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

Hello:

I'm having repeated trouble w/ the anti-siphon valves on my irrigation system. I believe they are inappropriate for my yard, and want to replace them w/ underground in-line valves and a back flow device, like a double-check, and I'm having trouble determining if this is something I can do on my own w/ equipment ordered from this site.

My yard is about an acre w/ some elevation changes. The sprinkler set up is near the water main on the house, approximately dead center on the lot. I have 8 zones, all controlled by standard Home Depot orbit anti-siphon valves. These valves repeatedly fail (possibly due to the fact that we are in a desert climate in Southern California and they are in the direct sunlight most of the day, or they are just cheap), and due to the elevation changes, 4 of the valves are way lower than the sprinkler heads they feed - they would have to be about 10-15' off the ground to be above (instead they are all mounted in a row about 24" off grade), so the area around the valves gets soaked every time the system runs, which is bad as it is close to the foundation.

I know I could move the valves up the hill, but then I would have to dig up some landscaping to run control wires. My preferred solution would be to spend a few bucks and replace these ugly above-ground valves with a better in-ground inline valve system. I know I would need to add a back flow prevention device to make this safe. My research indicates I may be able to use a double-check valve, which can be installed 12" above grade, then feed down to my new 8 inline valves buried in boxes.

Here's where i run into trouble:

- Can I do this? Everything I read says consult local codes, but I can't find anything on my city's website and they aren't returning calls. I'm in the city of San Diego.

- I asked a guy at the Irrigation supply store in town, and he said this device could only be installed by a licensed back flow inspector - does this sound right?

- Does the set up I describe make sense? I know it will cost me more than options like replacing the anti-siphons with a better quality product or moving them up the hill, but this seems like a better long-term and aesthetically improved solution. Am I high on PVC glue?

A big thanks in advance for any direction that can be offered!

Was hoping you wouldn't say that...

Is there any easier way than re-trenching to run the automatic controller wires out to the (new) uphill anti-siphon locations?

I appreciate the input, and will replace all the anti siphon valves with the model you suggest. Would rather replace all 8 at once than do it every few weeks...

Thanks again!




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