Supply line to Sprinkler System

Leon – posted 27 May 2005 22:19

What size should the water pipe be from the meter to the valve assembly? My supply into the house is 3/4″. I am going to use 1″ valves and pipes in my irrigation system but am wondering if I can use 1/2″ pipe between the meter and the valves. The reason I want to do this is to save on the cost of the pipe, but I won’t do it if it will seriously impede the water flow in my system. No manuals or design guides I have seen discuss this. Thanks!

cohiba – posted 28 May 2005 07:29

Leon,

What type of control valves are you using? If you are using homeowner grades, the manufacturer should be able to help you with this. There is a pressure test and a flow test to determine what size pipe and how many heads per zone, ect., that your system can supply. This is the critical end of the job. This is the part that the pro’s earn their money. Solvent welding PVC pipe is the easy part.

Good Luck………………..

Leon – posted 29 May 2005 10:24

I have designed the layout and am just going to start doing calculations. I plan to use drip irrigation as I hear it is more efficient than sprinklers and easy to install and move. I just bought a pressure meter so I am going to check the pressure on the existing outside tap which I think has 1/2″ copper running to it. I am not sure which valves I am using. I saw the Orbit stuff at home depot and then Rainbird and Hunter on the internet. Any advice on good residential valves?

cohiba – posted 30 May 2005 10:35

I am only used to using Toro. So I am prejudice.

Sorry for lack of input…………