Sprinklers won't come on

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robmaxfli

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Hi All,

I have lived here for many years but have not turned on the sprinklers before. So when I finally turned them on - but no water comes out. There is a valve box in the ground in my yard that has 3 valves (blue, yellow and red). When I open the blue or yellow (didn't try red) , strong water comes out of the top of the 2 PVC pipes that are also shown. I am not sure what positions these valves are supposed to be when the system is on. They are closed now.

Any advice is appreciated.

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WorthFlorida

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You're missing a two major components, an anti siphon valve and maybe an indexing valve. Since when you turn the yellow valve and water runs it is connected to your city water supply or your domestic potable water well. The two PVC connections sticking out of the ground was where these assembles were connected two. OR, you have only two zones and each may had it own valve. The picture shown is an anti siphon plus an a 24v ac solenoid. This is usually used with a city water supply and if there is more than one zone and indexing valve is used plus an appropriate timer.

Most hack jobs left by previous owners omit the anti siphon valve. Without one it is code violation and an extreme chance and dangerous situation where your drinking water can be contaminated and cause some serious health issues. If you never worked on an irrigation system before I suggest you get a licensed contractor. In Florida, irrigation specialist must be certified and pass an exam though they are not plumbers.

Pics from a Home Depot search.


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robmaxfli

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Hi I had another question: Is it a problem to install an anti-siphon valve so low ( in the in-ground box)?
 

WorthFlorida

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Dj2

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I like to place anti siphon valves above grade. Plastic valves should not be exposed to a lot of sun. Brass valves are OK anywhere.
 

hj

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ANY "vented" device, INCLUDING backflow preventers, (which is most approved ones), MUST be installed above ground, usually at least 12" above the HIGHEST sprinkler head. The "anti siphon valve" MUST be installed AFTER the control valve because it is NOT intended to be under pressure when the watering valve is turned off. Few installers would use the "multiport valve" on the right in the above posting, because there is no way to individually control how long each section waters.
 

Gary Swart

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There are backflow devices that can be underground. At least mine is and has been underground since 1984. It is in an irrigation box so it is not actuallynsed buried. It first inspected and approved by the city water department and in each year after that it is tested and by a licensed inspector. Yes, I know there are devices that are above ground.
 

hj

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There are very few that can be installed underground, and most are not approved for irrigation systems, regardless of who inspects them. How about a photo or valve number? It could have been underground since 1900, but that would not necessarily mean it is properly installed.
 
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