The advantages

Sometimes your drip system is so extensive that it needs more water than your faucet can provide at one time. One solution is to set up more than one circuit (zone) at the faucet with a multi-station valve assembly. Each circuit operates at a different time of day and the faucet output is now adequate because only part of your yard is irrigated at a time. You can easily set up two to six circuits served by one faucet.

Electrical power

The most popular multi-station valve assemblies are powered by AC house electricity rather than batteries. The advantage to using household current is that it is usually less expensive than batteries. The disadvantage is that the valve assembly will not operate during a power outage. There is a battery backup in the controller but it only serves to save the program you set.

A digital controller such as our TM7 is used to program the time of day and duration of operation for the valve for each circuit (zone). The controller operates on 24 volts provided by a small transformer that plugs into a house receptacle. The reason for using 24 volts is that it is safer than using full 120 volt household current and it still provides sufficient power to activate the valves.

A 3-station valve assembly suitable for drip irrigation

Installation

A multi-valve assembly is normally part of your house plumbing system. We recommend installation by a professional plumbing or irrigation contractor. Consult your local municipality, county or regional district for requirements such as master valves, backflow devices or anti-syphon valves.

Manifold

A 140-mesh filter, and any other required devices are installed prior to the multi-valve assembly. The manifold assembly is made up of a 3-port manifold (V9) and a 1" nipple (FA25) on each manifold port. Add a End Cap (V11) to close off the end of the manifold.

Attach AC valves (V6) to each port. Arrows on each component show you the direction of the water flow. If you are not using all three manifold ports, close the extra ports by adding a End Cap (V11).

Add an adaptor (FA24) to convert from 1" to 3/4" pipe threads. Add a pressure regulator such as the PR5, then an adaptor (FB20) to convert to 1/2" mainline tubing (T2100) that will serve as the mainline for your drip system.

All connections are hand tight only - no need for tools or glue. Use silicone tape (OE16) on all pipe threads. Three wraps of tape are usually sufficient. The 3-port manifold (V9) includes one o-ring at each port. The 1" nipples (FA25) come with one o-ring that is positioned against the AC valve.

Expanding the system

If you need six valves, add another 3-port manifold to the first manifold. If you want a total of four or five valves, add one or two single-port extensions (V8) to the manifold.

Maintenance

Flush the system before attaching your drip system mainline.

If you live in an area with freezing winter weather, move the entire valve assembly, filter and anti-syphon valve indoors until spring. If removal is difficult, all parts must be drained completely to avoid damage by freezing water.