irrigation leak detection Cancel The title field is required!

1. Jennings Dustin T

   
   1/14/2014 11:01 AM

   I have no pump station, we run on very simple city water system that is cut on with one valve that runs to the backflow preventor and then to the golf course irrigation. The backflow preventer recently froze and busted (the heater inside the valve box failed). While I am having it replaced, I am wondering is there some kind of technology that I can bolt to this pipe that will shut off the water in an emergency leak situation. Perhaps a flow sensing alarm that will shut a valve to minimize water loss through the entire system. Leaks really hurt us last year and we had to go several days without water at some points due to blowouts. We have very old pipe that tends to leak quite frequently and I think this would really help with future irrigation problems. Any help would be appreciated.

   
   
   
   
2. Michael Posey

   

   0 posts
   
   1/15/2014 1:01 AM

   http://www.grainger.com/search?searchQuery=leak+shutoff

   
   
   
   
3. Andy Jorgensen

   

   1 posts
   
   1/15/2014 5:01 AM

   It could be done using a flowmeter and master valve, however your entire control system would have to be linked together so that it knows that flow is more than intended in order to close the master valve. For instance, if you had three clocks running 8 stations total for a flow of 800 gpm, the addition of a leak would put the flow over the 800 gpm and close the master valve.
   
   We have Hunter clocks in our landscaping that are supplied via potable and are set up this way. The clocks can "learn" what the intended flow is supposed to be, and if a head is broken or a pipe leaks, the flow is higher than what is intended and the master valve shuts off. These are all linked back to a central computer and can still be controlled with a radio. Pretty cool.
   
   If you are making it to the GIS, stop in their booth. Or, call the Hunter rep in your area.