1" valves and pipes allow longer runs and more sprinkler heads per circuit,
as well as possibly reduce the total number of valves required.
ASSEMBLY OF SPRINKLER VALVES TO PIPE
A sprinkler system is made up of one or more groups of sprinklers (called
circuits) each operated by its own control valve. Study the illustrations and
below the instructions for proper assembly.
1. On the inlet side of the control valve use galvanized steel pipe, copper pipe
or thick wall. Schedule 40 PVC (white) plastic pipe, as this pipe is under con-
stant pressure. On the outlet side of the control valve, thin wall PVC pipe or
flexible polyethylene pipe may be used.
2. To assure a watertight connection, use only Teflon tape on the threaded
valve-to-pipe connections. DO NOT USE PIPE SOLVENT (CEMENT) OR
PIPE DOPE. THIS MAY DAMAGE THE VALVE. DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN. A
pair of pliers is adequate for this step, pipe wrenches exert too much force and
may damage the valve.
3. Install a master shutoff valve before all electric valves so that the water can
be conveniently turned off if a valve needs servicing.
4. When grouping valves, allow sufficient spacing between valves to unscrew
the valve from the pipe, about 6 inches.
5. Before connecting and testing the assembly, thoroughly flush the main line
to prevent debris from damaging the valves.
6. Do not connect the outlet side (piping to sprinkler heads) without testing for
leaks first. If the outlet side is connected and there is a leak, the pipe would
have to be cut to tighten the connection.
VALVE OPERATION
Your Rain Bird valve offers two features with which you should become
familiar. (See Diagram 2)
Flow Control – This feature allows you to control the amount of water going
to your sprinklers. To allow more water through the valve, turn the gray ring
counterclockwise UNTIL RESISTANCE IS FELT. This is full open.
To reduce the amount of water, turn the gray ring clockwise. If you keep
turning, you can turn the valve all the way off. In this case, the valve will not
open electrically or by the MANUAL CONTROL.
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