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Water Supply
Hi...I am installing a sprinkler system in my yard and have a question with the water supply. I have installed 1" PVC main and zone pipes in the ground and are running approx 5 long range sprayers per zone and approx 4 zones. My house is on a slab (no basement) and I have a 1" feed line from the street to where it comes through the house foundation. The black 1" pipe from the street sticks up approx 6 inches out of the slab then is reduced to a 3/4 copper pipe where it comes through the drywall and into the water meter in my utility room. My question is, can I tap the 3/4 copper after the meter to fee my 1" PVC sprinkler main? It is only reduced to 3/4 copper for about 1-2 feet from the 1" line from the street. Do you think it will be a problem?
No problem feeding a larger pipe from a smaller one.
What are you using for backflow prevention?
1" Wilkins pressure vacuum breaker...
Will I have enough pressure for the system with a 3/4 source?
You measured your pressure? You did a flow test? First things first.
I measured the pressure on the hose bib and I believe it was 45-50 lbs. never did a flow test
What you should be doing is to simply make your connection, right after the water meter, and bring the copper outside to your PVB, and then do a flow and pressure test. Only at that point can you know exactly what your water supply is.
I was going to use sch 40 1" PVC instead of copper from the meter area to the PVB...is that OK or do i have to run copper?
Sch 40 PVC indoors is a likely code violation, depending on your location - the rules want it used only for drainage. type L Copper is pricey, but it's strong.
how could i find out what my codes are here in New Jersey?
Easy - no indoor PVC in Jersey (and yes, you'll see it all over, but codes have changed) - If you had a really long run of pipe indoors, you would use the beige-colored CPVC pipe and fittings. For less than 20 feet, stay all copper. In any event, a pro doesn't run plastic pipe through the exterior wall.