Landscape Irrigation - Sprinkler Valve
About Sprinkler Valves
Definition
| A sprinkler system has 2 main types of valves which are; shut off valves and sprinkler valves. Shut off valves are used to temporarily turn off water throughout the entire sprinkler system or sections of the sprinkler system. Sprinkler valves in a sprinkler system are generally used to deliver pressured water to the sprinkler heads throughout the system. Valves in a sprinkler system are also known to be called automatic control valves. |
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Gate Sprinkler Valves
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Gate valves are generally used on residential sprinkler systems which are not frequently used. They have a circle handle which is required to turn several times to switch off the flow of water throughout the sprinkler system. Gate sprinkler valves are predominately used with conjunction with mainline pipes and they offer a high pressured water flow. Gate sprinkler valves are easier to switch on and off and they will not be damaged by high pressured water flow but because of their brass seat they may lose their secure seal. |
Ball Sprinkler Valves
| Ball sprinkler valves are most suited to frequent use sprinkler systems because of their long lasting attributes and their durability. They have a single lever which is required to turn a quarter to switch the water flow on and off. But this type of sprinkler valve should not be turned on and off too quickly because it can cause damage to the entire sprinkler system. Ball sprinkler valves have the ability to maintain a strong sealing quality which makes them great for long term and daily use. |
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Automatic Control Sprinkler Valves
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Years ago manual control sprinkler valves were used commonly on all sprinkler systems. The down fall of the manual type of valve was that a person had to be present always to switch the sprinkler valves on and off at the required times. But nowadays technology has developed and automatic control sprinkler valves are replacing the manual ones and working efficiently. Automatic control sprinkler valves are used in conjunction with sprinkler timers and controllers and they offer a much more convenient way to deliver water to lawns, gardens and landscaped areas. |
The automatic control sprinkler valves are more precisely controlled in an automated sprinkler system because it allows water to be thrown in the right places with the right amounts.
Installing Sprinkler Valves
The placement of all types of sprinkler valves should be planned to coincide with maintenance and safety issues. Mainly sprinkler valves are commonly installed in groups or manifolds and they are then placed into a valve box which can be made out of plastic or concrete to be placed firmly underneath the ground. The size of valve box you choose will determine how many sprinkler valves will fit in and manifolds should always be built to spare room between each sprinkler valve.
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The sprinkler valve box is then connected up to the entire sprinkler system and ready to work efficiently. If your children play around the area where your valve box is then you should consider getting a plastic one therefore there will be no worries of them falling straight onto a large concrete box even though it is underneath the ground.
Back to Sprinkler Systems
