Irrigation leak normal???

10 years ago

On the outside water pipe coming from the house I have a set up of two anti-syphon or control irrigation valves, the pool cut off, and a regular water valve to hook the hose on. All of these things had slow leaks so we had the plumber come out and replace all the valves. One of the irrigation valves (both valves are on an irrigation timer) had a slow leak so they came out and tightened the screws. It was still very slowly seeping around the screws so I called them out again. They fiddled around and said the very tiny amount of water seeping is normal. The other irrigation valve is not doing this. We actually paid more for brass valves rather than plastic (I would have gotten the plastic but my husband dealt with them the first time). Does this sound reasonable? I don't believe there should be any small amount of moisture on this valve.. I also hear the water sloshing around in the irrigation pipes all the time, regardless if the timer has recently turned the water on or not. Plumber says this is the dripping of the water inside the pipe and is normal. See photos below. Opinions??

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Comments (7)

lisadlu
Original Author
10 years ago
Another close up photo. You can see white/green sediment on the valve where it is still very slowly seeping at the screws.
klem1
10 years ago
To answer your question,valves in good repair do not leak.
The water leaking (regardless how little ) between parts is slowly cutting away brass.
The leak will get larger by degrees until the cost and/or overly wet area becomes intolerable and valve is destroyed.
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Elmer J Fudd
10 years ago
Was the valve exposed to below freezing temps? If not, maybe it's defective.
DreamingoftheUP
10 years ago
A newly installed valve should not leak and is not normal. If it's still leaking, a good plumbing company will stand behind their work and replace it. Defects in new components are always possible and not the fault of the plumber. When discovered, however, it should be repaired or replaced.

This post was edited by DreamingoftheUP on Thu, Mar 6, 14 at 9:17
lisadlu
Original Author
10 years ago
Thank you everyone. I knew this wasn't correct but wanted confirmation before I called the plumber back out for the 3rd time.
lisadlu
Original Author
10 years ago
One more question. Is hearing the water sloshing around in the irrigation pipe normal? it happens any time of the day, not just when the water has been used. Thanks!
klem1
10 years ago
"Is hearing the water sloshing around in the irrigation pipe normal?"

Yea,happens to me all the time. You wouldn't believe how many nights sleep I've lost due to the noise. I've been told it's caused by high tide/low tide.