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Irrigation Valves
Valves used either to release water into: a.distribution lines b.sprinkler heads Valves can be: a.manually opened b.opened by remote c.automatic controllers d.auto shut down with pressure differentials (pumps)

Opening and closing of remote valves either the diaphragm type or piston type Most used are diaphragm type because less parts to wear Piston types have valves and rings that need periodic servicing

Electric valves electric diaphragm valve

24 -Volt valves open and close with solenoid. Most electric valves in closed position with power off When 24 volt currant. solenoid draws plunger in and pressure of water pushes diaphragm upward Power off pressure holds diaphragm closed Note* severed wire valve will be closed Electric valves either in line or attached to sprinklers (valve in head)

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Turf Irrigation Manual By: Richard Choate

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Electric valves either in line or attached to sp

Turf Irrigation Manual By: Richard Choate

Tips for installing electric valves

1.Install a shut off valve to isolate & make repairs easier 2.Do not cram valves / shut offs into service box. (Use the correct size of box) 3.Place valve boxes on gravel base 4.Leave at least 12 inches extra of wire. (do this for valve in head as well) 5.Use Teflon tape for connections, not pipe dope 6.Install valves straight for ease of service 7.Use PVC Primer on welds

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TYPES OF VALVES
1. Globe valves

Turf Irrigation Manual By: Richard Choate

High resistance to water flow due to small openings and sharp turns.

2. Gate Valve
From outside globe and gate valves look similar. Gate lifts and lowers as you turn To close turn to right to open turn to left Fully open straight run and least resistance
Turf Irrigation Manual By: Richard Choate

3. Ball valves Little resistance when fully open Works by lever action. Place with handle perpendicular to ground for better leverage

Turf Irrigation Manual By: Richard Choate

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4.Quick coupler valves

Turf Irrigation Manual By: Richard Choate

5.Check Valves Placement with relation to flow extremely important in installation Allow flow only in one direction Discharge side of the pump (on centrifugal pumps)

Check Valves continued:

TWO TYPES a. Spring loaded that pushed out of the way for flow and spring closed do to back pressure.

Turf Irrigation Manual By: Richard Choate

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Check Valves continued:

b. Wafer Swing Check Valve

Turf Irrigation Manual By: Richard Choate

6.Foot valves
Important with pumping systems Used on non-submersible pumps (i.e. jet pumps) Shut down pump foot valve closes and will not let water drain out of system. It keeps the pump primed

Turf Irrigation Manual By: Richard Choate

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7.Atmospheric Vacuum Breakers

Stops siphon action Placed right after supply line shut off valve Check valve that will seal when water shut down or flow reversed. Back flow directed to atmosphere

Turf Irrigation Manual By: Richard Choate

Mandatory when protecting domestic water Minimum 6-12 above highest sprinkler

Turf Irrigation Manual By: Richard Choate

8. Air Gap

Turf Irrigation Manual By: Richard Choate

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9. Backflow prevention valves Two types of back flow a. Back siphon when water travels from area of high pressure to low pressure.
Example:

Example:

City pressure drops due to high demand, i.e. fire hydrants turned on.

Backflow prevention valves continued:

b. When elevation or other causes result in a higher pressure on the irrigation system than on the supply system. For Example: If system is off and there is an elevation change from the system to the backflow then there is a back pressure on the backflow valve. The degree of pressure is dependent on the elevation

System on

System off

Back Flow

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Backflow prevention valves continued:

Placed right after source shut off: i.e. city shut off. > meter > backflow prevention device Reasons No water back into city water Sprinklers are ground level or below, it is conceivable that ground water could enter back into sprinklers. Often times irrigation systems can be fitted with fertilizers or pesticide injectors

Backflow prevention valves continued:

Many types some, or most, for large irrigation systems Often they consist of two spring loaded valves that are in line. When water shuts down flow stops and there is a dump after the first valve that water will exit in backflow. Backflow devices are the law for hose bibs. (filling spray tanks)!

Backflow prevention valves continued:

Turf Irrigation Manual By: Richard Choate

Spring loaded valves

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Backflow prevention valves continued:

Devices more complicated on automatic systems under constant pressure. Backflow devices are the law when connected to municipalities. Used when municipal or city water is used in an irrigation system Water departments will specify device and will test (at a minimum) annually to assure proper operation.