Putting in sprinkler valves is a comparatively simple course of that may be accomplished in just a few hours with the correct instruments and supplies. Nonetheless, you will need to notice that sprinkler methods are electrical units and may solely be put in by certified professionals. In case you are not snug 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 correct location. The valves must be positioned in a central location that’s simple to entry for upkeep and repairs. The valves also needs to be protected against the weather, so they need to be put in in a lined space, similar to a storage or shed. Upon getting chosen the placement for the valves, you’ll be able to start the set up course of.
Deciding on the Proper Sprinkler Valve
Selecting the best sprinkler valve is essential for environment friendly and dependable watering of your garden and backyard. Here is an in depth information that will help you choose the very best valve in your wants:
Movement Charge
The move fee of a valve determines how a lot water it might ship per minute. It’s measured in gallons per minute (GPM). The move fee required in your system relies on the variety of sprinklers you may have, the scale of your garden, and the water stress accessible at your own home. Most residential sprinkler valves have move charges starting from 5 GPM to twenty GPM. To find out the move fee required in your system, add up the GPM of all of the sprinklers you may have. Then, divide this quantity by the variety of valves you intend to make use of. The result’s the minimal GPM required for every valve.
Kind of Valve
There are two essential forms of sprinkler valves: handbook and automated. Guide valves require you to show them on and off manually, whereas automated valves open and shut routinely based mostly on a timer or different management gadget. Computerized valves are extra handy and will help you save water by watering your garden solely when needed.
Materials
Sprinkler valves are sometimes made from both brass or plastic. Brass valves are extra sturdy and proof against corrosion, however they’re additionally costlier. Plastic valves are inexpensive, however they might not be as sturdy as brass valves. The most effective materials in your valve will rely in your price range and your particular wants.
Options
Some sprinkler valves include extra options that may improve their efficiency and comfort. These options could embody move management, which lets you alter the water move to every sprinkler; a stress regulator, which helps keep a constant water stress all through the system; and a built-in examine valve, which prevents water from flowing again into the primary water provide.
| Function | Advantages |
|---|---|
| Movement management | Permits exact adjustment of water move to every sprinkler, guaranteeing optimum watering effectivity. |
| Stress regulator | Maintains constant water stress 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, comply with these steps:
- Test the realm round your garden for small, plastic or metallic bins which might be normally inexperienced or black. These bins sometimes measure about 6×8 inches and should have a small, spherical lid.
- If you happen to do not see any bins on the floor, search for areas of your garden which might be 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. Steel detectors can usually 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 bins.
- Contact your native water utility. They might have data or maps that present the placement of sprinkler valve bins in your space.
Suggestions for Uncovering a Buried Valve Field
In case your valve field is buried, it’s possible you’ll have to dig it as much as entry it. Listed below are some ideas:
| Device | Goal |
|---|---|
| Shovel | Digging up the soil across the valve field |
| Hoe | Eradicating grass and different vegetation |
| Hand trowel | High-quality-tuning the excavation and uncovering the valve field |
| Wire brush | Cleansing the valve field and eradicating any filth or particles |
1. Use a shovel to fastidiously dig across the space the place you believe you studied 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 scrub the valve field and take away any filth or particles.
5. As soon as the valve field is uncovered, you’ll be able to entry the sprinkler valves inside.
Eradicating the Previous Sprinkler Valve
Earlier than putting in a brand new sprinkler valve, it’s essential to take away the outdated one. Listed below are the steps to comply with:
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 stress within the line
Connect a hose to the check port on the outdated sprinkler valve. Open the hose bib to launch the stress within the line. Preserve the hose open till all of the water has drained out.
3. Disconnect the wires
Find the wires which might be 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. Raise 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 can stop 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 stop particles from getting 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 certain that the pipes are aligned appropriately 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 keeping with shade (frequent, sign, and floor). Use a screwdriver to tighten the screws on the terminals.
| Wire Colour | 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 that 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 typical wire and a zone wire. The frequent wire is often white, yellow, or purple, whereas the zone wire is often the identical shade 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 facet 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 applicable dimension 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. Ensure the wire nuts are tight and safe.
Step 6: Insulate the Wires (Non-obligatory)
To stop any electrical shorts, slide a bit of wire insulation over every wire connection. These are sometimes included within the bundle with the valve field or might be bought individually. Merely slide the insulation over the wire nut and safe it across the wires.
| Wire Colour | 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, comply with 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. Ensure 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 stress 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 free or uncovered wires.
4. Change the Valve Field Lid
Place the valve field lid on high of the field and safe it by urgent down firmly across the edges. Ensure 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 appropriately. Test for any leaks or uncommon sounds.
6. Shut the Guide Lever
As soon as you have confirmed that the valve is working appropriately, shut the handbook lever to cease the water move.
7. Remaining Changes
Modify the spray sample and radius of the sprinkler heads as wanted. Test the valve for leaks and make any needed changes to make sure it is absolutely operational. If you happen to encounter any points, contact a professional 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. Change 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 essential 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 proper 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.
Upon getting set the clock, press the “begin” button. The sprinkler system will now begin watering in keeping with 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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*
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| Time of Day | Period | 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 appropriately. Under is an in depth information that will help you carry out the testing course of:
9. Troubleshooting Frequent Sprinkler Valve Points
If you happen to encounter any points through the testing course of, listed below are some frequent issues it’s possible you’ll face and how one can troubleshoot them:
Problem: Sprinkler valves not opening
– Potential trigger: Clogged or defective solenoid, closed handbook valve, or defective controller.
– Answer: Clear or exchange the solenoid, open the handbook valve, or examine and restore the controller.
Problem: Sprinkler valves leaking
– Potential trigger: Broken diaphragm or leaking seals.
– Answer: Change the diaphragm or seals.
Problem: Sprinkler valves not closing
– Potential trigger: Particles caught within the valve, worn-out seals, or defective solenoid.
– Answer: Take away the particles, exchange the seals, or exchange the solenoid.
Problem: Sprinkler valves not functioning in any respect
– Potential trigger: Electrical energy points, defective wiring, or broken valves.
– Answer: Test the ability supply, examine the wiring, and exchange the broken valves.
| Problem | Potential Trigger | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Change 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 | Test 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 just a few hours. By following these steps, you’ll be able to make sure that your sprinkler system is correctly put in and functioning appropriately.
- **Select the correct location for the valve.** The valve must be situated in a central location that’s simply accessible for upkeep. It also needs to be protected against the weather, similar to rain and snow.
- **Dig a gap for the valve.** The outlet must be deep sufficient to accommodate the valve and its fittings. The diameter of the outlet 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 proper route.
- **Join the fittings to the valve.** Use a wrench to tighten the fittings securely.
- **Bury the valve.** Backfill the outlet with filth 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.
Folks Additionally Ask
How do I select the correct sprinkler valve?
There are just a few elements to think about when selecting a sprinkler valve, together with the scale of your sprinkler system, the kind of water stress 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 knowledgeable.
How usually 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 components.
What are the indicators of a foul sprinkler valve?
There are just a few indicators that will point out that your sprinkler valve is dangerous, together with:
- Leaks
- Failure to open or shut correctly
- Uncommon noises
- Excessive water payments
