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Despite the variety of options, sprinkler valves serve a very simple purpose: they regulate the flow of water.Some turn the water on and off, while others limit the amount of water that can flow through the sprinkler system.The way they accomplish this — and the scale of the systems they serve — varies, but they all perform the same main task.
When installing a new sprinkler system, depending on the brand of the system, the valve is installed, and the installer chooses the type and size to suit the different watering zones.Some sprinkler systems require dozens of valves to control the water in multiple areas of the yard, while others have only one on/off valve.Go ahead and learn what to consider when choosing the best sprinkler valve for your specific sprinkler system, and see why the following models are all great for use in your home system.
Residential sprinkler systems are simple to set up and require four main components to operate: water source, plumbing, sprinkler valves, and sprinkler heads.Many systems (but not all) also have a master control unit with a programmable timer that acts as the brain of the system and communicates with valves (via irrigation lines) to distribute water to different areas of the yard.The two main types of sprinkler valves are in-line and anti-siphon.There are different options for the two types, but most valves are in-line valves.
The best type of valve for a particular sprinkler system depends on local regulations.Some communities require anti-siphon valves because they are above ground and therefore easy to test, while others allow inline valves and separate backflow preventers.
Unless the sprinkler system or irrigation system is fully manual (i.e. manually opened and closed by the user), the valves in the system will be automatic, usually through a central control unit.During installation, the irrigation lines are run in the same trenches as the pipes: a wire goes from the control unit to each valve.Low power in the wires (22 to 28 volts) is enough to open and close the valve.
Alternatively, the valves can be battery powered, in which case they are often used as simple timers that can be programmed to run a limited number of watering zones.These are usually in-line valves connected to buried pipelines but still accessible within a protective box.
A gate valve is a barrier that prevents or allows the flow of water.These devices have been around for decades, and the best manual example is the knob on an outdoor faucet called a sillcock.Turning the knob clockwise lowers the gate in the faucet to cut off the flow of water.Turn the knob counterclockwise, the inner gate rises, and the water flows freely.Large gate valves can be found in municipal or agricultural water systems, and they serve the same purpose of opening or closing the flow of water.
A ball sprinkler valve is a manual valve used to turn water on and off to separate parts of an irrigation or sprinkler system.A ball valve is an in-line sprinkler control valve with a straight handle that controls a ball within the valve that allows or blocks the flow of water.The handle only moves 90 degrees: when the handle is aligned with the direction of the pipe, the water comes out; when the handle is turned 90 degrees perpendicular to the pipe, the water is closed.
Check valves are simple inline valves that prevent backflow of water.Like anti-siphon valves, they prevent contaminated water from the sprinkler system from seeping back into the home water system.They are often used in pipes that supply water to pumps, pools, and sometimes even sprinkler systems.However, depending on local regulations, a simple check valve may not be enough to protect drinking water in your home.In some communities, a designated anti-siphon valve may also be required.
If you’re shopping for the best sprinkler valve, it’s common to replace a sprinkler valve that is damaged or stops working effectively.The best thing to do is to remove the faulty valve and take it to a plumbing supply store for a proper replacement.The best sprinkler valve will vary from system to system based on type, water flow, and pipe size.
Valves are sized to fit specific pipe diameters.When replacing a ¾” valve, you will need to purchase another ¾” valve.The most common valve sizes in residential sprinkler systems are ¾” and 1″, which fit ¾” and 1″ pipes, respectively.
The amount of water flowing through the pipe is measured in gallons per minute (GPM) or gallons per hour (GPH), indicating the amount of water available.The water flow mainly depends on the pipe diameter.A 3/4 inch diameter pipe typically supports a flow of about 8 GPM, depending on the quality of the valve.For larger sprinkler systems with flow rates greater than 12 GPM, 1-inch pipes and valves are more common.
Water flow and water pressure are related but slightly different.The hydraulic power per square inch (psi) determines the type of sprinkler used.During installation, the installer will determine the optimal amount of water pressure for a specific area of the yard.Powerful rotor sprinklers require more water pressure to operate than the bubblers or drip nozzles commonly found in flower beds.
The average outdoor water pressure ranges from 40 to 60 psi, but some homes have less or more pressure.When choosing a valve, water flow is more important than water pressure.Water pressure comes into play when choosing individual sprinklers.
The main rule when choosing a sprinkler valve is to choose a valve with the same type of connection as the previous valve.For example, suppose an existing valve has a typical configuration of female inlet and female outlet.In this case, choose a new valve with a similar threaded connection.If this is not possible due to limited valve options, an adapter can often be used to make the connection fit.
Fortunately, most sprinkler valves are generic, which means that one valve brand will supersede another, as long as the size and other factors match.
Most installed sprinkler systems are equipped with automatic valves that work with a central control unit.However, manual systems are still in use and are perfect for aboveground spray and drip irrigation systems that gardeners can manually turn on and off as needed.Manual valves are not suitable for automatic systems and vice versa.
Automatic valves have solenoids: a coiled wire assembly that acts as an electromagnet to open and close the valve.Automatic valves must be connected to buried irrigation lines or powered by batteries.
Valves are available in a variety of materials.Copper, galvanized metal, and stainless steel are among the most durable options, but they are also more expensive.For those looking to install a simple drip irrigation system, an inexpensive plastic shut-off valve will fit the bill.Just be prepared to replace the plastic valve every 2 or 3 years.
With different watering needs, and with different sprinkler systems, it’s only natural that the sprinkler valves will also be different.The best sprinkler valve for one watering system may not work for another.The following sprinkler valves were selected based on how well they meet specific water conditioning needs.
For sprinkler systems that require a specified backflow preventer, consider the Orbit Anti-Siphon Valve in a muted green color to blend in with landscape plants.The valve has a ¾ inch female inlet connection and a ¾ inch outlet connection.The Orbit valve allows the free flow of water from the house to the sprinkler system, but prevents the backflow of water from the system into the house.
The valve is mounted above ground and has the ability to deflate (drain) the antifreeze line.The user can adjust the pressure of the valve to suit the type of sprinkler used.
Regulating the flow of water in an above-ground sprinkler or drip watering system doesn’t have to cost a lot.DIG in-line shutoff valve connected to ½ inch polyethylene pipe.Both ends of the valve feature a push-on barb connection that simply pushes it into the pipe to create a leak-free seal.This in-line shut-off valve is designed for above-ground use and is made of high-quality UV-resistant PVC.
To operate the DIG valve, simply turn the handle 90 degrees.When the handle is aligned with the tubing, the water is on; turning the handle perpendicular to the tubing turns off the water.DIG valves can also be used to adjust water pressure by turning a little between open and closed positions.
Those looking for a high-quality replacement valve for inline connections may be very happy with the Rain Bird inline valve.It replaces an existing buried line valve connected to ¾ inch pipe.
The Rain Bird valve is a residential and light commercial grade valve that is installed at the same level as the underground sprinkler system piping.It is compatible with all types of system controllers through existing irrigation wiring.The Rain Bird valve can also be manually adjusted to drain the irrigation line if it is necessary to winterize the system.The valve features female inlet and outlet connections and a unique reverse flow feature that closes the valve in the event of a leak to prevent flooding.
Manifolds are widely used in water supply situations, such as domestic water distribution centers, and they also facilitate the delivery of water to various sprinkler zones.The Orbit 3-Valve Manifold allows users to connect three different sprinkler system areas in one buried sprinkler valve box.
Manifolds have female inlets and outlets and are equipped with threaded fittings (adapters included) for ¾” or 1″ pipe.Once the coupling is attached to the existing line with PVC glue, it is a simple matter of twisting the threaded ring to securely attach the pipe.This three-valve Orbit manifold reduces wiring problems as one existing irrigation line is sufficient to control all three valves.
If debris gets stuck in the sprinkler valve, flushing the valve with water will usually solve the problem.For some valves, the user must use a wrench or other tool to disassemble the valve for flushing.Not so with the Orbit Jar Top Sprinkler Valve, which has a top that twists off by hand, allowing easy access to the inside of the valve.
Jar Top Valves connect to 1″ sprinkler system piping, connect to existing irrigation lines, and are compatible with most system controllers.It features heavy duty construction and stainless steel internal components for durability.The Orbit Jar Top Valve has female connections on the inlet and outlet.It also features an optional manual bleed screw for draining and freezing the line.
Simple in style and use, the Apollo Brass PEX Barbed Ball Valve provides a manual method of shutting off and on the water supply.This makes it convenient to use where there are no existing irrigation lines, and it works equally well with outdoor faucets and flush-mounted sprinklers.The Apollo valve is also equipped with a manual drain screw to bleed system lines if required.
The valve is equipped with a handle, which is aligned with the direction of the connecting pipe when the water is flowing, and is perpendicular to the pipe when the water is cut off, so that the user can see the state of the water at a glance.The valve can be used to increase or decrease the water flow by simply turning the handle.The Apollo valve inlet and outlet connections fit ¾ inch PEX tubing (but do not include push PEX connectors).
Orbit battery powered valves are upgraded when there is no existing irrigation line to connect the valve to the central control unit.Running on three AAA rechargeable batteries (not included), the valve acts as its own control unit, ideal for replacing manual valves or installing a dead sprinkler system.It is designed for in-line, underground installations.
The Orbit valve features digital LED readouts to adjust up to four separate spray zones.Users can choose from 8 preset activation times, and the valve can be programmed for up to 4 hours at any time.The entire watering program can be preset for up to 30 days.The timer can be removed from the housing for easy programming.The valve has two threaded female outlets and is designed for 1 inch pipe.
Those who may want to reduce water flow to a specific area should consider Hunter Sprinkler Shutoff Valves.It is designed to suppress water flow for lighter-use sprinklers such as aerators or sprayers.This in-line sprinkler valve connects to most sprinkler systems through existing irrigation lines.
The valve is durable, constructed from premium materials and features single screw debris removal for easy flushing.Hunter valves are designed to connect to buried sprinkler system lines in sprinkler valve boxes.It connects to 1″ pipe with two female connections (inlet and outlet).
While any sprinkler valve in our lineup is an asset to a variety of sprinkler systems, a few stand out.The best overall choice – the Orbit Anti-Siphon Valve – is a great choice for the important job of protecting your home’s drinking water by preventing water from your sprinkler system from flowing into your home’s water supply.Those on a budget might opt for the DIG in-line shutoff valve, which might just be the ticket to manually operating a small drip or mist system.
When selecting sprinkler valves for this line, we extensively researched dozens of valves.We weighed their pros and cons and analyzed which type of sprinkler system they are best suited for.
Brand reputation is also a consideration, with Orbit and Rain Bird being well-known manufacturers with nationwide distribution.We’re not ignoring the smaller brands, though, as quality new manufacturers are always worth a look.
We’ve selected models for a variety of uses – including large sprinkler systems with multiple zones and small above-ground drip and fogging systems to offer the widest range of valves.We also looked at ease of installation and whether the valve would fit into existing systems.
Sprinkler systems are a boon for helping lawns and landscapes water evenly, but sprinkler valves don’t last forever.As a person continues to rub, little or no water may flow from the sprinkler, or water may gushing out of a ruptured valve.For those looking to replace a worn or damaged valve, there may be some questions.
The sprinkler valve regulates the water flow.Some valves communicate through buried irrigation lines with a central control unit that opens and closes them according to a program, while others are powered by batteries.Some are completely manual, while others use the force of the water flow through a valve to control the flow of water.
When the valve fails, the sprinkler head may spew a weak stream of water — or no water at all.If the valve is damaged and leaking, there may be noticeable dampness or sponginess around the sprinkler valve box.
Depending on the type, a single replacement valve can cost between $4 and $65, while the best spray manifolds can cost as much as $100 or more.While some systems use valves that are fairly simple for a DIYer to install, professional installation adds to the overall cost.
If the sprinklers are not watering the way they should, open the valve box and look for flood water.If the valve is not leaking and connected to the irrigation line, use a voltmeter to test the voltage on the valve and the central control unit.Solenoids on most sprinkler valves (components connected to irrigation lines) should be tested between 24 and 28 volts.
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Post time: Mar-02-2022
