There are likely to be plenty of DIY enthusiasts who may think that a job like adding a valve to an irrigation system is too complicated for their level of skills, but this is a typical example of a job that can often be easier than you might believe.
Here is a look at why you might to do something like adding a valve and the basics that you need to know in order to get the job done successfully, including understanding how your system works, the essential aspects of the job, plus some troubleshooting hints if the installation doesn’t go to plan first time around.
Adding a zone
A good starting point is to understand the basics of your irrigation system and what happens to control the flow of water.
The water comes into the system under pressure normally from the main water supply system, and output of that water is controlled by a series of valves depending on how many zones you have.
If you want to add a new zone you will need to add a new valve.
Your first task is to locate the valve box which will normally be installed with a cover at ground level and your aim should be to add a valve closest to where you want the new zone to be.
Getting started
Turn off the water supply before you begin working and then pre-assemble the new section before attaching it to the T-joint of the main water line.
You may well be able to get the items you need and other tools and equipment from this site so that you have everything you need to complete the job in one visit.
If you follow some basic instructions for this procedure you will see that it is not as complicated as it seems when describing the procedure.
Fixing the new section in place
You can use the pre-assembled section to determine how much of a section of the source pipe you need to remove.
Once you have that information you can cut the section out and proceed to attach the other end of the of the PVC union coupling to the appropriate outgoing section of the source pipe.
The next step is to use solvents to attach the valve assembly to the source pipe, before completing the job by screwing both ends of the union coupling together.
If you find that the union leaks when the water is turned back on, turn off the supply again, before repeating the process with more solvent until the coupling doesn’t leak with the water supply in full flow.
Adding a valve should be within your DIY capabilities if you follow the instructions and have all the right tools and accessories you need, and it will prove that your range of skills are wider than you give yourself credit for.
Once you have this job cracked you can look for something more ambitious that might be as equally less challenging than you envisaged.