Putting in sprinkler valves is a comparatively easy course of that may be accomplished in a number of hours with the suitable instruments and supplies. Nonetheless, it is very important be aware that sprinkler methods are electrical units and will solely be put in by certified professionals. If you’re 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 suitable 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 coated space, similar to a storage or shed. Upon getting chosen the situation for the valves, you’ll be able to start the set up course of.
Deciding on the Proper Sprinkler Valve
Choosing the proper sprinkler valve is essential for environment friendly and dependable watering of your garden and backyard. This is an in depth information that will help you choose the most effective valve to your wants:
Circulation Price
The move fee of a valve determines how a lot water it could ship per minute. It’s measured in gallons per minute (GPM). The move fee required to your system relies on the variety of sprinklers you might have, the dimensions 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 to your system, add up the GPM of all of the sprinklers you might 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.
Kind of Valve
There are two important sorts of sprinkler valves: guide and computerized. Handbook valves require you to show them on and off manually, whereas computerized valves open and shut robotically primarily based on a timer or different management gadget. Automated valves are extra handy and will help you save water by watering your garden solely when crucial.
Materials
Sprinkler valves are sometimes product of both brass or plastic. Brass valves are extra sturdy and proof against corrosion, however they’re additionally costlier. Plastic valves are inexpensive, however they is probably not as sturdy as brass valves. The perfect materials to your valve will rely in your price range and your particular wants.
Options
Some sprinkler valves include further options that may improve their efficiency and comfort. These options might embody move management, which lets you regulate the water move to every sprinkler; a stress regulator, which helps preserve a constant water stress all through the system; and a built-in verify valve, which prevents water from flowing again into the primary water provide.
| Characteristic | Advantages |
|---|---|
| Circulation management | Permits exact adjustment of water move to every sprinkler, making certain optimum watering effectivity. |
| Stress regulator | Maintains constant water stress all through the system, stopping overwatering or underwatering. |
| Constructed-in verify valve | Prevents water from flowing again into the primary water provide, conserving water and stopping harm. |
Finding the Sprinkler Valve Field
To find your sprinkler valve field, comply with these steps:
- Examine the realm round your garden for small, plastic or steel packing containers which can be normally inexperienced or black. These packing containers sometimes measure about 6×8 inches and should have a small, spherical lid.
- Should you do not see any packing containers on the floor, search for areas of your garden which can be greener or extra lush than others. This might point out the presence of a buried valve field.
- Use a steel detector to comb your garden. Steel detectors can usually detect the steel lid or deal with of a buried valve field.
- Seek the advice of your sprinkler system’s blueprints or set up guide. These paperwork might present a map or directions on the place to search out the valve packing containers.
- Contact your native water utility. They might have data or maps that present the situation 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 suggestions:
| Software | Objective |
|---|---|
| Shovel | Digging up the soil across the valve field |
| Hoe | Eradicating grass and different vegetation |
| Hand trowel | Wonderful-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 rigorously dig across the space the place you watched 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 Previous 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 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 take a look at port on the outdated sprinkler valve. Open the hose bib to launch the stress within the line. Maintain the hose open till all of the water has drained out.
3. Disconnect the wires
Find the wires which can 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, rigorously dig across the valve field to reveal the outdated sprinkler valve. Watch out to not harm the valve field or the encompassing 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. Fastidiously raise 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. This 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 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 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 accordance with colour (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 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 usually white, yellow, or purple, whereas the zone wire is usually the identical colour 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 applicable 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. Be certain that 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 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. Be certain that 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 unfastened 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. Be certain that the lid is correctly aligned and isn’t tilted or bent.
5. Check the Valve
Activate the water provide and open the guide lever on the valve. Observe whether or not the water flows by the sprinkler heads appropriately. Examine for any leaks or uncommon sounds.
6. Shut the Handbook Lever
As soon as you’ve got confirmed that the valve is working appropriately, shut the guide lever to cease the water move.
7. Ultimate Changes
Modify the spray sample and radius of the sprinkler heads as wanted. Examine the valve for leaks and make any crucial changes to make sure it is absolutely operational. Should 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. Change Valve Field Lid |
| 5. Check Valve |
| 6. Shut Handbook Lever |
| 7. Ultimate 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 important 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 accordance with the schedule you might have set. You’ll be able to regulate the schedule at any time by following the steps above.
Extra Suggestions for Adjusting the Sprinkler Valve Clock
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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
Should you encounter any points throughout the testing course of, listed below are some frequent issues it’s possible you’ll face and how you can troubleshoot them:
Difficulty: Sprinkler valves not opening
– Attainable trigger: Clogged or defective solenoid, closed guide valve, or defective controller.
– Resolution: Clear or change the solenoid, open the guide valve, or verify and restore the controller.
Difficulty: Sprinkler valves leaking
– Attainable trigger: Broken diaphragm or leaking seals.
– Resolution: Change the diaphragm or seals.
Difficulty: Sprinkler valves not closing
– Attainable trigger: Particles caught within the valve, worn-out seals, or defective solenoid.
– Resolution: Take away the particles, change the seals, or change the solenoid.
Difficulty: Sprinkler valves not functioning in any respect
– Attainable trigger: Electrical energy points, defective wiring, or broken valves.
– Resolution: Examine the ability supply, examine the wiring, and change the broken valves.
| Difficulty | Attainable Trigger | Resolution |
|---|---|---|
| Sprinkler valves not opening | Clogged or defective solenoid, closed guide valve, or defective controller | Clear or change the solenoid, open the guide valve, or verify 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, change the seals, or change the solenoid |
| Sprinkler valves not functioning in any respect | Electrical energy points, defective wiring, or broken valves | Examine the ability supply, examine the wiring, and change 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 number of hours. By following these steps, you’ll be able to be sure that your sprinkler system is correctly put in and functioning appropriately.
- **Select the suitable 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 opening must be twice the width of the valve.
- **Place the valve within the gap.** Make it possible for the valve is stage 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 opening with dust and tamp it down firmly.
- **Activate the water provide.** Open the water provide valve and verify for leaks.
- **Set the timer.** Set the timer to the specified watering schedule.
Folks Additionally Ask
How do I select the suitable sprinkler valve?
There are a number of components to contemplate when selecting a sprinkler valve, together with the dimensions of your sprinkler system, the kind of water stress you might have, and the options you need. If you’re uncertain which valve is best for you, seek the advice of with an expert.
How usually ought to I service my sprinkler valves?
Sprinkler valves must be serviced yearly to make sure that they’re functioning correctly. This consists of checking for leaks, cleansing the valve, and changing any worn or broken components.
What are the indicators of a nasty sprinkler valve?
There are a number of 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
