Potential BIG problem: need experienced advise! Please.

16 years ago

I spent a whole lot of time, effort and money installing a sprinkler system.

Had the whole thing done but was experiencing one leaky valve.

I opened the valve (diaphram) top and used my shop vac to suck out the dirt / pebbles / water

I didn't think at the time that the negative pressure inside the pipe might cause a problem.

Now, when the system is pressurized (water is pumped into the system) there is a water hammer (when all valves are closed) that wasn't there before.

I am not 100% sure I damaged the system with the vaccuum but, thats what it seems.

HOW DO I GO ABOUT FIXING THIS PROBLEM without digging the whole things back up????

Thanks!

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Comments (4)

davebarnes21
Original Author
16 years ago
after doing some reading it seems the system is likely drawing in air (or drew it in at one time).

I tried opening multiple valves manually and quickly turning on the main to 'sweep' out the air - that didn't work.

tonight I connected the system to compressed air at 50psi. It didn't hold - comp refilled but no noise of leaks.

Any ideas??????????????
ronalawn82
16 years ago
davebarnes21, if you pump water into the system when all the valves are closed, water hammer is to be expected; if this is done regularly a fitting will fail soon. How did all that junk get into the system? Did you not flush it?
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davebarnes21
Original Author
16 years ago
It's a new system and I am having troubles with a certain valve. I have since corrected that problem.

There wasn't an extraordinary amount of debris in the system, just some pebbles in one spot. The shop vac was overkill.

When I fill the system at the main shut off I do it slowly. So I don't slam it with water.

Its air hammer and I can't get it out - would blowing down the system with air and then filling back up help?

I guess my question is this:

Could running the shop vac (suction) on a valve create a seepage in a fitting that only lets air in - underground and, if so, do I have to dig it up? How do I find that leak? etc...
ronalawn82
16 years ago
davebarnes21, I got a little confused over the terms 'air hammer' and 'water hammer', so I 'googled' each and found some information which might be of more help to you. I'd be interested to know how it all works out. Thanks.