Abstract: An application for a rod activated water valve includes a valve base that mates with a standard water faucet. The top end has a ridge for capturing a washer. A valve housing attaches to the second end of the valve base, and has an inner diameter and an inward protruding lip at a bottom end. The valve includes a water flow chamber with a solid cylindrical outer surface and a substantially flat foraminous surface at one end. An aperture is located central to the flat foraminous surface and a top edge of the water flow chamber has a lip for holding an upper plate o-ring. A rod having a rod head at one end passes through the aperture and is held in place by the rod head. There is a valve stem for selectively blocking the flow of water from the water faucet to the water flow chamber, activated by the rod head and providing a gradual stopping of the flow of water, thereby reducing water hammer.