How To: Install a Water Connection for Irrigation
Water Connection Basics
There are all number of ways of connecting your irrigation system to your mains. Plenty of people do it right, and a great deal do it wrong. The important thing is, that when you do it, you do it safely. Where to Install
The most common & logical place to install your water connection is near an existing garden tap. It’s the first place an irrigation serviceman would look if any work needs to be done & it is often at a central point in the yard. Key Components
A properly installed water connection achieves 2 things: Isolation of the Irrigation System if things go wrong & prevention of water supply contamination. And this is done with the inclusion of a sufficient Backflow (or “Check”) Valve* & a Shut­Off Valve (eg: Ball Valve or Gate Valve). Everything in the water connection must be rated to suit the constant pressure of the water supply so typically, water connections in mains water applications are Brass. *Consult your local Water Authority for backflow requirements Typical Water Connection Installation
We recommend connecting to your water supply from behind an existing tap. By doing this you are still able to use your existing tap as well as have a tidy, non­obtrusive connection. This installation example is for connection behind a standard 20mm Garden Tap which typically has a 15mm Male Thread screwed into a 15mm Female Fitting. *Note: Some areas of Australia have 20mm brass connections behind the tap as standard, please adjust the sizing if applicable What You’ll Need
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Brass Tee 15mm Brass Nipple 15mm Brass Ball Valve 15mm M&F Brass Nipple 20mm x 15mm Brass Dual Check Valve 20mm Teflon Tape Multi­Grips Instructions
1. Turn off Mains Water Supply.
To avoid a flood, make sure you turn off the water, then open your tap to release the remaining static pressure. 2. Unscrew Existing Tap from outlet.
3. Apply Teflon Tape to all exposed Male Threads
Teflon allows for a water tight seal as well as easier installation. We recommend a minimum of 15 rotations for pressure applications. 4. Screw on Fittings
Starting from the Water Supply, screw on 15mm Brass Nipple where the Tap was previously installed. Then the Brass Tee. Downward from Tee, screw the Ball Valve, remaining Nipple & Dual Check Valve in order. Tighten with Multi­Grips. 5. Re-Connect Tap
Using the exposed outlet on the Brass Tee, re­connect the Existing Brass Tap. Tighten with Multi­Grips. 6. Turn On Water Supply
Again, to avoid a flood, ensure Ball Valve & Tap are shut off. Turn on the water supply & your water connection is complete!