Question
QUESTION: Hi Robert - We recently moved into a 19 yr old home with an existing drip system.  I need to reduce the pressure coming thru the lines. Apparently the pressure is so high that the flow control devices attached to the end of the "spaghetti tubes" are
being "blown off".  If there is no flow control device at the end of the "spaghetti tube", the water shoots out like a fountain - 8 feet or so into the air.  Question: How do I reduce the pressure.
There is a valve control box in the ground near the timer/control box.  Thanks so much!

ANSWER: Hello,

Here is a link to a picture of the products we use to reduce pressure on drip zones:

http://www.snwa.com/nonpvcs/photo_galleries/land_pressure_regulator1.jpg

Drip zones should have the pressure reduced (pressure and flow are different), most drip products are designed to be optimal around 30psi.  When selecting which one is best for your application you need to have an idea of the flow rate (gpm) that is needed. But keep in mind a little math may be needed since most drip products measure in Gallon Per Hour (GPH) instead of Gallons Per Minute (GPM).

If you have a lot of drip stakes which have spaghetti tubes with a small mister nozzles on the end you may want to put ridged risers which connect to the spaghetti tube and the drip nozzle. My experience tells me that once you reduce your pressure and install rigid risers on your drip stakes you will realize how trouble free drip systems can be. Don't forget that all drip zones should have a filter as well which prevents the nozzles from clogging.

Bob

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------


Photo of Valve control   QUESTION: Hi Bob... follow-up question.  There are 3 valves within the valve control
box. The 2 outer valves are connected to pipes that extend outside the box, and the middle valve has no pipe extending outside the box. There are control knobs on the top of all 3 valves.  Do I turn them Clockwise, or Counter-clockwise to LOWER the water pressure? There is no dial indicating water pressure on the knobs. Do I have to just do a trial and error test to see what works best?  Appreciate your help. Thanks!

Answer
Hello,

Please remember my first message, pressure and flow rates are two different things. Your valves do not have a pressure regulating system on them, you will need to install the product that I listed in my first message. It looks like they may have a flow control on them and if you wanted to reduce the flow you would turn the knob to the right.

It looks like your middle valve was recently capped and is no longer in use.

Also the valves look to be a bit old so I would be very careful when you are working on them.


Good luck,

Bob