Pop-up rotors with check valves

Pop-up rotors with check valves

Pop-up rotors with check valves feature an integrated valve that helps reduce unwanted drainage after an irrigation cycle has finished. When the solenoid valve closes, the check valve helps keep water inside the pipework instead of allowing it to drain through sprinklers installed at lower points in the irrigation zone.

This is particularly useful in irrigation systems with elevation changes. Without a check valve, water remaining inside the pipes can drain through the lowest sprinkler. This may cause puddles, excessively wet lawn areas and unnecessary water loss. An integrated check valve helps reduce this low-head drainage.

Ideal for lawns with slopes

On a level lawn, the difference in height between individual sprinklers is usually small. On slopes, banks or gardens with changing elevations, however, there can be significant height differences within the same irrigation zone. After watering stops, gravity causes water in the pipes to move towards the lower sprinklers.

Pop-up rotors with check valves are particularly useful in these situations. The valve closes after irrigation and helps retain the water column inside the pipework. This allows you to plan a cleaner and more efficient automatic lawn irrigation system even when individual sprinklers are installed at different elevations.

Reduce water loss and puddling

If an irrigation zone drains through its lowest sprinkler after every watering cycle, water is wasted and the surrounding soil can become excessively wet. A check valve helps retain water in the system after irrigation stops and reduces unwanted puddling around sprinklers located at lower points.

Keeping the pipework filled can also improve the behaviour of the system when the next irrigation cycle starts. When choosing a rotor, check the manufacturer's specifications for the maximum elevation difference or pressure that the integrated check valve is designed to hold.

Choosing and planning the right rotors

Whether you need pop-up rotors with check valves depends mainly on the shape of your property and the elevation differences between sprinklers. This feature is particularly useful when several rotors in one irrigation zone are installed at noticeably different heights. You should also consider radius, watering arc, available pressure and flow rate.

Connect the rotors to your PE pipework using suitable sprinkler connections. Part-circle rotors are ideal for edges and corners, while full-circle rotors can cover suitable areas within the lawn. Combined with solenoid valves and an irrigation controller, you can build an automatic lawn irrigation system that works reliably even on sloping ground.