3-in-1 Micro Irrigation Valve Instructions #
Important Information
For outdoor use with cold water only.
Check local codes for installation requirements.
If static water pressure exceeds 80 PSI, install a pressure regulator on the main sprinkler line.
Pressure test all water lines and electrically test all connections before covering pipe and control wire.
Warning: DO NOT use pipe dope on threads, use thread seal tape.
Place the manifold so that water drains away from the house.
Protect the 3-in-1 Micro Irrigation Valve Instructions with a valve box and place gravel under the valves for drainage.
Installation Instructions #
1. Attaching the Valves #
Apply thread seal tape generously on both male threaded ends and hand tighten the Drip Tubing Adapter or Blu-lock adapter (sold separately) on the male threaded outlet (note the arrow between the valve and filter for water flow direction). The use of a union at the inlet of each valve will allow for easy valve maintenance. Connect to a water source.
Important: Do not over-tighten or use pipe joint compound.
2. Attaching Drip Tubing #
Slide tubing into the adapter until 1″ of the tubing is inserted in the fitting.
Note: The drip tubing adapter fits 1/2″ distribution tubing from .630 OD to .710 OD. The Blu-Lock pipe adapter fits either 1 inch or 3/4 inch HDPE / MDPE / LLDPE (Poly) pipe with a SIDR 15 or 19.
3. Running the Wire #
Connect the valve to a Hydro-Rain irrigation controller or a residential 24-volt sprinkler controller with the power off. Use a multicolored, multi-strand jacketed sprinkler wire or an AC Two-wire decoder. Using multi-strand wire ensures the wire has at least one more strand than the number of valves in the manifold. Trench and run the wire to the valves in the same trench as the hydraulic lines. In areas, you will frequently be digging, using a section of PVC or galvanized pipe as a protective covering is recommended.
4. Wiring the Valve(s) #
Attach a colored wire to one valve wire on the solenoid and a common (white) wire to the other wire on the solenoid. It doesn’t matter which solenoid wire you use as the common. Attach the colored wires to the corresponding zone terminal in the timer and the common wire to the common connection in the timer. Use standard 20 gauge irrigation wire for distances less than 800 feet and 18 gauge wire for over 800 feet. Use a Hydro-Rain Speed-Seal wire nut or grease cap and wire nut at each valve connection (see figure below). Also, waterproof any splices made along the run.
5. Close the Sprinkler Valves #
Make sure the bleed lever is rotated clockwise to OFF.
6. Test the System #
After installing all the pipe and fittings, allow 24 hours or sufficient time for the PVC glued joints to dry, turn the water supply on and check for leaks with the valves closed. The valves may come on momentarily while initially pressurizing the line but shut off in a few moments.
7. Open Valves #
Turn the manual bleed lever counter-clockwise to open the valve manually. Check the downstream pipe and fittings for leaks. Now close the bleed lever. The valve will shut off in a few moments. The system can now be controlled electrically from the timer or manually by opening the internal manual bleed lever.
Caution: This valve is designed for electronic operation, frequently using the manual operation of the valve with the internal manual bleed lever. This type of manual operation is for troubleshooting and occasional use.
8. Draining #
In freezing areas, drain the valves and lines. Refer to your irrigation contractor or local distributor for recommending appropriate drain points. To ensure the electric valves are entirely drained in the fall, turn off the main sprinkler shut-off valve and electrically run each valve dry for a few minutes. Turn the timer to the OFF position until next spring.
9. Filter Cleaning Service #
Your 4-in-1 Drip valve filter will require routine servicing.
Monthly
Use the flush port to clean large debris from the filter (adjust frequency based on your water condition). Before flushing, ensure that the irrigation controller is in the OFF position. Next, remove the flush cap and attach a garden hose to the filter housing. Rotate the bleed lever counter-clockwise to manually open the valve and let the water run for 30 seconds. Turn the bleed lever clockwise to close the valve and replace the flush cap.
Annually
Remove the fine debris from the filter. With your controller in the OFF position, remove the filter housing by unscrewing the housing ring. Gently remove the filter and flush with clean water. When complete, ensure that all four o-rings are in place. Replace housing and hand tighten the housing ring.
