Installation of Air Relief Valves for Drip Irrigation Systems

Air Release Valve Assembly

The Air Release Valve is often overlooked but it is a valuable component for maintaining a sub-surface drip irrigation system. The air release valve allows air to escape the system on it's initial start-up until the system is full of water. Once full, the valve automatically closes until the cycle is finished and then allows air to flow back into the system. The air release valve helps in avoiding clogging of emitters due to back suction and will extend the long term life of the system. It also helps to avoid water hammer at the start of a watering cycle.

Where to Install an Air Release Valve

The Air Release Valve should be installed at the highest point for each drip zone. See example installation below. 

Connecting and Air Release Valve

There are several ways to connect an Air Release Valve to an Irrigation supply line depending on what size of line you use.  We will now provide several examples using a variety of components, all of which work on the same principle. We will look at connecting at 1/2 and 3/4" and larger distribution lines seperately.

Connecting an Air Relief Valve to a 1/2" Distribution Line**

Since all Air Relief Valves have male pipe thread all connection options must have a female pipe thread fitting for a proper connection.

A1-HT66HT NDS PHA75 DT-ARV75

** This is using Permaloc fittings but there are other methods of creating this air relief connection using insert fittings and clamps

Connecting an Air Relief Valve to a 3/4" and 1" Distribution Lines
Since all Air Relief Valves have male pipe thread all connection options must have a female pipe thread fitting for a proper connection.
Option 1	Option 2
3/4" Poly KT007D DT-ARV75	3/4" Poly 1402-007 DT-ARV75
1" Poly KT010D DT-ARV75	1" Poly 1402-010 DT-ARV100

Ref 1061