RAIN BIRD Residential Valves Installing Manual

Tips on Installing and Maintaining Rain Bird Residential Valves

Valves are an essential part of any sprinkler system. They are the link between the "brains" of the system (the timer) and the sprinkler heads to turn the water on and off.

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Valves are an essential part of any sprinkler system. They are the link between the "brains" of the system (the timer) and the sprinkler heads, to turn the water on and off.

Most automatic sprinkler systems are set up with two types of valves. A brass "gate valve" or "ball valve" is usually located right after the "tee" where the sprinkler system cuts off from the main source of water to the house. This valve, referred to as the

"shutoff valve," is used to shut down the sprinkler system for repairs or winterizing without shutting off the water to the entire house. It is recommended that all systems be equipped with a shutoff valve installed in a box for easy access.

The second type of valve is the sprinkler "zone valve." Each zone valve is piped to a set of sprinklers. When the valve is turned on, either by hand or in response to an electronic signal from the timer, all the sprinklers piped to that particular valve go on. In most cases, there are several valves located together (called a manifold), each con-

CONTROLLER

SPRINKLERS

VALVE

SHUT	SPRINKLERS
OFF	VALVE
	INCOMING

BASIC SYSTEM COMPONENTS

Why are several valves needed? All systems are limited by a combination of the pressure of the water (psi) and the number of gallons per minute (gpm) available. Each sprinkler uses a certain number of gallons per minute of water. This release of water through the nozzle reduces water pressure to a certain degree while the system is working. For maximum performance, each zone is controlled by one valve and is set up with the proper amount of sprinklers so that the psi and gpm capacity of the system is not exceeded. The purpose of this information is to address questions and problems related to zone valves.

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Types of Zone Valves

There are two basic types of zone valves commonly available. Anti-siphon valves have a built-in backflow device to prevent possibly contaminated water from flowing backward into the household supply. If approved by your local codes, these types of valves provide inexpensive backflow protection. Anti-siphon valves must be installed at least 6" above the highest sprinkler head on the line in order for the backflow device to work properly. Both automatic and manual versions are available.

APAS-100-P		PAS-100
APAS-075-P		PAS-075

The second type of valve is an "in-line" valve. It is installed below ground, preferably in a valve box, for ease of maintenance. A separate backflow preventer is required for backflow protection. In-line valves are automatic valves.

CP-075

CP-100

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Anti-Siphon Valves

Anti-siphon valves are an inexpensive choice and easy to install and maintain. The built-in anti-siphon backflow device prevents potential contamination of household water supplies from fertilizers and other toxic chemicals which may enter the system. Check your local codes for the types of backflow protection required in your area. Electric models are simple to hook up to a timer for automatic watering. They are best suited to plans where there is not more than a slight rise in elevation, and fairly clean source water.

Caution: This valve is designed as a zone valve and as such may suffer severe damage if installed where constant pressure is placed on the outlet (sprinkler) side of the valve. The manual version is not suitable for use in a continuous open position as a main shutoff valve or as a means of inexpensive backflow prevention for an entire system; nor are the automatic models to be used as a master valve where other valves will be installed downstream.

(Note: A master valve is an electric valve that is automatically activated to open and allow the flow of water through, only when the zone valves downstream are activated.)

Automatic Anti-Siphon control valves APAS-075-P/APAS-100-P

Connecting pipe

from water source

Install valves

at least 6” PVC Pipe above

the highest sprinkler

Shutoff

To Sprinklers

Typical installation using PVC pipe and fittings

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In-Line Valves

In-line valves, installed below ground level, are suitable for sites with all types of elevation changes. Because of their protected location, in-line valves are less likely to be tampered with by children or vandals, and less likely to incur freeze damage than above ground models. In-line valves do not afford backflow protection.

In situations where the water is pumped from a lake, well, ditch, or other "dirty" water source, sand and other debris should be filtered from the line through a filter with a

100 mesh screen. If water supply is also used as a drinking water source, a separate backflow prevention device is required to prevent potential contamination should fertilizers or toxic chemicals in the water be siphoned backwards through the lines.

If your water is supplied by a municipal water system, check with your local Rain Bird dealer or plumbing supplier for the type of backflow prevention device required in your area. For specific information about backflow and the types of backflow prevention devices available, please call our toll-free number. 1-800-RAIN-BIRD, and request a "Backflow Prevention Handbook."

In-line valves are installed below ground, protected by a valve box. An in-line valve is also suitable for use as a master valve.

PVB VALVE

CONTROLLER

VALVES

Service Line from Street

SHUTOFF

TO

SPRINKLERS

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