Shuttle Valve For Lawn Sprinkler System?

[mwemaxxowner]

I'm guessing they wouldn't work if flooded. They're meant to be mounted on a hose bib.

No reason you couldn't put several of the controllers in a space off of a Y or multiple Y's or T's. The clocks are very accurate. I've had mine set to go 5 minutes before I leave for work. It's kept time for years.

Another bonus of battery operated:
It's not affected by power outages.

I think they might be okay, but they shouldn't be too difficult to water proof if there was some need to go this route vs "real" irrigation valves. (They make DC irrigation controllers and DC irrigation valves. Real valves intended to be hard piped) One of my hobbies has been RC vehicles for many years. Most of it is waterproof these days, but it didn't use to be. I had lots of practice waterproofing various sensitive electronics. I'd almost be willing to take one for the team and submerge one of my orbit solenoid valves and see what happens to it.

I also don't see why you couldn't have them mounted above ground with a cover to hide them.

 

[plowhog]

You said you have too many sprinklers on a zone but didn't give any details. Have you considered swapping sprinkler heads that use less gpm and just run the zone longer?

I use Hunter MP Rotator heads. My irrigation guy said 7 sprinklers per zone was too much. Baloney. I can activate 2 solenoids at once and run 14 sprinklers with no pressure drop. I bet it might even handle more. These use fewer gpm than many other brands ....

 

[MossRoad]

I think they might be okay, but they shouldn't be too difficult to water proof if there was some need to go this route vs "real" irrigation valves. (They make DC irrigation controllers and DC irrigation valves. Real valves intended to be hard piped) One of my hobbies has been RC vehicles for many years. Most of it is waterproof these days, but it didn't use to be. I had lots of practice waterproofing various sensitive electronics. I'd almost be willing to take one for the team and submerge one of my orbit solenoid valves and see what happens to it.

I also don't see why you couldn't have them mounted above ground with a cover to hide them.

Mine's been mounted on my hose bid every spring, summer and fall for years. Completely exposed to the weather. However, I would not put it in a pit that could fill up with water.

 

[mwemaxxowner]

I don't think the timer would like it, but I really think the valves would be fine.

Remember the one I'm advocating for is modular and separated. If you could lengthen the wires enough to mount your timer in one location but the valves in a box I think it would be fine.

But again, at that point, I'm not sure why one wouldn't just be using DC valves and controllers made to be used in that manner. Unless it's being done with water hoses.

 

[mwemaxxowner]

Valve itself.

 

[npalen]

You said you have too many sprinklers on a zone but didn't give any details. Have you considered swapping sprinkler heads that use less gpm and just run the zone longer?

I use Hunter MP Rotator heads. My irrigation guy said 7 sprinklers per zone was too much. Baloney. I can activate 2 solenoids at once and run 14 sprinklers with no pressure drop. I bet it might even handle more. These use fewer gpm than many other brands ....

There are thirteen (IIRC) heads on the zone but separated by the two ball valves coming off a TEE. We thought about using smaller nozzles but would really tax the output of the pump and well. Also, the area being covered is wide open and subject to the Kansas south wind next to a street on the North side of the heads. . What I'm saying is the smaller nozzles are more subject to the wind. Right?

 

[plowhog]

I live in windy Northern Nevada. I chose the Hunter MP Rotator because they are more wind resistant. They shoot out a small stream of water instead of a spray. Try them.

 

[plowhog]

We thought about using smaller nozzles but would really tax the output of the pump and well.

I don't understand that.

 

[npalen]

What you are looking for is a sprinkler indexing valve. These were used extensively in Florida lawn sprinklers for many years until the solenoids became cost effective. It has 2 or more outputs with a single input. All water goes to one output until the pump stops. The valve then indexes to the next outlet and the pump restarts and all water goes to the 2nd outlet. It requires a drop in the incoming water pressure to index the valve - it is all mechanical, no wiring needed.

Here's a link to one:
Sprinkler indexing valve

Well I'll be darned!

Edit: Thanks for the link!

 

[npalen]

I live in windy Northern Nevada. I chose the Hunter MP Rotator because they are more wind resistant. They shoot out a small stream of water instead of a spray. Try them.

Thanks for the tip! Looks like they are about half the price of most popups.