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

Hi, I'm a first time poster.
I've been doing some research on how to build a PVB assembly. So far, I know the assembly will be out of 1" Type L, hard copper pipe with brass PVB/valves, and will be connected to pvc mainlines.

I've gotten stuck on a few things:

1) Can I use galvanized pipe instead? I only decided on copper b/c galvanized seemed frowned upon on the plumbing forums, but I've also seen professional assemblies built out of galvanized pipe. Also I'm somewhat worried about residential copper theft which is apparently a not uncommon occurrence. I won't be mixing both.

2) My plan will possibly have two types of unions (for servicing reasons): (1) copper-to-copper and (2) copper-to-pvc; I'm thinking brass compression unions for (1), but what's the best practice for (2)? Also, both will probably be buried.

3) Are soldered joints a bad idea for the buried portion of the assembly? If so, what would I use instead?

4) Are copper fittings universal, or dependent on whether I use 'pipe' vs 'tube', Type K vs L? So for ex., if I go to a big box store will I have to worry about whether I picked the right 1" elbow for the copper I'm using?

5) I live in South Texas where hot is an understatement - It was 81 deg. today . Will that affect the exposed copper or even the water flowing through it?

Thanks for the responses.

Is it ok to have soldered joints in the buried part of the assembly?