Replacing an irrigation regulator is seen as a tough job. Until you are conscious of the right tools and comprehensive steps of replacing the valve without any significant risks and complications, you may find this job easy.
Moreover, to help you acknowledge the proper steps of irrigation system valve replacement, these are the steps you need to follow. But before we move forward, let’s check some of the potential irrigation valve damages that require a quick replacement.
- Problems with an irrigation system valve generally become evident with these common breakout signs:
- Inadequate water pressure at the sprinkler heads
- Leaky valve
- Troublesome sprinkler heads
- Trouble in turning on the sprinkler system
So, now that we are much familiar with the irrigation valve damages, let’s learn the steps to irrigation valve replacement.
Equipment/ Materials required
- Reciprocating saw, hack saw
- Tongue-and-grove pliers
- Utility knife
- A new valve for the replacement
- Plumber’s tape
- Solvent glue and PVC primer
6 Easy Ways to irrigation system valve replacement
- Turn off the water supply shut
down the water supply to the irrigation system. You can do this by simply turning off the valve in the opposite direction. Generally, the irrigation system has a shutoff valve, but you can turn off your home’s main water supply channel to stop the flow.
- Disconnect the wiring for extra caution
It is wise to disconnect the wires and the live wires, if any, from the old sprinkler valve system. Doing so ensures you an extra cautious valve replacement procedure, and secondly, it is important because later, you have to connect the wirings to the new valve anyway.
The wiring position could be difficult to remember if you are not familiar with it; therefore, take a wiring picture before disconnecting it from the damaged valve.
- Remove the damaged valve.
Take PVC pipe cutter, hacksaw, and cut through the existing PVC adapter. Try to cut as close as possible to the current fittings. Also, remove the plastic burrs and finish the pipe edges using sand or grit paper.
- Prepare the new PVC male adapter.
Take the new PVC male adapters and attach them temporarily to the valve socket using the plumber’s tape. Next, tighten the adapter using pliers. Remember not to apply extra effort while using pliers to cause the plastic parts of the valve to crack.
- Install the valve
Apply PVC glue and primer to the insides of the female adapter socket. Now, fit the new valves properly into the female adapters by pushing them down gradually.
[Check your irrigation system manual for a better understanding of the irrigation system replacement parts]
Let the glue and the new valve set for at least two hours before testing.
- Connect the wiring system to the new valve
Finally, connect the wires in the same way as attached before to your old valves.
As suggested before, you may use the clicked picture to attach the wires correctly if done so.
Now that you have checked all the technicalities, slowly turn on the valve, and check for any water leaks.
Midway if you notice any leaks or technical faults and seek expert help, contact Acme Irrigation Company LLC for the concern.
They are a company of professional and experienced irrigation experts that has been assisting people with their irrigation needs and requirements since 1991. Besides immense work experience, they also guarantee durability at service.
To learn more, visit https://www.acmeirrigationco.com anytime.