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spid4me
May 18, 2007, 03:55 PM
House is on city water in San Jose, CA. All plumbing inside (1/2") and outside (3/4") is new copper pipe except sprinkler pipes (3/4" PVC). Each sprinkler station has anti-siphon valves.

There is a continuous loud noise like water is rushing or gurgling in all pipes inside house for the duration when sprinklers run. Noise comes only if main valve for sprinkler line is half open. If sprinkler's main valve is completely open then there is no noise while sprinklers run. I do not want to open it completely as sprinklers throw water too high and more water is wasted. I will try adjusting sprinkler heads to see if that helps but am wondering if there is something basic wrong with plumbing.


Thanks

iamgrowler
May 18, 2007, 07:11 PM
House is on city water in San Jose, CA. All plumbing inside (1/2") and outside (3/4") is new copper pipe except sprinkler pipes (3/4" PVC). Each sprinkler station has anti-siphon valves.

There is a continuous loud noise like water is rushing or gurgling in all pipes inside house for the duration when sprinklers run. Noise comes only if main valve for sprinkler line is half open. If sprinkler's main valve is completely open then there is no noise while sprinklers run. I do not want to open it completely as sprinklers throw water too high and more water is wasted. I will try adjusting sprinkler heads to see if that helps but am wondering if there is something basic wrong with plumbing.


Thanks

Aside from the woefully under sized piping in the house -- It sounds like the installer omitted the Double Check on the sprinkler system.

And no -- The anti-siphon valves are not the same thing.

Also -- A properly calibrated Pressure Reducing Valve (one with a 15 to 25 PSI pressure range) on the sprinkler system would negate the need to limit the flow via the shut-off valve.

spid4me
May 18, 2007, 10:22 PM
Aside from the woefully under sized piping in the house -- It sounds like the installer omitted the Double Check on the sprinkler system.

Also -- A properly calibrated Pressure Reducing Valve (one with a 15 to 25 PSI pressure range) on the sprinkler system would negate the need to limit the flow via the shut-off valve.

Thanks for reply. Could you please elaborate on what is double check on the sprinkler system?

Is there a variable pressure reducing valve which should be used and calibrated?

iamgrowler
May 18, 2007, 11:42 PM
Thanks for reply. Could you please elaborate on what is double check on the sprinkler system?

Is there a variable pressure reducing valve which should be used and calibrated?

A double check prevents the water in the sprinkler piping from cross contaminating into the potable water system.

And yes, you should be able to find a 3/4" pressure reducing valve with an adjustable range of pressure between 15 and 25 PSI at a Plumbing supply house.