Can I connect PVC piping to a Gardena Twin Tap Connector for use in home irrigation?

[joelab]

I am currently installing a WIFI garden irrigation system, replacing an older basic tap timer.

I have been reading the Post from Greenway who designed a system similar to what I am looking at, https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/t5/Garden/Holman-WX8-irrigation-project/m-p/258759

I was originally planning on adding a secondary valve to my garden tap, however that seems a bit involved and may possibly require a plumber, so is it possible to purchase this: https://www.bunnings.com.au/gardena-twin-tap-connector_p3130366 and connect PVC piping to one side of it which will connect to the Solenoids, the other side will be for my normal garden hose. 

I am also confused about what size PVC to buy, the Master Solenoid is 25mm so I was thinking I would buy this:

https://www.bunnings.com.au/holman-25mm-x-3m-class-12-pvc-pressure-pipes_p4770099 however that is actually thicker than 25mm according to the reviews, so I am not sure if that is the correct size, and would this https://www.bunnings.com.au/holman-25mm-x-1-press-pvc-bsp-male-thread-adaptor_p3142839 fit with that to give the threaded end that I need. I understand I will need the primer and glue to attach that.

Many thanks for reading and any help.

[MitchellMc]

Hi @joelab,

It's certainly possible to use solid pipe, though it is far more difficult to find appropriate connections as we typically use poly pipe for irrigation. The poly pipe fittings easily allow you to connect to the twin tap adaptor. The Holman fitting you've shown has a male thread, and in order to connect to the male thread on the twin tap fitting, you would require an additional 25mm female threaded connector.

For standard poly pipe in 25mm, you would simply need a length of Holman 25mm x 25m Black Poly Pipe and a Toro 25mm Poly Nut and Tail to connect to the twin tap outlet.

It would be best to spend some time with a plumbing team member at your local store. This is the type of project where you might need to use a combination of irrigation and plumbing fittings to get it to work, as we've moved away from a standard poly pipe installation.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

[joelab]

Hello Mitchell,

Thank you for your reply. Given that the tap would always be on, would the Poly Pipe be able to handle the constant pressure? The plan is to run the pipe to a Master Solenoid then to other solenoids which will be connected to the poly pipe leading into the different areas of the garden. If I can just use the Poly pipe then that will make things much easier for me.

Thanks again,

Joel

[MitchellMc]

Yes, poly pipe and its fittings can withstand constant pressure @joelab.

Mitchell

[joelab]

Thanks very much!

[joelab]

Hi Mitchell,

I have one more question, I have a 4 way manifold: https://www.bunnings.com.au/holman-25mm-4-way-manifold_p3130825 and also some 19mm Mini-Barbed solenoids https://www.bunnings.com.au/toro-19mm-mini-barb-solenoid-valve_p0295441 , how do I go about connecting those together as the threads are 25mm on the manifold and 20mm on the solenoids, I can't seem to find the appropriate connector.

Thanks again.

[MitchellMc]

Hi @joelab,

Those manifolds are designed for larger-sized solenoids. To fit the smaller ones, you could use these Brasshards 25 x 20mm Brass Threaded Hex Reducing Bushes.

Mitchell

[joelab]

Excellent, thank you once again.