Lawn Irrigation Valves: a Buyer's Guide

A 'valve' is a device used to regulate the passage of liquid in a closed system from one place to another. It finds value in applications that require direct control over where things go and how - valves can offer functionalities like on-off control, flow rate control, pressure control, and backflow management. You might find these valves in plumbing, fire sprinkler systems, gas pipelines and industrial machinery.

Irrigation valves can differ from one another in many ways. You can't just go down to the department store and pick any option off the shelf - there are numerous types to understand and consider, some of which are better suited for certain use cases than others. To give you a better idea of what we're talking about, we've compiled this quick overview of the three most common types of irrigation valves below:

Angle Valves

An angle valve is a type of plumbing valve that has two openings which are positioned at a 90-degree angle to each other. These valves are typically used when you need to control the flow of water or gas in a specific direction. Angle valves come in many different sizes and materials and can be used for a variety of applications.

Angle valves are especially useful when it comes to controlling the flow of water in plumbing fixtures, such as sinks or toilets. In the context of landscaping, angle valves are used to control the flow of water from sprinkler systems. Their top and side inlets work together to create a tight seal, ensuring that the desired direction of water flow is achieved.

Anti-Siphon Valves

Siphonage occurs when there is a difference in pressure between two points of a liquid-filled system. This causes the liquid to flow in one direction, creating a vacuum that can pull air and foreign materials into it. Irrigation systems in particular often face a high risk of backpedaling all sorts of unwanted elements into their pipes because they're constantly exposed to changing weather conditions and fluctuations in fluid levels.

Anti-siphon valves are designed to prevent this kind of problem from occurring. They are installed at the highest point of a line, usually near the water source or somewhere just above ground level. The valve includes an internal spring-loaded mechanism that shuts off automatically when it senses a change in water pressure. In addition to their primary purpose of preventing siphonage, anti-siphon valves also act as a failsafe against flooding and other damage caused by pressure fluctuations.

Ball Valves

Ball valves consist of a cylindrical body that houses an internal ball with one or more ports. As the ball is rotated, it opens or closes off the ports, creating a seal that allows for flow control in one direction.

Ball valves are highly durable and are capable of withstanding high pressures, temperatures, and vibration, making them a common choice for homeowners installing new irrigation systems.

Manual Irrigation Valves vs. Automatic Irrigation Valves

Angle valves, anti-siphon valves, and ball valves - simple enough, right? Well, before you spring forward and choose one for your property, there's one other big differentiator to know about. While the three aforementioned categories of valves manage water flow differently, two distinct control mechanisms dictate how these valves are opened and closed. Read below for a breakdown of each option in detail.

Here's another thing you probably forgot to consider when starting your shopping journey - valve sizes. The industry has plenty of them, and again, what works for one situation likely won't work for another. It's important to pick a properly-sized valve, as one that's too large can lead to overflowing, while one that's too small can cause water pressure problems.

The best way to determine the proper size of valve for your irrigation system is to take into account the type and amount of water flow you need. The key measurements you'll need to consider are the water's pressure, flow rate, pipe diameter and head loss. These four pieces of data should help you determine the most appropriate size of valve for your system.

Generally speaking 3/4-inch valves work well for most residential properties where the water flow rate is around eight to 10 gallons per minute (GPM). Any applications with a flow rate exceeding 15 GPM should use a one-inch valve.

If all this sounds too complex or if you're still feeling unsure, then the best thing to do would be to consult a professional irrigation specialist who can help you pick out the right valve size for your system.

Making Your Purchase of an Irrigation Valve Worthwhile

Now that you're familiar with the fundamentals, it's time to brush up on some good old buyers' best practices. Beyond things like configuration and size, you'll want to consider a few key factors to ensure you're purchasing a product that pays off in the long run.

Brand

A great way to gauge the reliability and performance of an irrigation valve is to research its brand. Many manufacturers have established reputations for high-quality products that stand up better over time, so it's worth doing your due diligence. Be sure to read customer reviews and see what other buyers have had to say about the product before you make your purchase.

Durability

No matter how much research you do, sometimes a product won't live up to its promises. That's why when purchasing an irrigation valve, you'll want to make sure that it is durable enough to stand up against the elements and last for a good amount of time. Look for corrosion-resistant materials and seals that can stand up to weather and temperature changes. Also, check for warranties that will cover any issues you may encounter down the line.

Efficiency

At the end of the day, your valve needs to get a job done. Prioritize valves that are energy efficient and have the capability to intuitively respond to various conditions. Models with smart controllers, sensors, and other features that can help you conserve water and save money on your utility bills over time are certainly worthwhile.

Whether you're looking to replace a faulty valve or just need to upgrade your existing system, we've got the products and expertise to help get your irrigation system back up and running in no time. Start shopping today!