Reticulation solenoids are an important part of any reticulation, or sprinkler, system. These solenoids are responsible for controlling the flow of water to the various sprinkler heads in your garden or lawn, allowing you to accurately and efficiently hydrate your plants.
A reticulation solenoid is a type of electromagnetic valve that opens and closes to regulate the flow of water. When the reticulation system is activated, a signal is sent to the solenoid, which opens the valve and allows water to flow through. When the system is deactivated, the solenoid closes the valve and stops the flow of water.
Reticulation solenoids are typically located near the main water supply for the reticulation system, and are connected to the various sprinkler heads via pipes. This allows the solenoid to control the flow of water to each individual sprinkler head, allowing you to customize the watering for your specific garden or lawn.
There are several different types of reticulation solenoids available, each designed for specific purposes and environments. Some common types include:
24VAC solenoids: These solenoids are designed to operate on a 24VAC electrical system, and are commonly used in residential reticulation systems.
DC latching solenoids: These solenoids use a DC electrical signal to open and close the valve, and can be turned on and off with a single pulse of electricity. This makes them particularly energy-efficient, and they are often used in battery-powered reticulation systems.
Flow Control solenoids. FC solenoids can come in AC and DC latching versions, and are generally used when the flow of water needs to be regulated, especially useful in drip irrigation applications, or if there are a smaller number of sprinklers running on any one station.
When choosing reticulation solenoids for your system, it's important to consider the size and layout of your garden or lawn, as well as the type of plants you have. This will help you select the right solenoids to provide the best possible hydration for your plants.
Locating reticulation solenoids is an important step in maintaining and repairing your reticulation, or sprinkler, system. If you need to locate your reticulation solenoids, there are a few steps you can follow to help you find them:
Look near the main water supply. Reticulation solenoids are typically located near the main water supply for the reticulation system. This is often cut in tot he mains water feed near your water meter on the verge.
Follow the pipes. Once you've located the main water supply, you can follow the pipes that lead away from it to find the reticulation solenoids. These pipes will typically be covered with a valve box with a Green plastic removable lid.
Check the control panel. Most reticulation systems have a control panel that allows you to activate and deactivate the various zones or areas of the garden. Some controllers have a function to buzz or chatter the valves making it easy to locate them by listening to the ground while they are being activated.
Consult the install drawings. If you're still having trouble locating your reticulation solenoids, you can try consulting your original installation diagrams for your reticulation system. This should have detailed information about the location of the various components of the system, including the solenoids.
If all else fails consult a professional. Purely Irrigation use high tech valve scanning technology to locate the exact position of your solenoids and your wiring routes.
Once you've located your reticulation solenoids, you can perform the necessary maintenance or repairs to keep your reticulation system functioning properly. This may involve cleaning or replacing the solenoids, or adjusting the flow of water to the various zones or areas of your garden.
Overall, reticulation solenoids are an essential part of any reticulation system, allowing you to control the flow of water to your garden or lawn and ensure that your plants receive the hydration they need to thrive.