Putting in sprinkler valves is a comparatively easy course of that may be accomplished in a couple of hours with the proper instruments and supplies. Nevertheless, it is very important be aware that sprinkler methods are electrical gadgets and may solely be put in by certified professionals. In case you are not comfy working with electrical energy, it’s best to rent a licensed electrician to put in your sprinkler valves.
Step one in putting in sprinkler valves is to decide on the proper location. The valves must be positioned in a central location that’s straightforward to entry for upkeep and repairs. The valves must also be shielded from the weather, so they need to be put in in a lined space, comparable to a storage or shed. After getting chosen the placement for the valves, you’ll be able to start the set up course of.
Choosing the Proper Sprinkler Valve
Choosing the proper sprinkler valve is essential for environment friendly and dependable watering of your garden and backyard. Here is an in depth information that can assist you choose one of the best valve on your wants:
Circulation Price
The movement price of a valve determines how a lot water it may ship per minute. It’s measured in gallons per minute (GPM). The movement price required on your system will depend on the variety of sprinklers you may have, the dimensions of your garden, and the water strain obtainable at your own home. Most residential sprinkler valves have movement charges starting from 5 GPM to twenty GPM. To find out the movement price required on your system, add up the GPM of all of the sprinklers you may have. Then, divide this quantity by the variety of valves you propose to make use of. The result’s the minimal GPM required for every valve.
Sort of Valve
There are two primary varieties of sprinkler valves: handbook and automated. Guide valves require you to show them on and off manually, whereas automated valves open and shut robotically based mostly on a timer or different management machine. Computerized valves are extra handy and may help you save water by watering your garden solely when obligatory.
Materials
Sprinkler valves are sometimes fabricated from both brass or plastic. Brass valves are extra sturdy and immune to corrosion, however they’re additionally dearer. Plastic valves are inexpensive, however they will not be as sturdy as brass valves. The most effective materials on your valve will rely in your finances and your particular wants.
Options
Some sprinkler valves include further options that may improve their efficiency and comfort. These options could embrace movement management, which lets you alter the water movement to every sprinkler; a strain regulator, which helps keep a constant water strain all through the system; and a built-in examine valve, which prevents water from flowing again into the primary water provide.
| Characteristic | Advantages |
|---|---|
| Circulation management | Permits exact adjustment of water movement to every sprinkler, making certain optimum watering effectivity. |
| Strain regulator | Maintains constant water strain all through the system, stopping overwatering or underwatering. |
| Constructed-in examine valve | Prevents water from flowing again into the primary water provide, conserving water and stopping injury. |
Finding the Sprinkler Valve Field
To find your sprinkler valve field, observe these steps:
- Verify the world round your garden for small, plastic or metallic packing containers which are normally inexperienced or black. These packing containers sometimes measure about 6×8 inches and should have a small, spherical lid.
- In case you do not see any packing containers on the floor, search for areas of your garden which are greener or extra lush than others. This might point out the presence of a buried valve field.
- Use a metallic detector to comb your garden. Metallic detectors can typically detect the metallic lid or deal with of a buried valve field.
- Seek the advice of your sprinkler system’s blueprints or set up handbook. These paperwork could present a map or directions on the place to search out the valve packing containers.
- Contact your native water utility. They might have information or maps that present the placement of sprinkler valve packing containers in your space.
Suggestions for Uncovering a Buried Valve Field
In case your valve field is buried, it’s possible you’ll must dig it as much as entry it. Listed here are some ideas:
| Software | Objective |
|---|---|
| Shovel | Digging up the soil across the valve field |
| Hoe | Eradicating grass and different vegetation |
| Hand trowel | Fantastic-tuning the excavation and uncovering the valve field |
| Wire brush | Cleansing the valve field and eradicating any dust or particles |
1. Use a shovel to fastidiously dig across the space the place you think the valve field is situated.
2. Take away any grass or vegetation with a hoe.
3. Use a hand trowel to softly uncover the valve field.
4. Use a wire brush to wash the valve field and take away any dust or particles.
5. As soon as the valve field is uncovered, you’ll be able to entry the sprinkler valves inside.
Eradicating the Outdated Sprinkler Valve
Earlier than putting in a brand new sprinkler valve, it’s essential to take away the outdated one. Listed here are the steps to observe:
1. Shut off the water provide
Find the primary water valve that provides water to your sprinkler system. Flip the valve clockwise to close off the water provide.
2. Launch the strain within the line
Connect a hose to the check port on the outdated sprinkler valve. Open the hose bib to launch the strain within the line. Preserve the hose open till all of the water has drained out.
3. Disconnect the wires
Find the wires which are linked to the outdated sprinkler valve. Use wire cutters to chop the wires, leaving about 6 inches of wire uncovered.
4. Dig across the valve field
Utilizing a shovel, fastidiously dig across the valve field to reveal the outdated sprinkler valve. Watch out to not injury the valve field or the encircling pipes.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| a. Use a pry bar or screwdriver to loosen the soil across the valve field. | |
| b. Carry the valve field lid off of the field. | |
| c. Find the 4 screws that safe the sprinkler valve to the valve field. | |
| d. Use a wrench or screwdriver to take away the screws. | |
| e. Rigorously elevate the sprinkler valve out of the valve field. |
Putting in the New Sprinkler Valve
With the outdated valve eliminated, it is time to set up the brand new one. Here is a step-by-step information:
1. Apply Pipe Sealant Tape
Wrap pipe sealant tape clockwise across the male threads of the brand new valve. Apply it tightly, overlapping the threads. This may forestall leaks when connecting the valve to the pipes.
2. Join the Valve to the Inlet Pipe
Align the male threads of the valve with the feminine threads of the inlet pipe. Hand-tighten the valve onto the pipe. Use a wrench to additional tighten the connection, however watch out to not overtighten.
3. Set up the Inlet Filter
Place the inlet filter over the uncovered male threads of the valve. Safe it by hand-tightening it onto the valve. This filter will forestall particles from coming into the valve and clogging it.
4. Join the Outlet Pipes
Repeat steps 1-3 to attach the outlet pipes to the feminine threads of the valve. Be sure that the pipes are aligned accurately and that the connections are tight.
5. Wire the Solenoid
The solenoid controls the opening and shutting of the valve. Take away the solenoid wires from the outdated valve and join them to the terminals on the brand new valve. Match the wires in response to coloration (frequent, sign, and floor). Use a screwdriver to tighten the screws on the terminals.
| Wire Coloration | Terminal |
|---|---|
| Black | Frequent (C) |
| Brown | Sign (S) |
| White | Floor (G) |
Connecting the Wires to the Sprinkler Valve
As soon as the valve field is in place, it is time to join the wires to the sprinkler valve. Earlier than beginning, be sure the ability to the sprinkler system is turned off on the circuit breaker or fuse field.
Step 1: Establish the Wires
Establish the wires coming from the controller. There must be two wires for every valve: a standard wire and a zone wire. The frequent wire is usually white, yellow, or purple, whereas the zone wire is usually the identical coloration however with a stripe (e.g., inexperienced with a yellow stripe, purple with a white stripe).
Step 2: Join the Frequent Wire
Join the frequent wire from the controller to the “C” terminal on the valve. This terminal is normally situated on the highest or aspect of the valve.
Step 3: Join the Zone Wire
Join the zone wire from the controller to the “Z” terminal on the valve. This terminal is normally situated subsequent to the “C” terminal.
Step 4: Tighten the Connections
Tighten the screws on the valve terminals to safe the wire connections. Use a screwdriver that’s the acceptable measurement for the screws.
Step 5: Wrap the Wire Nuts
Twist collectively the ends of the 2 wires for every connection and wrap them with a wire nut. Make certain the wire nuts are tight and safe.
Step 6: Insulate the Wires (Optionally available)
To stop any electrical shorts, slide a bit of wire insulation over every wire connection. These are sometimes included within the package deal with the valve field or could be bought individually. Merely slide the insulation over the wire nut and safe it across the wires.
| Wire Coloration | Terminal |
|---|---|
| Frequent (white, yellow, or purple) | “C” |
| Zone (coloured with a stripe) | “Z” |
Reinstalling the Sprinkler Valve Field
After connecting the valve to the piping, it is time to reinstall the valve field. To do that, observe these steps:
1. Place the Valve Field over the Valve
Place the valve field over the valve, aligning the holes within the field with the screws on the valve. Make certain the field is seated evenly over the valve.
2. Safe the Valve Field
Insert the screws into the holes within the valve field and tighten them securely. Use a screwdriver or a socket wrench to use agency strain with out overtightening.
3. Join the Electrical Wire (if Relevant)
If the valve is electrically managed, join {the electrical} wire to the designated terminals on the valve. Make sure the wire is securely linked and there aren’t any unfastened or uncovered wires.
4. Exchange the Valve Field Lid
Place the valve field lid on prime of the field and safe it by urgent down firmly across the edges. Make certain the lid is correctly aligned and isn’t tilted or bent.
5. Take a look at the Valve
Activate the water provide and open the handbook lever on the valve. Observe whether or not the water flows by way of the sprinkler heads accurately. Verify for any leaks or uncommon sounds.
6. Shut the Guide Lever
As soon as you’ve got confirmed that the valve is working accurately, shut the handbook lever to cease the water movement.
7. Remaining Changes
Alter the spray sample and radius of the sprinkler heads as wanted. Verify the valve for leaks and make any obligatory changes to make sure it is totally operational. In case you encounter any points, contact a certified sprinkler technician for help.
| Steps for Reinstalling Sprinkler Valve Field |
|---|
| 1. Place Valve Field over Valve |
| 2. Safe Valve Field |
| 3. Join Electrical Wire (if Relevant) |
| 4. Exchange Valve Field Lid |
| 5. Take a look at Valve |
| 6. Shut Guide Lever |
| 7. Remaining Changes |
Adjusting the Sprinkler Valve Clock
To regulate the sprinkler valve clock, first find the management panel. That is normally a small field mounted on the wall or close to the irrigation system’s primary water provide. Open the management panel and discover the clock. The clock will sometimes have a number of dials or buttons.
The primary dial or button will set the time of day. Flip the dial or press the button till the right time is displayed. The second dial or button will set the length of every watering cycle. Flip the dial or press the button till the specified length is displayed. The third dial or button will set the frequency of watering. Flip the dial or press the button till the specified frequency is displayed.
After getting set the clock, press the “begin” button. The sprinkler system will now begin watering in response to the schedule you may have set. You may alter the schedule at any time by following the steps above.
Further Suggestions for Adjusting the Sprinkler Valve Clock
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| Time of Day | Length | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| 6:00 AM | 1 hour | Each different day |
| 12:00 PM | half-hour | As soon as a day |
| 6:00 PM | 1 hour | Each different day |
Testing the Sprinkler System
As soon as the valves are put in and linked, it is important to check the sprinkler system to make sure it operates accurately. Under is an in depth information that can assist you carry out the testing course of:
9. Troubleshooting Frequent Sprinkler Valve Points
In case you encounter any points in the course of the testing course of, listed below are some frequent issues it’s possible you’ll face and learn how to troubleshoot them:
Situation: Sprinkler valves not opening
– Potential trigger: Clogged or defective solenoid, closed handbook valve, or defective controller.
– Resolution: Clear or exchange the solenoid, open the handbook valve, or examine and restore the controller.
Situation: Sprinkler valves leaking
– Potential trigger: Broken diaphragm or leaking seals.
– Resolution: Exchange the diaphragm or seals.
Situation: Sprinkler valves not closing
– Potential trigger: Particles caught within the valve, worn-out seals, or defective solenoid.
– Resolution: Take away the particles, exchange the seals, or exchange the solenoid.
Situation: Sprinkler valves not functioning in any respect
– Potential trigger: Electrical energy points, defective wiring, or broken valves.
– Resolution: Verify the ability supply, examine the wiring, and exchange the broken valves.
| Situation | Potential Trigger | Resolution |
|---|---|---|
| Sprinkler valves not opening | Clogged or defective solenoid, closed handbook valve, or defective controller | Clear or exchange the solenoid, open the handbook valve, or examine and restore the controller |
| Sprinkler valves leaking | Broken diaphragm or leaking seals | Exchange the diaphragm or seals |
| Sprinkler valves not closing | Particles caught within the valve, worn-out seals, or defective solenoid | Take away the particles, exchange the seals, or exchange the solenoid |
| Sprinkler valves not functioning in any respect | Electrical energy points, defective wiring, or broken valves | Verify the ability supply, examine the wiring, and exchange the broken valves |
How To Set up Sprinkler Valves
Putting in sprinkler valves is a comparatively easy course of that may be accomplished in a couple of hours. By following these steps, you’ll be able to make sure that your sprinkler system is correctly put in and functioning accurately.
- **Select the proper location for the valve.** The valve must be situated in a central location that’s simply accessible for upkeep. It must also be shielded from the weather, comparable to rain and snow.
- **Dig a gap for the valve.** The opening must be deep sufficient to accommodate the valve and its fittings. The diameter of the opening must be twice the width of the valve.
- **Place the valve within the gap.** Ensure that the valve is degree and that the fittings are going through the right course.
- **Join the fittings to the valve.** Use a wrench to tighten the fittings securely.
- **Bury the valve.** Backfill the opening with dust and tamp it down firmly.
- **Activate the water provide.** Open the water provide valve and examine for leaks.
- **Set the timer.** Set the timer to the specified watering schedule.
Individuals Additionally Ask
How do I select the proper sprinkler valve?
There are a couple of elements to contemplate when selecting a sprinkler valve, together with the dimensions of your sprinkler system, the kind of water strain you may have, and the options you need. In case you are not sure which valve is best for you, seek the advice of with an expert.
How typically ought to I service my sprinkler valves?
Sprinkler valves must be serviced yearly to make sure that they’re functioning correctly. This contains checking for leaks, cleansing the valve, and changing any worn or broken elements.
What are the indicators of a nasty sprinkler valve?
There are a couple of indicators which will point out that your sprinkler valve is dangerous, together with:
- Leaks
- Failure to open or shut correctly
- Uncommon noises
- Excessive water payments
