To operate a sprinkler system effectively, you need high-quality valves.
Valves act as intermediaries between the controller and sprinkler heads, regulating the flow of water. They allow you to turn the water on and off as needed.
In this post, we’ll explore different types of sprinkler valves and how they contribute to precise watering.
Anti-Siphon Valves
Anti-siphon valves prevent the backflow of water when the water flow is stopped. These valves tightly shut off the water source as soon as the water pressure is turned off.
They contain a float mechanism that closes when water tries to flow backward, blocking any potential backflow.
Other than backflow prevention, it is responsible for holding water under pressure for your sprinkler lines. When the control center tells the valve to open, it releases the water pressure, activating your pop-up sprinklers.
Anti-siphon valves are made from materials like PVC and brass. Brass valves are more expensive but offer durability and efficiency, while PVC valves are cheaper but more easily damaged.
Ball Sprinkler Valves
Ball valves are easy to use and can tolerate high pressure water.
Inside the valve, there is a hollow ball that rotates to control the flow of water. The ball valve also opens and closes using a handle attached to the valve. A water ball valve has desirable properties that favor its use in many areas.
The valve can be opened by turning a lever quarterway. However, careful application is needed on the lever because turning the valve too fast may cause the pressurized water to damage the sprinkler system.
Used in commercial areas where sprinkling is constantly necessary. It can also be used for residential purposes, particularly for people who have a constant need for the water.
Gate Valve
Gate valves are popular and mostly used in home sprinkler irrigation systems.
These valves operate using a disk mechanism to control the flow of water. When the valve is OPEN, a disk-shaped “gate” is raised out of the water pathway. Conversely, the valve is CLOSED when the handle is rotated clockwise, lowering the gate into the pathway.
In fully open positions, gate valves have minimal friction loss, making them efficient for on/off functions. However, they are not suitable for flow regulation or throttling.
To turn on and off the gate is a hectic task. You have to spin the disk multiple times so the gate valves are not easily damaged by pressurized water.
Butterfly Valve
A Butterfly Valve looks like a Gate valve but functions differently.
Butterfly Valves use a rotary disk to start, stop, or throttle the flow of water.
Disk rotation is controlled by the hand wheel, and this thin disk can stay in the water’s path at all times without significantly slowing the movement of water through the valve.
Butterfly Valves are lightweight and favored for their straight-through design and low-pressure loss at full open.
Pressure Regulating Valves
Water pressure is the critical factor in the sprinkler irrigation system. Insufficient pressure can lead to sprinkler heads not operating, while excessive pressure can cause water to mist and damage components.
To tackle the challenge, pressure regulating valves are created; they maintain the water pressure to lower steady outlet pressure.
These valves incorporate diaphragm or piston mechanisms that respond to changes in outlet pressure.
Pressure regulating valves ensure a consistent pressure level, preventing damage to sprinkler components from pressure spikes in the supply line. They also enable the use of sprinklers and piping designed for lower pressure ranges.
Check Valves
Check Valves are commonly used in the sprinkler system, which prevent the backflow by letting the water flow in one direction.
They operate differently, with some featuring balls that allow water to flow with the right pressure in one direction, while others employ spring-loaded plungers.
These valves are installed in sprinkler heads as well as in pipes as an extra backflow preventer. This helps to conserve the amount of water needed to fill the pipes each time the sprinklers begin running, making sprinklers activate more quickly when they are scheduled to come on.
The best thing about check valves is that they require no maintenance or external power to operate.
Flow Control Valves
Flow control valves regulate the water flow to a specified rate or volume.
Flow can be reduced by adjusting an internal regulating screw. Some flow control valves are self-cleaning and can handle dirty water.
Flow control valves are the best option when you have multiple zones, one with rotors and a different zone with spray heads. With a flow control valve, you can modify sprinkler precipitation rates and balance flow across different zones.
Moreover, flow control valves prevent surges in low pressure water supplies when multiple valves open at once.
Electric Valve
Electric Valve uses the electric solenoid to open and close the valve.
Even electric valves, also called solenoid valves, act when power is supplied and a plunger is lifted to allow water to flow through the valve.
Electric valves react quickly, opening and closing immediately when power is applied or removed.
Not only electricity, you can control the valve manually too, so the desired flow can be adjusted. Most models have an override function; the valve can be opened manually if needed.
This makes them ideal for use in systems with multiple zones on a timed schedule. The ability to automate watering is a major advantage of electric valves.
Altitude Valves
If you depend upon the tank or reservoirs as a water source, then altitude valves are the most suitable option.
Altitude valves operate based on water pressure. They are used to control water flow from the source based on the water level.
As water level drops, pressure falls, allowing the valve to open. When pressure increases as water level rises, the valve closes. This maintains consistent flow and prevents the water source from being drained.
Since Altitude valves work based on water pressure, there is no external power required.
In-Line Valves
These valves are installed below the ground to regulate water.
In-line valves usually have automatic and manual control options. However, they don’t provide backflow protection. You can add backflow prevention devices and vacuum breakers for better control.
Final Thoughts…
These are the valves you can use in the sprinkler system to regulate water effectively.
The right valve selection depends on factors such as automation needs, water source, flow rate, and pressure. Proper valve selection and placement are key to creating an efficient and reliable sprinkler system.
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