Manually Operating Valves with Chewed Solenoid Wires & Drip Line Limits

Two electric valves (Rainjet 811) have dog-chewed solenoid wires. Owner needs temporary manual operation and wants to know maximum drip line length per zone.

Manual Valve Operation (Without Solenoid)

Unscrew the solenoid from the valve body:

1. Shut off water to system
2. Unscrew solenoid counterclockwise (keep internal parts!)
3. Turn water back on
4. Water will stream from solenoid port - valve is now open
5. To close: shut water off, reinstall solenoid

Note: This requires water shutoff each time you want to change valve state.

Drip Line Length & Capacity Guidelines

Rule of thumb for ½" poly tubing with 20-30 PSI regulator:

• Max flow: ~5 GPM (300 GPH)
• Max emitters at 1 GPH: 300
• Max emitters at 2 GPH: 150
• Max lateral length: 250 feet

Factors Reducing Capacity

• Elevation changes (pressure loss/gain)
• More fittings/tees (friction loss)
• Smaller tubing (⅜" micro-tubing has much lower capacity)
• Higher emitter flow rates

For runs beyond 250 feet or high emitter counts, add a second valve zone.