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The last 10 posts
Ok I'll stick with the threaded.
No matter how crowded-looking a manifold I build, I always want to have the capability of unthreading a valve and replacing it. That the Richdel-designed Irritrol valves are not known for having cracked bodies, is what allows confidence in those crowded layouts. {insert obligatory "knock wood" here}
Do I see two ss clamps connecting the valve to the PE in that box?
I like the slip connection valves much more than threaded. No problems with not tight enough leak issues. Any situation where the threaded should be used?
Most often an index valve can be cleaned or rebuilt and made to work like new. For systems where the controller is directly powering a pump, that is something that a standard controller doesn't replace, without the addition of a pump control relay.
You may find that doing without the index valve will cost a lot more than a repair or replacement of said valve.
I plan to abandon the index valve for several reasons.
First it appears that the index valve and controller (KRain 2520) are originals. Zones occasionally are skipped. One of two things is happening. Is the index valve skipping a zone which means the first zone zone ends up getting watered twice? Or is the controller mechanical little trigger finger failing to activate the pump? In that case only three of four zones would get watered (assuming only one skip). How do I know this is happening? The valve should water north, east, south and end with west. After a bit I find it is starting and ending somewhere else.
Second performing maintenance on the system is a hassle because you have to cycle through the zones all the time in order to get back to the one I am testing.
Last occasionally we would like to be able to water only one zone - say for example a zone under repair where lots of water is needed. Can not do with index.
So I am thinking that repairing the existing system is sending good money after bad.
Why abandon the index valve?
I am working in a very compact area - inside a fenced off area - sharing space with an A/C unit, and a water softener - am replacing the current setup where the well pump points straight at an index valve - and the four zones come up to the valve right next to the fence corner. The well pipe is right next to where the four zones come up. I was thinking that pump -------->manifold----------->four zones in a straight line was best way - but very compact! Other ideas?
I built mine similar to the one boots posted a picture of. That one is a bit more compact than mine, but I staggered the valves similarly, so I could squeeze 5 into a smaller box. Of course, none of them will come out without first removing the solenoids.
Stupid question, why do you want to supply it that way instead of from the side?
I got it the first time. I can use crosses, and no worries. (the manifold in the photo is not recommended for amateurs)
Question about manifold design
Let me try to explain a little better - I wanted to have a four valve manifold and to have the water supply come in behind valve number 2 or 3 using a cross tee. Any problems with that? (Sorry for the confusion)
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