Thread: sprinkler shut off before main shut off

guys- i have never seen this before. the sprinkler shut off before the main shut off. doesn't seem right to me. any thoughts CVF--TRYING TO UPLOAD PHOTO

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SORRY CAN'T UPLOAD PHOTO anyone help--i click on upload photos and nothing happens

Originally Posted by CHARLIE VAN FLEET

guys- i have never seen this before. the sprinkler shut off before the main shut off. doesn't seem right to me. any thoughts CVF--TRYING TO UPLOAD PHOTO

- - - Updated - - -

SORRY CAN'T UPLOAD PHOTO anyone help--i click on upload photos and nothing happens

Normal in my area. You want the structure protected if the water is turned off at the main cutoff. You still have the cutoff at the meter.

photo i hope

Hi Charlie,

When you click "Upload Photo" a new window pops up. Any chance your browser is blocking the pop-up?

I see it all the time in my area. They usually want street pressure and not pressure after the regulator.
If needed, they can always shut off at the meter.

here is photo yeah

Nothing wrong with doing it as shown, however, if water pressure before the PRV is over 80 psi then there is a problem.

Originally Posted by Rick Cantrell

Nothing wrong with doing it as shown, however, if water pressure before the PRV is over 80 psi then there is a problem.

Why is there a problem? Sprinkler systems typically can withstand a much higher pressure, and the pressure for the domestic fixture system has been reduced to 80 psi or below.

Originally Posted by Jerry Peck

Why is there a problem? Sprinkler systems typically can withstand a much higher pressure, and the pressure for the domestic fixture system has been reduced to 80 psi or below.

I should have said, could be a problem.

Is a portion of the sprinkler line (unregulated water pressure) inside the building footprint?
Does the sprinkler also feed the hose bib(s)?

Originally Posted by Rick Cantrell

Is a portion of the sprinkler line (unregulated water pressure) inside the building footprint?
Does the sprinkler also feed the hose bib(s)?

I would hope that the sprinkler does not feed the hose bibb (not sure why it would?).

Granted, that sprinkler line in the photo is copper and I don't know what the maximum pressure rating of that copper system is, but it is not uncommon for CPVC sprinkler systems to have 150 psi and greater (I've seen some at 200 psi) and the sprinkler piping is, naturally, within the footprint of the building (has to be for the heads to be in the right areas).

The maximum 80 psi pressure limitation is for the domestic water system, not the fire sprinkler system. The piping is not the concern for the pressure in the domestic water system as much as it is for the pressure at the fixtures and appliances (one example is that the water heater T&P would open if the domestic water pressure was 150 psi).

THIS IS THE IRRIGATION SPRINKLER SYSTEM

Originally Posted by CHARLIE VAN FLEET

THIS IS THE IRRIGATION SPRINKLER SYSTEM

Why didn't you say so?

Separate shutoffs for the outdoor faucets. This might have been done to give them higher pressure. It is done that way here sometimes. Good info to pass on to the new owners.

I've set them up this way on purpose in the past. It allows one to keep the irrigation system working while the house water is shut off, for maintenance or a vacation, or to shut down the sprinklers for repairs without killing the house water.

I see this from time to time.....not a problem.

This installation appears to be code compliant as long as a backflow prevention device is installed on the irrigation piping to prevent cross contamination with the potable water system.