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    • Jun 6, 2022
    • 3 min read

HOW TO INSTALL SOLENOID VALVES (Irrigation)

In this video we discuss solenoid valves and walkthrough the components and fittings needed to set up your irrigation system.

First, we start by discussing solenoid valves where I’m using Claber 1” male solenoid valves.


The valves are controlled by a timer, similar to taps, which open and closes to let water through for irrigation. Each irrigation zone consists of a series of sprinklers operated by a solenoid valve and the whole system can be overridden by a rain sensor to ensure we do not irrigate when it’s raining. The solenoid valves are kept in a rectangular box to protect from the elements and keep unwanted pests nibbling the wires. Due to high humidity in the box, we use gel electrical wire connectors to make our connections to the Timer, but we’ll cover this and installing a rain sensor in a separate video.


The water source and pressure in your system will determine the size of your pipes and number of solenoid valves you may need to set up your irrigation zones. The Claber Colibri kit is a great starter kit to get you going and you can easily build on or expand your system to include more zones/ valves. I demonstrate in this video how to set up a solenoid valve and we then look at how to setup multiple valves. Thereafter, I also add live taps to the system should I need manual watering points or want to add drip irrigation.


My system starts by collecting rainwater from the cabin roof, where gutters and soil pipes feed to a 3400 litre underground tank. From here a Pressure pump pushes water to the sprinklers when the timer opens one of the valves. Opening the valve causes the pressure in the system to drop which effectively turns the pump on for a specified period of time. Once the valve closes, the pump switches off and the water in the pipes drains off through a drainage valve. This prevents water freezing in the pipes during cold spells where expanding ice would crack or damage the system. Once we’ve covered how to install solenoid valves, I mention a few handy tips such as how to cut pipes, make connections, marking pipes at intervals with electrical tape for identification and tools and components you may need for your installation.


You do not need to use Teflon or plumbers tape when working with plastic fittings.


Happy Irrigation!!

All the products and tools used in the video can be found in our shop or in the links below.

-- LINKS --


MDPE Pipes (20mm)

► 20mm MDPE Pipe (25m): https://geni.us/20mmMDPEpipe25m

► 20mm MDPE Pipe (50m): https://geni.us/20mmMDPEpipe50m

► 25mm MDPE Pipe (25m): https://geni.us/25mmMDPEpipe25m

► 25mm MDPE Pipe (50m): https://geni.us/25mmMDPEpipe50m



MDPE Fittings & Sprinklers

► Claber Solenoid Valves: https://geni.us/solenoidvalve

► 20mm MDPE Equal Tee: https://geni.us/20mmMDPEtee

► 25mm MDPE Equal Tee: https://geni.us/25mmMDPEtee

► 20mm Pipe liners: https://geni.us/20mmMDPEliners

► 25mm Pipe liners: https://geni.us/25mmMDPEliners

► MDPE Elbow Threaded male (20mm x ½”): https://geni.us/20mmMalethreadelbow

► Claber adj 350° Pop-Up Sprinkler: https://geni.us/Claberadjsprinkler

► Claber 360° Pop-Up Sprinkler: https://geni.us/Claberroundsprinkler

► Claber Square Area Pop-up Sprinkler: https://geni.us/Clabersquaresprinkler

Tools

► Water Pump Pliers: https://geni.us/waterpumppliers (Amazon)

► Pipe Cutters: https://geni.us/Pipecutters (Amazon)

► Electrical Insulation Tape: https://geni.us/electape (Amazon)


Necessities:

Freshly brewed Coffee: Lavazza Qualita Rossa (Arabica & Robusta Medium Roast), Coffee Mate & no sugar thanks

► Coffee ~ Freshly brewed: https://geni.us/LavCoffee

► Coffee creamer: https://geni.us/Coffeecreamer


Links to products and services may be affiliate links that provide a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I use Geniuslink to try and help ensure you are directed to the correct countries Amazon website. ______________________________


-- TIMESTAMPS –

00:00 Intro: How to Connect Solenoid Valves

01:45 Step 1: Water Source (Rainwater harvesting system)

02:39 Step 2: System pressure (Impact)

03:13 Step 3: Solenoid Valves (Basic Setup)

05:33 Step 4: Solenoid Valves (Multiple Zones)

08:10 Step 5: Adding Water taps

10:47 Step 6: Handy Tips

11:56 Outro

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  • INSTALL YOUR POP UP SPRINKLER SYSTEM - https://youtu.be/C-HQBnHwI-s

  • POP UP SPRINKLER COMPONENTS - https://youtu.be/5wpe2HN5swA

  • HOW TO CONNECT MDPE FITTINGS - https://youtu.be/QDJ2gUNuf-Q

  • HOW TO UNROLL WATER PIPES - https://youtu.be/8f0ZSfBYcvM

  • MDPE PIPES, ADDING FITTINGS & SPRINKLER - https://youtu.be/v01xlQjelYM


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