Add garden water valve/spigot to irrigation main line

[Derek B]

Hello all,

I'm looking to add a garden valve/spigot/hose bib whatever you want to call it to a irrigation main line that is 1 inch Sch 40 PVC. I'm going to T it, put a reducer to 3/4 inch since this is the brass garden valve sizes I'm finding. Im familiar with the PVC to copper transition pieces. My only question:

What is the best material pipe to use out of the ground between tbe irrigation main line and the brass spigot? I understand PVC is not meant for above ground in the sun. So my assumption is copper. I will use only pressure fittings...not ready to learn welding. But the copper pipes at Home Depot that are sold in short lengths like 2 feet seem to have a very thin thickness to their walls. I fear they could easily be damaged. Should I use copper? Can I find it thicker and yet in short lengths? Is there no pipes of brass, with thick walls like the brass fittings?

Thanks!
Derek

PS I am in Los Angeles...no freeze potential to worry about.

 

[Terry]

I sometimes use a yard hydrant. This one is galvanized steel.

Kinda looks like this.

Also copper works fine if you aren't in a freezing zone.
I use the yard hydrants in the Seattle area because the shutoff is in the ground below the freezing level.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Derek B]

Thanks Terry. I've seen those, but they are quite expensive it seems.

If I do galvanized pipe, are there PVC to galvanized fittings like those of PVC to copper? And is there any concern of putting on top of the galvanized pipe a brass spigot? I know sometimes dissimilar metals are not supposed to be connected in certain situations. But that is about all I know.

Otherwise, with copper, is there thicker walled pipes or even brass pipes available?

Thanks again!
Derek

 

[Sylvan]

I never use any copper tubing other then type L or K

Even though most heating guys will use M I just don't like such a thin wall for tubing

 

[BillTheEngineer]

Just use the L or K copper pipe, if you want extra stiffness use 3/4"

 

[Derek B]

Thanks. I see the Home Depot short 2 foot pieces are type M. So i just need to find a supplier for a short piece of L or K.

Thanks again for all the replies!