Copper pipe flow meter install - Getting Started / Wireless Flow Meter - Rachio Community
Copper pipe flow meter install
post by scorp508 on Jun 9, 2018
Anyone done an install on copper pipe?
post by brad on Jun 9, 2018
Yep! Here’s my 3/4" copper install:
post by azdavidr on Jun 10, 2018
So a certain amount of 1" copper required on the side connecting to the backflow preventer? I’m getting mine installed into 3/4" copper too.
post by brad on Jun 10, 2018
Yes @azdavidr, you need at least 6" of 1" pipe upstream from the flow meter. It could also be 1" PVC, but I liked the look of all copper.
post by azdavidr on Jun 10, 2018
Great, thanks @brad !
post by Kubisuro on Jun 10, 2018
Definitely helpful to see real-world installations — will help me design a new irrigation tie-in to my house plumbing. The previous home owners really blew it (esp. with respect to no backflow and below grade valves with anti-siphon) on their install. I literally have no idea how they connected to the main water supply as they did it subsurface; I suspect a basic PVC T and nothing more. I digress. Neat copper pipe photo. I’ve always been fascinated by Sharkbite though doubt I’ll need to use them. Elsewhere, I usually chicken out and end up calling a plumber :-p
post by knighti10 on Jun 10, 2018
Here is what mine looks like. I used 1 in PVC to 3/4 in Copper Ball Valves, but would have preferred to use straight 1 in PVC to 3/4 in Copper coupling, but could not find any. All Looks ok aesthetically, I suppose it gives me the ability to isolate and may just remove the handles later. All works fine, some calibrations issue at first, but all sorted to now.
Picture:
post by emil on Jun 10, 2018
@knighti10, just to confirm, do you have 3/4" copper? Have you calibrated your zones already?
post by knighti10 on Jun 10, 2018
Yes, 3/4 copper and calibrated all zones except 1 as it is small and below 0.5GPM…
post by knighti10 on Jun 10, 2018
There is another challenge with the Flow meter, the inlet / outlets are not long enough and now the Sharkbite takes up the whole length of the fitting and you will not be able to get the Sharkbite release tool in there.
post by franz on Jun 10, 2018
Can’t wait to see it!
post by brad on Jun 10, 2018
Hi @knighti10, I do have some concerns about your install. We have seen inconsistent readings with the ball valves on both ends of the flow meter. This is due to the change in size from 3/4" to 1" and those ball valves have a particularly small opening.
That said, I totally understand your concerns about getting the sharkbites off. Have no fear! I did the same thing as you to test and was able to get the sharkbites off.
post by knighti10 on Jun 10, 2018
Brad, thanks for the reply my serial # F15747195. On the installation web site for 3/4 Copper the links to the fittings for Home Depot, Lowes and SupplyCenter shows ball valves, so that needs to change…
post by brad on Jun 10, 2018
Thanks for sharing your serial number. I’m looking up your information and will get back to you shortly.
post by knighti10 on Jun 10, 2018
Before sending a new meter if required, yes pls review calibration data, these were from Lowes and yes the restrictions from 1 in PVC to 3/4 Copper is a smaller gap in the valve, so understand reading may be off.
post by brad on Jun 10, 2018
Hi @knighti10, the article does link to the ball valve but it’s only to be used on the downstream end as illustrated in this image at the top:
post by knighti10 on Jun 10, 2018
The meter seems to be working now. It may be due to the fact that most of your zones run well below 10 GPM where we start to see issues without the 6" run of 1".
post by azdavidr on Jun 10, 2018
I’m scheduled to have mine installed tomorrow so this is pretty timely. I have several tree and shrub zones that are on drip.
post by azdavidr on Jun 10, 2018
For ¾- inch copper or Poly pipe, you will need 16 inches of straight pipe between the backflow preventer and valve box. - For accurate flow measurement, there must be 6 inches of 1-inch pipe before the Flow Meter.
post by DLane on Jun 10, 2018
@azdavidr - I’ll take a stab at it...
post by emil on Jun 10, 2018
Looks like you have plenty of room to install the flow meter on the lower portion of the house.
post by azdavidr on Jun 10, 2018
I’m also wondering where you think a good spot is for the unit given these requirements.
post by azdavidr on Jun 11, 2018
Sorry, one more question @brad or @emil.
post by emil on Jun 12, 2018
Sorry @azdavidr, behind on my community posts today.
post by bde on Jun 18, 2018
@nmstough Because a 1" PVC X 3/4" CTS (Copper Tube Size) SharkBite reducing coupler does not exist, hence the recommendation to use that ball valve.
post by jjon90 on Jun 22, 2018
post by azdavidr on Jun 22, 2018
Nice install @jjon90 !