Questions and Answers for Rain Bird 3/4 in. FPT Professional Grade Anti-Siphon Irrigation Valve with Flow Control

A:  For automatic operation, the solenoid should be in the OFF position. That said, you can manually override your automatic controller and turn your sprinklers on at the valve with a turn of the solenoid. To turn on (open) the valve, turn the solenoid 1/4 turn counterclockwise; this opens the valve. The sprinklers will continue to run until you turn the solenoid back in the clockwise direction (snugly), but do not over-tighten. If you would like additional help, please feel free to contact our technical support at 1-800-RAIN BIRD (800-724-6247) and we’d be more than happy to assist.

A:  Typically, parts from one manufacturer are not compatible with another. If you're retaining your existing valve, but looking for replacement parts, we recommend you reach out to the manufacturer of that product.

A:  As long as your main water line coming into and out of the valve is 3/4", then the Rain Bird 3/4" Anti-Siphon Irrigation Valve with Flow Control is an appropriate replacement. If you would like additional help, please feel free to contact our technical support at 1-800-RAIN BIRD (800-724-6247) and we’d be more than happy to assist.

A:  If water is leaking around the pipe connections, you'll want to tighten the connections, using PTFE thread tape only. However, if there's leaking between the bonnet and body, check that the diaphragm washer is properly in place. You'll also want to tighten the bonnet screws. If you're still experiencing issues after evaluating the aforementioned, we’d love to walk you through the steps to troubleshoot. Just reach out to our technical support at 1-800-RAIN BIRD (800-724-6247) so we can help.

A:  Anti-siphon valves must be installed at least 6" above the highest point of water in the pipe and sprinklers it serves in order for the backflow device to work properly. That means 6" above the highest sprinkler when its stem is in the down position. If you would like additional help in setting up the valve, please feel free to contact our technical support at 1-800-RAIN BIRD (800-724-6247) and we’d be more than happy to assist.

A:  If your valve slams on/off (i.e., water hammer), it may be due to a number of reasons: (1) Excessive water pressure - Install pressure regulator on line before valves to reduce pressure. (2) Valve closing/opening mechanism worn - Replace diaphragm with model number appropriate for your valve. (3) Air bubble in line shut off water at main - Shut off valve and drain the line to release air bubble. Slowly refill the line. (4) Pipe is too small for the flow - Use larger pipe which will slow the velocity of water leading up to the valve and reduce water hammer. Please feel free to reach out to our technical support at 1-800-RAIN BIRD (800-724-6247), and we'd be more than happy to help you troubleshoot.

A:  I'm not sure this is a malfunction. The popping sound you hear is probably caused by the valve being forcibly closed by water pressure. Looking online I see that high water pressure in the irrigation system can cause noisy valve operation. If I had this problem I would check the system water pressure.

A:  We're sorry to hear about the the troubles your having with the Rain Bird Anti-Siphon Valve. If you're still experiencing issues, we’d love to walk you through the steps to troubleshoot. Just reach out to our technical support at 1-800-RAIN BIRD (800-724-6247) so we can help.

A:  This valve does not have a dedicated port to blow out lines when winterizing your irrigation system. When winterizing with anti-siphon valves, professional contractors typically do it different ways. Some will will remove the back flow when they winterized, while others may remove the valve itself to blow out the system and then place an insulating blanket over the valves for the winter so parts don't freeze.