Another brand's irrigation system: when to replace the solenoid valves

It is a situation that can come up fairly often: you are called out to a job and find that a solenoid valve no longer opens, but the rest of the system works. Or the controller is outdated, while the pipes and sprinklers are still in good condition. At this point you have to decide what to do: is it better to work on a few components or to redo everything?

The right answer starts with checking the existing system. Replacing a component can be the most sensible choice, provided the new one is compatible with the connections, operating conditions and control system already in place.

RN 154: when replacing the solenoid valve is enough

Imagine opening the valve box of an existing system and finding a Rain Bird DV 1″ FxF solenoid valve or a Hunter PGV 1″ FxF solenoid valve. If the problem lies with the valve and the rest of the system is in good condition, there is no need to plan to replace the entire system straight away.

In situations like these, our 1″ RN 154 model with female connections is designed specifically for this type of job: its 11.2 cm length makes it interchangeable with valves from other brands, without having to modify the existing pipework.

Before going ahead, always check the connections and the space available in the valve box, as well as the flow rate and operating pressure of the zone and the type of solenoid required by the controller.

In installations fitted with the patented Manifold system, the ring nut also makes subsequent maintenance easier, allowing the solenoid valve to be removed and replaced quickly and without tools.

A targeted replacement, with the quality of our manufacturing

When you replace a solenoid valve in an existing system, compatibility is the first requirement. It also matters to know how the component you are installing was made and tested.

We design and manufacture solenoid valves, controllers, valve boxes and accessories in-house. Our Industry 4.0 production process integrates digital tools and computerised quality controls.

Every one of our solenoid valves, including the RN 154, is water-tested individually before it leaves the factory.

We also trace solenoid valves and controllers not by batch, but by product number. It is a quality choice that makes after-installation support easier: for the installer, it is one more factor to consider when proposing a replacement built to last.

After the valve, look at how the system is managed

Fixing the fault is the priority. During the site visit, however, it is worth asking the customer whether the current programming still meets their needs: can they change the times easily? Who manages the irrigation when they are away? Does the installer have to come back on site for every adjustment?

If the existing controller has become a limitation, you can propose an upgrade to the Vision system. Our controllers are managed via app and can be controlled over the internet by adding a connectivity device on the Wi-Fi or mobile network. The choice depends on the characteristics of the system, the power supply available and what the customer wants to be able to control.

So another brand’s system does not automatically mean starting again from scratch. Check what works, replace what is needed and consider whether it is time to make irrigation management simpler too.

Discover the RN 154 and the Vision solutions to find the right configuration for your next job.