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

What is your reasoning for wanting a Master Valve? (I assume you are talking about a Master Control Value as opposed to a manual cutoff valve).

The down sides that I can think of is that you will have yet another mechanical device that could go wrong and you will lose water pressure going through another valve.

The up side that I can think of is that you will have more flexability in the pipe that is after the feeder valve (because the uniform plumbing code, as I understand it, says that you need to have any Main Line Pipes (pipes that are under constant pressure) be either metal or buried at least 18" deep).

As for what size, I recently read somewhere that it was suggested that your valve size be one size smaller than your pipe (any others have input on that statement?). Otherwise, you have to consider not only the size of your pipe but also your water pressure, your gpm flow rate, and the performance specs for the vavles you are considering to get the "right" answer.

What is the reason for a master valve?

I only install master valves on self-draining systems.

Let us know your reason!

Paterjob, Master valve is not to prevent leaks. If your valves are leaking while activated you would need to fix that. Your master valve could leak just as well. If your looking for something to prevent water flow if a valve or a head blows, look into Flow Click by Hunter. I've been selling these as options into a systems. As soon as you tell a homeowner what their purpose is, they buy in.

And if you end up using a master valve remember to use and ASV instead of a PVB. PVB's are meant to stay under constant pressure.

. Do you mean drain valves at the end of your line?? If they are leaking- thats fine- Thats what they should be doing as long as you have fully closed valves. You might also have some sand or object stuck in the valve that causes a void in the seal. Open up and check each one. One way to check for any leaks if you have city water. Is to make sure that all water is shutoff through out house. Then go to your meter and check to see if your flow meter is spinning. Now this of course can also mean you have a small leak somewhere else in the house ( faucet). If you have a shut off after your T'ed off for the sprinklers, SHut this off, Now you should only have pressure on the sprinkler line.

Do you have freezing winters in your area. If so are you trying to avoid compressed air in the winter? Around my area no one uses drain valves.
As for the master- You got a point, if you want to spend the extra money go for it. Be sure its a heavy duty master that will not leak as easily