Re: Confused about GPM - New Sprinkler System


"Edwin Pawlowski" <esp@xxxxxxxx> wrote in message
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"J.A. Michel" <jm44316@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
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I'm designing a sprinkler system for my yard. This will be a fairly
complex system, as the area to be watered is fairly large. I'm going to
DIY install the system. I have a good handle on most everything that
needs to done, however, I need help determining my available flow in GPM.

Neither of your measurments is accurate because of restrictions in the
valves. You need to measure the flow at the open end of the pipe.

According to my Pocket Ref, a 1" nozzle at 60 psi can have a flow rate of
232 gpm. There will be friction losses too. A 1/4" nozzle would have the
14 gpm that you measured. Considering the opening at the valve stem, that
may be correct. Even your water meter will have some restrictions in it,
as does your main valve.

232 GPM? Maybe from a fire hydrant, but not a house. Perhaps it's 23.2?





Second question:
The spot where I plan to tap for the system is about 4ft after the
watermeter. The pipe is 3/4" copper. To maximize flow, should I replace
the 3/4" with 1"? Or will such a short length of pipe matter? I plan to
use 1 1/4" PVC going to the zone valves as well. Is this OK?

The flow will be restricted by the smallest pipe diameter on the water's
path. The 1 1/4" going to the zone vales will not improve anything.
Changing the 3/4" line will only help if the meter is not restricted down
to that size.

Agreed. The short section of 3/4" will be replaced with 1" copper, and main
to the zones will be 1"pipe.


There are other ways to assure the flow you need. Since you have zone
valves, set the timer to do different zones at different times. Not every
portion of your lawn needs the same amount of water anyway. An please,
don't be like some of the idiots that have the sprinklers on in the rain.

Agreed. I'll try not to.


Smarter would be to plant a yard that does not need added water to
thrive.


I have no yard right now. Anything I plant will require water.


As water becomes more difficult to supply, large yards with perfectly
manicured lawns will be looked on by society in the same category as
smokers and Hummer drivers.

Spare me the tree hugger bullshit!!

I want a really nice green perfectly manicured yard, and I don't rightly
give a shit what the tree-huggers say.
That's why I'm putting the system in.<duh> I also am a smoker, if that
makes a difference. My employer
has a major contract to machine parts for a fire supression systems that are
installed aboard HumVees. Those
Hummers are wonderful vehicles, which are bringing home our men and women in
uniform who would have
otherwise come home in a body bag. If someone wants to drive a humvee on
the street, that's fine with me! It's their money
after all. The tree huggers that whine about hummers are just jealous that
they can't afford one.




.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Confused about GPM - New Sprinkler System
    ... You need to measure the flow at the open end of the pipe. ... Even your water meter will have some restrictions in it, ... use 1 1/4" PVC going to the zone valves as well. ... The 1 1/4" going to the zone vales will not improve anything. ...
    (alt.home.repair)
  • Re: Pipeline a danger to lake baikal
    ... Adding shutdown valves at key points ... on the pipe sounds a lot cheaper to me than going the long way round. ... how regularly they have valves along a route like this. ... that is a small flow compared to 30 km. ...
    (uk.business.agriculture)
  • Re: Pipeline a danger to lake baikal
    ... Adding shutdown valves at key points ... on the pipe sounds a lot cheaper to me than going the long way round. ... how regularly they have valves along a route like this. ... that is a small flow compared to 30 km. ...
    (uk.business.agriculture)
  • Re: zoned hot water system problem
    ... My previous house had only one pump and three zone ... I think whoever did the zone work did not set up the system ... From what I read about these flo-control valves they will ... allow flow with a minimal amount of pressure just not gravity flow from ...
    (alt.home.repair)
  • Re: Pipeline a danger to lake baikal
    ... Adding shutdown valves at key points ... on the pipe sounds a lot cheaper to me than going the long way round. ... how regularly they have valves along a route like this. ... that is a small flow compared to 30 km. ...
    (uk.business.agriculture)