Need some engineering help

[crokett]

After going through 3 sprinklers in 2 seasons I realized I can get a pop up sprinkler and parts for less than half the cost of a new sprinkler. The pop up is adjustable through 360 degrees and will spray up to a 35' radius.

Original plan was to fix it to some PVC and run a 4-way T. 2 sides of T would be male/female threaded to daisy chain with hose, other 2 would be for actual sprinkler and a length of PVC to go into the ground. It did not occur to me until I was at the BORG piecing parts that with the T the water of course will flow down into the ground with a 4 way T.

So... I need a way to supply the sprinkler head with water and keep it upright. I do not know of a coupler that will block water flow to one side of that T. I thought about a hose clamp on some rebar but that isn't clever enough. I also want to keep this cost-effective.

[JR]

If it's a slip joint, use a short length of PVC pipe with a cap on it.

If it's a threaded joint, you should be able find a threaded PVC cap at the BORG.

JR

[crokett]

If it's a slip joint, use a short length of PVC pipe with a cap on it.

If it's a threaded joint, you should be able find a threaded PVC cap at the BORG.

JR

Hrrmm.... ya know something like this might just work. I will do some thinking on it.

[timb]

I'm little unclear what you mean by "pop up" sprinklers but I think I understand what you are trying to do otherwise.

Unless your ground is really soft you might have a hard time driving the "leg" of the PVC X into the ground especially with a cap on it. The re-bar trick is mostly what I've seen. Maybe not clever but it works well and doesn't cost that much.

Another thing to know is that standard PVC pipe threading is different from standard hose pipe threading and you need to get a special hose threaded piece if that is what you are intending. Been there - had to go back again

Tim

[pushrod]

Crockett,

I just made a couple of 72" tall sprayers. They attach to the end of a hose. Although I used a "T", I had the same problem you have. I fashioned a flat plug out of a piece of pipewall, and glued it in one end of the "T", opposite the 48" leg. I suppose you could use a coin as a plug, but PVC is easy, and I have lots of pieces. I then glued the "spike" end in the "T".

Once I had something to clamp, I took a hand hacksaw to the spike, and cut a steep angle. It looks like a hypodermic from ****, but it works.

HTH, Steve

[LCHIEN]

David, Here's a spike that does all what you want. $4 at Lowes.
http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?actio...1GF&lpage=none

But, why don't you get these at Lowes:
Has the spike you want, an inlet and outlet for daisy chaining, like you want (including a cap for the end of line).
includes the metal body impulse heads (better than plastic), two for $20.
In fact, the spike is better than what I have had, it has two smaller spikes to keep the unit from rotating under its own forces.



http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?actio...2GF&lpage=none

If you need replacements, just buy the cheapest impulse heads you can, they'll fit on top as the heads are removable. pop up units won't be much cheaper and more can go wrong (Trust me, I have popup units in my lawn now and the pop-up slide and spring are the biggest problems).

they sell 2-pack for $20
1-pack for $12
and replacement head for $10.

[pushrod]

Loring,

I have four of the yellow single spike versions of those in my shed, all with the spikes busted off! They are in the "Not good enough to keep, but too good to throw away" category. One day (ya, right!) I'll figure out how to fix them. Maybe a plastic welder...

Good call, though. Maybe those impact sprinklers'll work for Crockett.

[LCHIEN]

Loring,

I have four of the yellow single spike versions of those in my shed, all with the spikes busted off! They are in the "Not good enough to keep, but too good to throw away" category. One day (ya, right!) I'll figure out how to fix them. Maybe a plastic welder...

Good call, though. Maybe those impact sprinklers'll work for Crockett.

get the metal ones.

[crokett]

Loring, I will look into those. The spikes certainly are exactly what I need. Problem is the impact sprinklers are like what I've already broken 2 of. But if they are that cheap then I will definitely reconsider. The cheapest sprinker I'd seen previously was about 18 bucks.