Valves

Zone valves are the mechanical devices that turn the water on and off to the individual sections of the system. Water meters and water service lines cannot provide enough water to water an entire yard at once, so the system is typically broken up into several individual zones or stations.

The concept of “zones” also allows the professional irrigator to group areas (e.g., flower beds, turf) based on watering need (e.g., full sun, part shade). Valves are typically installed near the area they water. Sometimes valves can be installed above the ground and grouped in a “manifold” near a water source.

There are two basic types of valves being used today:

• Manual Valves: Seldom installed today, manual valves require a person to turn them on and off (with a wrench or valve key). Existing manual valve systems can be easily upgraded to automatic control by a professional contractor.
• Automatic Valves: No need to keep a mental note when to turn these valves on or off, as they are operated by the electric controller. Wires run in the ground along with the main line pipe to the valve and are connected to the controller. When the controller sends the current to the valve, it opens. When the current is cut the valve closes.

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