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

a DC is not acceptable for a sprinkler system

I would agree that IF there is nothing special to do regarding the pumps (i.e. if you don't have to make the controller turn on a pump) then everything is relatively strait forward.

The most difficult parts would likely be replacing the valves and burying the wire.

On the subject of backflow...
Because this is a manual system, it sounds like most people here are placing their bets that there is NOT a backflow installed. If there is, then you would find something like one of these(http://www.sprinklerwarehouse.com/Custom/tscatlist.asp?PID=231) somewhere between the valves and where the system ties in between the two pumps.

A Pressure vacuum Breaker (PVB) should be installed above ground level and 6-12" above the highest head. A Reduced Pressure Assembly (RPZ) should be installed above ground (but perhaps hidden in a box). Its height relative to the heads is irrelevant. A Double Check Assembly (DC) could be installed anywhere it's accessible for testing and maintenance. The last option would be anti-siphon valves, but the valves would have to be installed 6-12" above the highest head similar to the PVB.

If you do have to install an backflow preventer, the PVB is the cheapest, but has the issue of must be higher than the highest sprinker head. The RPZ is the most expensive and considered the safest, suitable even if you inject fertilizer into the irrigation system (fertigation), but is has to be installed above ground. A DC is the easiest to install because it can be located anywhere (indoors or out, above or below grade), but it is considered the least safe and generally unsuitable if anything is being injected into the irrigation lines.

Additionally, you need to check with local building codes. They vary widely around the country. Some places are so flexable that they simply ask that you install something... anything... for backflow prevention. Some places are so strengent that they require part number XYZ be installed and that it has to be installed by a certified plumber.

Ok Like I said earlier go ahead and buy your valves and installing them and your controller will be very easy. Well maybe just easy. The valves wil be maybe 15 dollars each. Go to sprinkler warehouse and click on valves.

Now you should also buy a back flow preventer. This should be installed in your irrigation system upstream of the vaslves. This protectes your well from being contaminated incase there was a back flow of water such as during a power outage. Now there is a chance you already have one installed on the existing system but again go to sprinkler warehouse and look at some of the back flow devises and see if they look familiar.

You can do this yourself

BTW can you explain in more depth why you think you need a stronger pump? Maybe you just need more zones. Ill help you if I can.

The pump goes on and off by the pressure switch and is regulated by the pressure in the bladder tank. I Dont know that much about the well because it was here when i got here, how would i tell if there is a backflow device and what exactly does it do. I think it is a shallow well and proboaly could be a little deeper, but has not given me any problems.

is the well protected with a backflow device?

This is easy and you dont need to hire anyone. Just buy your 3 valves for each zone and instal them according to the instructions on the box. Be sure to buy the same size valve as your piping. As far as wiring it is very easy too. As was mentioned above one wire as common and one wire for each zone. So if you look at your controller it will have a panel with a bunch of screws that the wires are connected to. common , zone 1 zone2 etc...Each valve has 2 wires. one common and hook the 1st one to zone 1. on valve 2 one common and the other goes to zone 2 on the controller. This stuff is easy. So go to the tutorials and read a little there but Ill bet with the box the valve comes in youlll be able to figure out how to wire this thing.

The only question I have as far as the pump goes is, does it come on due to a drop in pressure or do you manually turn it on?

the system is already working and irrigates what i want it to irrigate. I just manaully have to turn on each zone, since I have now aquired a controler from my buddy I was just trying to figure out how to wire the controller to the valves, I am not building a rocket and dont need to pay someone to wire 3 valves to a box, as far as heads and placement and stuff It works now and is now getting my grass wet which is better than nothing at all which is what I started with, it is not a profesional job and I am certainly not trying to convice anyone that it is, but is certainly better than what I had. The 2 pumps where here when I bought the house and there was a system with a controler box here when I bought the house it just never worked until i got it to work. A stronger pump would allow me reach the area's where I think need to be watered more.

If you need a 2nd pump to get water to the house, and the irrigation is tied in before the 2nd pump, why would you NOT need another pump for the irrigation?

And depending upon the situation, I wouldn't always agree with the notion <i> Some water is better than none at all ya know what i mean.</i> As an example, if when you get everything running and the spray heads only have enough pressure to irrigate a 2 foot circle around them leaving large areas unirrigated that you now have to drag out the hose and lawn sprikler and water the bare spots AND what's already been irrigated, then you've really been wasting your time with the irrigation system.

I'm going to agree with Tom here and suggest that you look into hiring a professional. If you don't want to spend the $$$ on a professional, then you need to spend the time required to educate yourself in what needs to be done. A good starting point is www.irrigationtutorials.com. It's a lot of information to digest and will take some time. After that, you can continue asking questions here, or for a couple of bucks you can register with the owner of the tutorials web site and he'll answer questions for you directly.

I dont think I need a relay just some valves and some wire // there is a relay on the pump already // I have 2 pumps one pickimg up from the well to the tank and the other pumps from the tank to the house. Irriagation is piped in between the 2 pumps so i could shut it down all together if i needed to.

so you need a pump start relay, some control valves and some wire?

I'd say you need to hire someone