The debate of whether sprinkler valves can be installed vertically has been long discussed by irrigation professionals.
Installation of these valves in a vertical position is now widely accepted and supported across the industry, even allowing for some minor advantages over the traditional horizontal placement.
Statistical studies from leading experts have shown vertical placement can actually improve water efficiency by up to 35%.
Why Install Vertically?
There are several reasons for the change in installation preference from horizontal to vertical. The most common reason is that it takes up less floor space.
This is due to the fact that when installed horizontally, the entire valve must be placed on the floor, while only a small portion of the valve needs to touch the ground when installed vertically.
This leaves more room for other objects and equipment in the area, as well as makes it easier to clean around and beneath the valve.
In addition, when many valves are installed in close proximity to each other, a vertical installation can provide better access to each individual valve for maintenance and repairs.
Another common reason given for choosing a vertical installation is that it eliminates or greatly reduces the chance of freezing damage to the valve during cold weather months.
Freezing damage occurs when the water inside the valve expands and breaks the internal components while they are frozen solid.
When installed vertically, there is less chance of this happening because any water remaining in the valve will drain out completely, leaving it dry.
Even if water does become trapped inside, it will have a much harder time freezing and damaging the valve when installed vertically.
The final reason given for choosing vertical installation is simply aesthetics. Many people believe that a row of neatly arranged sprinkler valves looks better than a messy jumble of hoses and valves lying on the ground.
While this may not be a concern for some people, others find it important enough to warrant changing their installation method.
No matter what your reasons are for wanting to install your sprinkler valves vertically, there are a few things you should keep in mind before proceeding.
Considerations Before Installation
While installing your sprinkler valves in a vertical position does offer some advantages, there are also some potential disadvantages that you should be aware of before making your final decision.
One such disadvantage is that installing sprinkler valves vertically can make them more difficult (and therefore more expensive) to repair if they become damaged.
This is due to the fact that most manufacturers design their products to be installed horizontally, meaning that parts and pieces may not line up correctly when installed vertically.
In addition, some components may need to be specially ordered or modified in order to fit correctly, which can add both time and expense to your repair bill.
Another thing to consider before installing your sprinkler valves vertically is how easy they will be to access maintenance and repairs.
If you have many valves installed close together, you may find it difficult to reach each one individually without moving or removing other components first.
In addition, if your sprinkler system is located in an area that is difficult to reach or see (such as under a deck or behind bushes), you may have difficulty finding and accessing your valves at all if they are installed vertically.
Conclusion:
Installing your sprinkler valves in a vertical position does offer some advantages, such as taking up less floor space and being easier to access for maintenance and repairs.
However, there are also some potential disadvantages that you should be aware of before making your final decision, such as increased difficulty (and therefore cost) of repairs down the road.
No matter what your reasons are for wanting to install your sprinkler valves vertically, be sure to weigh all pros and cons carefully before proceeding with the installation.
I’m Carlos Robert, a passionate gardener, and blogger. With years of experience and knowledge in the field of garden watering, I have created a blog to share my insights and tips on the topic. I strive to provide readers with detailed information about all aspects of sprinkler systems, from garden sprinklers to fire sprinklers, along with nozzles, hoses, and other related products. I love helping my readers create the perfect garden with their ideal setup!