Here's a photo for you...

[DDO]

The camera is astern pointing forward. Yikes, this gate valve is somewhat in the middle of the run and yet the hoses etc. look to be in great condition, as did the hot section I had off recently when I did the manifold / valve replacement. So, what should replace the connection between the two hoses and should it include a valve? I never used the valve and didn't even find it for a few years. Of course from my access view it looked fine. (Photo uploaded upside down!)