Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | Jul 14, 2000 01:03am | #1

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   I used a special connection to go from copper to plastic. It was a couple of years ago so I don't remember exactly what it was but a sprinkler supply house would have what you need. Also I made sure that the supply house was open when I turned off the water and cut the main line! Didn't want to have no water for the night. Good thing too, I guessed wrong on the main line size! I'm sure you know to put a backflow device in too?

1. 
   Guest_ | Jul 14, 2000 02:17am | #2

   *compression fittings eliminate having to solder. I don't do alot of plumbing but when I do, I ALWAYS use compression fittings. I don't do new construction so most of the time, there's a little drip at the shut off valve, the copper's pitted and dirty, I've got to use a torch against something flamable, never again. I'm three times faster with compression fittings.If you're trying to go from copper to PVC, there are compression x pvc couplers available.

1. 
   Guest_ | Jul 14, 2000 02:19am | #3

   *I install a "Y", after the main shutoff. One leg goes to the water heater, and one leg goes to another shutoff for the irrigation system. Copper off the shutoff, and then a coupler from the copper to the PVC. PVC to the individual 1" valves from there.

2. 
   Mike_McBride | Jul 14, 2000 02:47am | #4

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   Is the PVC flexible like a hose? If flexible I wouldn't have to cut and glue any connections.....

   Mike

1. 
   Mike_McBride | Jul 14, 2000 02:52am | #5

   *Oh yes, we do the right thing: double check valve and backflow preventors, etc etc. Just want to do the water supply plumbing faster than having to cut pipe pices, clean, flux and sweat with a torch. A lot of houses have finished basements and the water main isn't anywhere near where the sprinkler feed should exit the house. Using a flexible hose would make it go quicker.Mike

3. 
   Guest_ | Jul 14, 2000 03:00am | #6

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   I am sure you have thought of this but whatever yu do I would put a valve in a box between the main and any controlls.

1. 
   Guest_ | Jul 14, 2000 03:52am | #7

   *No the pipe is not flexible. It's PVC, so you need to run to the main valve, (like Josh suggests), then onto your system. It is very easy if a doofus like me can do it! You do need to plan out how the boxes and valves go together and where you are going to put them.

4. 
   Mike_McBride | Jul 14, 2000 05:00am | #8

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   Scrapr, I'm looking for something flexible like a hose with at least a 3/4" inside diameter.

   Something that can handle typical "street pressure" around 60 p.s.i.

   Mike

5. 
   Guest_ | Jul 15, 2000 12:59pm | #9

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   PEX

1. 
   Guest_ | Jul 15, 2000 01:35pm | #10

   *Ever thought of hiring a qualified/licensed plumber? In all of the responses I see to date, I see nothing but a host of code violations and leaks waiting to happen. There's a reason copper pipe with sweat joints should be used, there's a reason an a ir gap must be installed...In today's economy you can't afford not to do the job right! Hell, I hire a landscaper to take care of landscaping, why cant he hire me to take care of plumbing?

1. 
   Guest_ | Jul 15, 2000 01:57pm | #11

   *i "In all of the responses I see to date, I see nothing but a host of code violations and leaks waiting to happen."Please expound, we're always looking to learn some code detail we don't know.

1. 
   Guest_ | Jul 15, 2000 01:59pm | #12

   *PVC is that white, rigid plastic pipe. Not flexible. But easy to cut, fittings just get glued together, easier than copper.

6. 
   Paul_Longridge | Jul 15, 2000 04:17pm | #13

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   You should also be aware of the grounding system in the house, and how interrupting the copper service with plastic may effect it. I have seen several cases where sprinkler installers cut into the water service after the ground wire connection, leaving the house's electrical system at risk.

1. 
   Mike_McBride | Jul 16, 2000 05:57am | #14

   *Everyone,Jerry may have it right....PEX. 1" PEX would do the trick.Thomas & Paul: Currently I do everything correctly and to CODE, with copper. And I understand about "ground" for a house (a ground rod is also required). I've seen those PVC compression tee's; a heavy gauge jumper-wire and clamps would be needed.I'd rather use a copper tee and a conversion fitting to PEX.Mike

7. 
   Mike_McBride | Jul 16, 2000 06:35am | #15

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   I'm a landscaper on Long Island in NY and we also install lawn sprinkler systems. Since we don't do plumbing all the time I'm not very fast at sweating pipe when connecting to the water main line. I'm looking for a faster method, something like flexible plastic pipe that I can connect at the water main and then snake it up and around and out to the sprinkler controls without making any solder joints.

   Any suggestions?

   Thanks

   Mike

8. 
   Guest_ | Jul 16, 2000 06:35am | #16

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   Mike,

   Sorry for the one-word answer (I was short on time). I guess you got the idea anyway; "a copper tee and a conversion fitting to PEX" is exactly what I had in mind. Don't forget that PEX is feeze resistant as well.

   Also an Islander,
   Jerry