Frequently
Asked Questions
* Is it
really necessary to use our pressure regulator?
No, but the HBWV will
only work with a pressure regulator that has a ‘static’ pressure (under no
flow conditions) of 20psi to 30psi. Many ‘pressure regulators’ are actually
‘flow control’ regulators that control the dynamic (flowing) pressure. This
means that when the flow stops the ability to regulate the pressure also
stops. Static pressure is the pressure when the water is ‘static’, not
flowing. (Like when there are no baskets being watered) Our pressure
regulators are manufactured by
Olson Irrigation Systems.
Senninger
Irrigation Inc.
also makes a regulator that controls 'static' pressure (PRLV 25).
Follow either of these links to find the closest dealer near you if
you choose to not purchase a regulator from us.
*Is it
important that the regulator’s pressure is a static reading?
Yes, because if the
pressure regulator does not control the pressure in the ‘no flow’ condition,
and the pressure is allowed to climb upward, the HBWV will need to work
against this higher pressure to open the flow; if the pressure is too
high then the HBWV might not be able to open the water flow until the basket
is too dry.
* Can the
pressure be lower?
Yes, to a point, but
there is a disadvantage. The lower the pressure is, the smaller the dosage
of water per cycle. In addition, there will be more watering cycles when the
pressure is lower.
* Can the
pressure be higher?
Yes, to a point, but
again there is a disadvantage. The higher the pressure is, the larger the
dosage of water per cycle. In addition, there will be fewer watering cycles,
when the pressure is higher.
* Must the
HBWV system be pressurized all the time?
If the baskets need
water while the zone is not under pressure they will not be watered as
needed. The valve works as designed only if it is connected to a water
pressure system reduced to 25psi.
* Is a
filter important?
Yes, dirt, plastic
shavings or other small particles, can get stuck in the valve seal and/or
damage the seal. That is why there must be a filter in the line (minimum 100
mesh) before the
first HBWV. It is highly recommended that the lines be thoroughly flushed
before being hooked up to the HBWV and that the filters be checked
periodically.
* Do I
need to dedicate a water supply to the system?
No, if you are getting
your supply from an outdoor faucet you can ‘T’ off the faucet and still use
the other half of the ‘T’ for other purposes. If you are hooking into an
existing sprinkler system, you can unscrew a control valve, ‘T’ into that
fitting and reinstall the control valve above the ‘T’. Or if there is room
on the piping manifold, you can make your HBWV system a new zone.
*Do I need to purchase
your 'Faucet Hose Kits'?
No, you can put together
your own installation kit. We assembled the complete kit 'Complete Faucet
Hose Kit' (part #1010)
for those who prefer a complete quick installation.
As well we have a smaller,
less obtrusive kit for 4 or less baskets '1/4" Faucet Hose Kit'
(part#1015).
Look at our 'On Line
Store' to see what our kits include. Just be sure to get a pressure
regulator that regulates 'static' pressure as described above.
* How do I
attach the HBWV to the basket?
You can either modify
your basket’s hangers or purchase our ‘Wire Attaching Kit’ (part #1020).
If your basket comes with a plastic hanger, you should be able to cut off
the hook and separate each of the 3 or 4 hanger connectors in such a way
that each end will fit through the holes in the plant support ring but will
not pull through it when the basket is attached. If your basket uses a chain
hanger then the modification is just as easy.
* How do I
adjust the HBWV?
After you have hooked up
the HBWV to a basket and water supply, you screw the drain cap clockwise,
towards the ‘3 rain drops’, until the water flows. If the basket is not as
wet as you would like it to be when the HBWV shuts off, then continue to
screw the drain cap clockwise, towards the ‘3 rain drops’, until you are
satisfied with the moisture content in the basket. This might require a few
initial adjustments. As the plants grow through their growth cycle, the
overall weight of the basket will change so slightly that a later adjustment
is unlikely to be required.
* What if
the soil is too dry?
Adjust the drain cap by
turning it clockwise, towards the ‘3 rain drops’, until water begins to
flow. The amount of adjustment required will depend on how dry the basket
is.
* What if
the soil is too wet?
Adjust the drain cap by
turning it counterclockwise, towards the ‘1 rain drop’. The amount of
adjustment required will depend on how wet the basket is. If
the adjustment is set so the basket is too wet, water will drip out of the
bottom of the basket and then the HBWV will drip the same amount back into the
basket, water will again drip out of the bottom of the basket and the HBWV
will again try to replace that lost water. This would
indicate that the basket is too wet. The solution is to reduce the moisture
level of the basket by turning the drain cap 'counterclockwise', usually a
complete turn or two will do.
* How
heavy a basket can I hang on the HBWV?
The HBWV is rated for a
maximum weight of 25lbs. For safety reasons, the valve should not carry a
load above 25lbs. Furthermore, loading the HBWV higher than that will damage
the valve and it will not be able to shut off.
* How
light a basket can I hang on the HBWV?
The HBWV is rated for a
minimum weight of 5lbs. If your basket weighs less than that, the HBWV will
not turn on the water flow. The 5lb weight of the basket is requires to
pull open the valve.
* Does the HBWV need winter servicing?
If you live in an area that experiences
temperatures that go below freezing, you either need to remove the HBWV and
store it in an area that does not go below freezing temperatures or you will
need to blow out all the water from the HBWV and hoses to prevent damage.
*Can the HBWV be
serviced?
The only service you would ever need to
do to the HBWV would be if the HBWV won’t completely stop dripping because a
small piece of dirt or plastic piping etc. has gotten stuck under the ‘O’
Ring of the internal valve. A first solution would be to lift up on the
basket, causing the valve to open and possibly flushing the debris past the
‘O’ Ring. If that has not solved the leak, you can easily access the valve
and ‘O’ ring assembly, for cleaning, by extending the HBWV by approx.
1/2”and by using a 1” open ended wrench, you can hold the ‘Valve & Spring
Retainer’ while unscrewing the ‘Hook Eye Loop’. The valve and ‘O’ Ring
assembly will be inside for inspection and cleaning. When reassembling the
‘Hook Eye Loop’ to the ‘Valve & Spring Retainer’, be sure the valve is
seated and free of the ‘Hook Eye Loop’, if so tighten it to approx. 25ft.
lbs. (note: if you follow our installation procedures and install a filter
and flush out the system before attaching the HBWV to the hoses, this will
likely never need to be done.)
If you live in an area where the untreated water has
high calcium content, you can treat the HBWV by using a dilute acid (vinegar
or swimming pool acid) until the calcium dissolves.
* What do
I do if there is no water coming out of the HBWV?
Perform the following:
1.
First check to be sure there is water at the HBWV is at the correct pressure
(25psi). Note: if you are using a pressure regulator that does not
specifically regulate 'static' pressure, the pressure at the HBWV could rise
to the same pressure as the water supply (70-120psi) when there is no flow
and the HBWV will not open as designed. Be sure to use a pressure regulator
that regulates 'static' as well as 'dynamic' pressure.
2.
Then screw the drain cap clockwise (towards the 3 rain drops) until you feel
a resistance that lets you know that you have started to unseat the valve.
Continue screwing the cap clockwise but not more than 4 or 5 more turns.
This will open the valve and water will begin to flow.
3.
Now adjust the HBWV to your personal preference of water content in the
basket.
4.
If there is still no water flow, check for restrictions in the line that
would prevent water from reaching the HBWV.
* Is there a
warranty on the HBWV?
The HBWV has a warranty of
180 days from the time of purchase or 10,000 cycles (which ever comes first)
and covers parts replacement only .
*How would I
get Spelt Sprinkler products to resell in my store?
If you are interested in reselling
our products, please
click Here
to find the nearest dealer in your area. If you are interested in
wholesaling our products please contact us at
sales@speltsprinklers.com
and we will be happy to help you.
*If you have other questions that
have not been answered above, please
email
or call us and at 1-250-652-5069, and we will respond to your query as soon
as possible.
