How to Install a Lawn Sprinkler Relief Valve

Relief valves are a critical piece for maintaining your micro or drip sprinkler lines on your lawn. Air pressure that's forced out of sprinkler nozzles can damage nozzles. Relief valves allow air that is trapped inside the pipes to escape the system without damaging your sprinkler heads. Relief valves also prevent the phenomenon known as water hammer, in which water blasts dangerously hard against pipe fixtures when turned on. When installing a sprinkler system underground, it's critical to install a relieve valve at the end of the line.

Things You'll Need

• Drip or micro sprinkler line
• Scissors or PVC cutters
• Air relief valve with quick-connect base

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Locate the end of the sprinkler drip line. Identify the end of the line by following the supply line to the sprinkler head that sits furthest from the supply line.

   • 2

     Cut off the end of the sprinkler line using scissors or PVC cutters.

   • 3

     Press the end of the cut pipe into the opening on the base of the relief valve. Press the pipe firmly into place until it will not go any further into the relieve valve inlet.

   • 4

     Bury the supply line as needed, but make sure the head of the relief valve is above the surface. This is where air will escape from the line. The base of the relief valve may be installed underground.