valve uses a simple 1/4 turn ball-valve to release a chamber of pressurized air to propel a water balloon at high velocity. It consists of a pressure chamber, a valve, and a launch tube.

Later versions will include an in-line version (the launch tube and pressure chamber run parallel) along with a sprinkler solenoid version.

SAFETY NOTE: Do NOT use DWV pipe or fittings (Drainage, Waste, Vent) or any pipe not pressure rated. Use ONLY schedule 40 or greater pressure-rated PVC pipe. DWV is NOT made to be pressurized.

The following guide explains how to identify pressure rated pipe and fittings http://www.spudfiles.com/spud_wiki/index.php?title=Identifying_Pressure_Rated_PVC#Identifying_Pressure_Rated_PVC_By_Text

Step 1: Parts List

To build your Ball Valve Water Balloon Launcher you'll need the following parts or constructed items:

1 - 3" Water Balloon Launch Tube or 4" Water Balloon Launch Tube
1 - Pressure Chamber
1 - 1" PVC ball-valve(TxT)

Both types of Launch Tubes and Pressure Chamber will be shown how to build at the end of this instructable.

Either the 3" or 4" Water Balloon Launch Tube can be used. It all depends on the size of the water balloon you want to use.

Step 2: Construction

1. Construct the Pressure Chamber.

2. Construct the 3" Water Balloon Launch Tube or 4" Water Balloon Launch Tube.

3. Screw the Pressure Chamber into the 1" PVC ball valve. Screw the 3" Water Balloon Launch Tube or 4" Water Balloon Launch Tube into the other end of the ball valve.

4. Your Ball Valve Water Balloon Launcher is complete.

Follow the next steps to construct the Pressure Chamber and a 3" Water Balloon Launch Tube or 4" Water Balloon Launch Tube.

Step 3: Operating Procedures

1. Make sure the ball valve is closed. Pressurize the Pressure Chamber to no more than 50 PSI.

2. Make a water balloon slightly smaller than then inside diameter of the launch tube. Fill the launch tube with 1 quart of water. Gently drop the water balloon into the launch tube.

3. Tilt the Water Balloon launcher at a 45 degree angle with the bottom of the Pressure Chamber held firmly against the ground.

4. Quickly twist open the ball valve.

Step 4: Pressure Chamber - Parts List

To construct the Pressure Chamber, you'll need the following quantity of items:

Qty Item
--- ----------------------
1 - 3" end cap
1 - 3" x 2" reducer (SxS)
1 - 2" x 1" bushing (SxS)
1 - 1" male adapter (SxMips)
1 - 1 1/2" section of 1" sched 40 PVC
3' - 3" schedule 40 PVC
1 - Pressure gauge
1 - Air valve or 1/8" male NPT air tank valve
1 - pressure cut-off valve

Step 5: Pressure Chamber - Construction Step 1

Using PVC cement, cement the 3" end cap onto one end of the 3' section of 3" PVC pipe. Allow at least 6 hours to dry.

Step 6: Pressure Chamber - Construction Step 2

Cement the 2" x 1" bushing into the 2" end of the 3" x 2" reducer.

Step 7: Pressure Chamber - Construction Step 3

Cement the 1 1/" piece 1" PVC pipe half-way into the 1" end of the 2" x 1" bushing.

Step 8: Pressure Chamber - Construction Step 4

Cement the 1" male adapter onto the remaining end of the 1 1/2" piece of 1" PVC sticking out of the bushing.

Step 9: Pressure Chamber - Construction Step 5

Through the end cap and wall of the pressure chamber drill three holes, one for the pressure gauge, the air valve, and the pressure cut-off valve, all within a quarter arc of each other. Drill these holes slightly smaller than the threads on each. The pressure gauge, air valve, and pressure cut-off valve used might be different in size than the ones pictured. Find the right size drill bit for the parts on hand.

Step 10: Pressure Chamber - Construction Step 6

Wrap the threads of the pressure gauge, air valve, and pressure cut-off valve with Teflon tape and snugly screw each into the appropriate hole.

Step 11: Pressure Chamber - Construction Step 7

Cement the part created from steps 6 through 8 on the remaining end of the 3" PVC pipe. Let dry overnight.

Step 12: Pressure Chamber - Completed

Completed Pressure Chamber.

Step 13: 3" Water Balloon Launch Tube - Parts List

The Water Balloon 3" Launch Tube can be used for all variations of the Water Balloon Launchers. This variation is takes smaller water balloons than the 4 inch version but materials to build the 3 inch are much more common so it might be more practical to build this one.

Qty Item
--- ---------------------------------
1 - 3" x 2" reducer (SxS)
1 - 2" x 1" bushing (SxS)
1 - 1" male adapter (SxMips)
1 - 1 1/2" section of 1" sched 40 PVC
3' - 3" sched 40 PVC

Step 14: 3" Water Balloon Launch Tube - Construction Step 1

Cement the 2" x 1" bushing into the 2" end of the 3" x 2" reducer.

Step 15: 3" Water Balloon Launch Tube - Construction Step 2

Cement the 1 1/2" piece of 1" PVC pipe into the 1" end of the 2" x 1" bushing.

Step 16: 3" Water Balloon Launch Tube - Construction Step 3

Cement the 1" male adapter onto the remaining end of the 1 1/2" piece of 1" PVC sticking of the bushing.

Step 17: 3" Water Balloon Launch Tube - Construction Step 4

Cement the part created from steps 14 through 16 on one end of the 3" PVC pipe. Let dry overnight.

Step 18: 3" Water Balloon Launch Tube - Completed

The completed 3" Water Balloon Launch Tube.

Step 19: 4" Water Balloon Launch Tube - Parts List

The 4" Water Balloon Launch Tube can be used for all variations of the Water Balloon Launchers. This is the preferred launch tube for launching water balloons because the wide tube will hold bigger water balloons.

Qty Item
--- ---------------------------------
1 - 4" x 2" reducer (SxS)
1 - 2" x 1" bushing (SxS)
1 - 1" male adapter (SxMips)
1 - 1 1/2" section of 1" sched 40 PVC
3' - 4" sched 40 PVC