Rachio flow meter installation

I'm debating installing a Rachio flow meter. Instructions below.

https://support.rachio.com/hc/en-us...Rachio-Wireless-Flow-Meter-Quick-Start-Guide-

My irrigation pipe before all the valves is 1 1/4". Would downsizing to 1" to install the loop for the flow meter cause issues with my irrigation? Reduce flow and / or reduce pressure?

Thanks.

 

Depends on the size and water source. 1" will allow less water to flow and irrigation systems usually have a lot of turns that added to the back pressure. Not sure why 3/4" or 1" is recommended. It could be the flow meter is not accurate with a water flow rate over it's design. A good chance that your water source is 3/4" or 1" if it is city water. A well could be anything.

I think the instruction reads from the backflow preventer to the control valves that only that section needs to be 1" max. After the valve manifold or control box anything goes. The 1" feed will lower the volume and pressure some feeding a 1 1/4" system but if it is a small yard, you'll not notice any difference.

 

My bill says the meter size is 5/8" and irrigation is 1 1/4" PVC to the 7 sprinkler valves. I'm guessing the flow meter is physically only 1" in diameter which is why 1" is the top end. My main concern is the backyard as it uses 8 Rainbird rotors for the grass and these need pressure to spray the 25'.

 

A 5/8" feed will not allow less water to flow to a 1" or a 1-1/4". The 5/8" can only flow so much water since it is smaller than everything else. Adding short section of 1" pipe before the irrigation valves that are feed now by a 3/4" pipe (see below) won't make a change.

Question I have is why is a Rachio flow meter needed? Is it a local requirement in water short areas of California?

google search "is a water meter 5/8 same as 3/4 inch"
(A 5/8" x 3/4" water meter has a 5/8" water flow capacity just like a 5/8" meter. The bore of the meter is generally 5/8". a 5/8" x 3/4" meter has 3/4" AWWA Meter Threads and typically hooks up to a 3/4" water service line or larger.)

 

No, just my own curiosity and data collection. I have the Rachio 3 sprinkler controller and the wireless meter is something they offered and is still available. It will use it to know how much water flowed to that area during waterings.

Thanks for the info!