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

Im wanting to submit my plans to Rainbird but Im unsure what I should do for PSI and GPM. Ill be installing a new meter which isn't in yet. How would I go about getting accurate info from the new meter when its installed? All I know is that it'd be a one inch meter.

Anyone have any ideas they can lend? Rainbird is needing GPM and PSI. When I get the meter installed, can I just record the PSI and GPM at the meter? They want to know the service line size also, Is it ok just to give them the size I choose - for example 1"?

I think these design teams are more geared for t'ing off the water supply line to your home. For installing a new meter for the irrigation system it doesn't make sense.

Thank you for the reply. The reason why I mentioned that about the service line is because its a new meter. There is no service line. Im just having a hard time with Rain Bird because clearly the tech support they have there haven't installed an irrigation system.

I feel like the only person on earth that is installing a new water meter for the irrigation system...LOL!!!! Rain Bird is like UMMMM...We need the service line size and type, GPM, and PSI. ITS A NEW METER I HAD INSTALLED THERE IS NO SERVICE LINE YET!!! LOL. UHHHHH

Quoted from "Wet_Boots"

There are service lines and there are service lines. Since Rain Bird is in California, it might be natural for them to assume that the new water service is feeding a curbside meter pit. Other parts of the US might only have meters in basements, and that is where a service line question comes into play. Home is so far from the water main, so a service line of known length and size will figure into pressure loss calculations.

And really, who cares. Get the meter installed and make your system connection. Then do your own flow-and-pressure testing. You have a pressure gauge, a water meter, and a watch with a second hand, or stopwatch function. Some water meters now include their own flow indicators, making the testing that much easier.

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Thanks for the help. Yeah it looks like since the meter will be 1 inch, Ill just go with a 1 inch service line and tell them that. Once the meter gets installed I can def get the GPM and PSI. I was banking on them possibly recommending the service line size for optimal performance. Thanks

Quoted from "Wet_Boots"

Just what is the distance the water main and the 1-inch meter? What is the pressure in the street? Is this a curbside meter or not? (these are facts you should share from the get-go, along with your location)

Well all Rain Bird is needing to process my design is service line size and type, GPM, and PSI. Ill be taking payment to water dept this Friday to have meter installed. I can get fittings to somehow rig up a way to put my water gauge onto meter to get PSI; Ill also somehow get GPM at the meter also. As far as the needing service line...Im not t'ing off the service line to my home instead Im having a new meter installed. This is where Rain Bird gets the deer in headlights look. They said we need to know the service line size and type.

Water dept said they will cut the street at tap into the main in the road. Run poly from that to the 1" meter. As far as pressure in the street? I asked for that and was told to test it on an outside faucet at my home to get an idea. This is the type of run around Ive been getting which leads to me posting on here..lol. Im new to irrigation and water dept and Rain Bird hasn't been much help. Location: Arkansas. As far as curb side as far as I know yes its 2 foot from the curb. From main to the meter is approximately 15 ft.