SPRINKLER TALK FORUM - You Got Questions, We've Got Answers

I installed a new brass PVB this morning and no problems. I ran the system twice to test and no PVB issues.

Thanks for all the help.

I know. The old one was plastic, that's why I bought a brass one. I think all issues have been resolved and I don't expect problems. I removed the auto drains yesterday.

A new PVB may be as likely to dump water as the present one. The remedies have already been detailed.

This project is my never ending one. But I'll end up with a great, although small system. My new PVB comes on Tuesday, once installed that should be the end of it. I'll let everyone know how it turns out.

We have all been there!
Each time we learn the sprinkler knowledge it usually costs money and time.
We appreciate your learning as we did, the Hard way!

I bought everything from Toro.com. Homeowner residential products. I do have 3/4" valves. I had just one problem with the PVB, it freaked me out and asked for help here. I don't think it's the PVB, it was my lack of knowledge.

I bought a new brass PVB. I'll put it in, remove my auto drain valves and test the system. I'll let you know if I have any problems.

Toro does make flow-control valves. If by some chance you used the 3/4-inch valves that are sold in home centers, you can't upgrade them. Only by throttling down a valve's flow control do you greatly improve its closing speed.

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Is this all home center equipment? Does the PVB spill every time you turn on a zone? Does it spill only when you cycle from zone to zone? There is a possibility you can deal with the latter by way of controller programming.

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Nothing you have posted indicates the problem is the PVB. Any PVB will spill when the pressure drops low enough. For what it's worth, the Wilkins 720 is far more likely to reseat itself after a temporary pressure drop. But if you make the system function properly, you don't have those pressure drops in the first place.

Ok I think I'm all set. If I have any problems I'll let you know.

Thanks again for the assistance



EDIT: Toro doesn't not have flow control valves. The valves I have are "low flow" valves. "closes at low flow, ideal for drip". "operates as low as .5 GPM" Can I stick with these valves and see if they work with the new PVB?

Take care of the zone valves first. Leave the PVB for last, if it all. No problem combining different makes of valves and controller. Once you have things so a zone opens without spillage from the PVB, you then see that you can run through a cycle without any spillage. You might still have to remove the drain valves.

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If you want to make all this into a "learning moment" you can get a pressure gauge and connect it to the supply, and observe pressures during operation.

OK I'll put in valve controls put in a better PVB and I should be ok. Is it one control per valve or can I get a one control for all 3 valves?


EDIT.....I need new valves with built in flow control. Will rainbird valves work with a Toro timer?