The Blu-Lock 1" & 1/2" Sprinkler Kit uses the 1" Blu-Lock tubing to run as mainlines as needed around the area to install sprinklers. The sprinklers are installed on runs of the 1/2" Blu-Lock Swing Pipe that are tee'd off of the mainlines to reach all areas of your landscape. It also uses the HydroRain HRX Adjustable Rotor Sprinklers for design ease. With an adjustable arc range from 40° to 360° it's easy to use in corners, along edges, or in the center of your lawn. The kit includes everything from the valve manifold out, to build the sprinkler system, but does not include the parts to connect to your main water source, or a filter and pressure rgulator (if needed), or the back flow prevention device. These items will vary per your system needs. Our wonderful customer service Happiness Heroes will be happy to assist you with locating items on our website. Please note that code regulations vary from state to state and localities within the states, so we encourage you to reach out to your local authorities for required back flow prevention system needed in your area.

The Blu-Lock components with push-fit technology are just that - push the tubing right into the special Blu-Lock fitting for a tight leakproof fit and you are set.  

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Things to Note

We recommend drawing a simple diagram when planning any irrigation system. This process allows you to visualize the area and note all the parts you will need to complete your project. Then, you can use it to help with the installation process once you receive your kit.

It does not have to be elaborate but using graph paper does help. Draw the pipe layout then add in the sprinkler heads. This can then be used to create needed zones by having patterns to cover the area fully and note the flow for each head. See these for examples from a RainBird design guide.

 

See this example from Hunter Industries design guide showing several different sized zones.

This is an example of head to head coverage placement of sprinklers using 6 sprinkler rotors. Four set in the corners spraying 90° and 2 set in the center of the side lengths spraying 180°.

Filtration needs may vary according to your water source and condition. Standard municipal water sources may still require filtration to the recommended degree to protect your sprinkler from clogging. Most sprinkler rotor manufacturers recommend filtration of at least 80 mesh. Filters

Pressure regulator may be needed if your water source pressure is higher than the recommended or desired operating pressure of the sprinkler. The HRX model sprinkler rotor recommends operating pressures between 30 - 70 PSI. Most rotor type lawn sprinklers do well with 40 - 45 PSI. As a note, operating at the maximum pressure can reduce the life of the sprinkler and system components. Also, the radius of the spray and the flow are affected by the operating pressure along with the nozzle selection, so you will want to plan accordingly to meet your system design needs. See the HRX nozzle specifications for details.

Your back flow prevention system should be installed per your local codes.

The controller is a decision of choice and need. The electric valves included have an AC solenoid so a controller that operates on standard household electricity is needed. If power is not readily available you will need to change solenoids and purchase a battery powered controller. A controller is different from a hose end timer. See options here: AC Controllers or DC Controllers. 

Installing the mainline connection at the water source should be completed first. It is recommended to install a shut-off valve at the connection so the irrigation system can be isolated from the main water supply. It is also important to note that the kit connection will require 1” PVC pipe to install the PVCL manifold piece.  

Filtration can be installed either before the manifold with a filter rated for constant pressure or individual filters after the valve in each zone.

A neat and tidy way to protect the valve manifold is using a Valve Box. Most often the valves are placed below ground and the valve box is placed in-ground with a removable lid for easy access to the valves. Valve Boxes

Prepare your yard by digging the trenches. Your trench depth may vary according to your location and weather conditions. 

Keep in mind that the maximum recommended flow rate for the 1” Blu-Lock tubing is approximately 13 GPM (gallons per minute) and the ½” swing pipe max flow rate is about 3 - 3.5 GPM. The kits are designed with six sprinklers per zone, but this may mean some of your zones could use more sprinklers and some may require fewer sprinklers. It all depends on the total flow used for that zone.

Kit Installation

1. Connect the PVC-Lock Manifold Tee (8226) to the 1" PVC line coming from your main water line connection. If a multiple zone system, each manifold tee will connect directly to the previous manifold tee. When all manifold tees are connected place the PVC-Lock end cap on the final manifold tee. 

2. Install the valve to the PVCL manifold piece.

3. If using individual zone filters and/or pressure regulators you can install these following the valves.

4. Layout the 1" Blu-Lock tubing, in the trenches, from the valve connection throughout the system. Cut Blu-Lock tubing and install elbow or tee fittings as needed for your design.

  

5. At each location where you branch off with a section of 1/2" Blu-Lock Swing Pipe cut the 1" tubing and insert the Tee adapter (8147) and connect the swing pipe. Keep in mind that each run, of the smaller 1/2" swing pipe, has a maximum flow rate of approximately 3 - 3.5 GPM so plan accordingly with the sprinkler flow rates.

6. Lay the 1/2" tubing to the point where the sprinkler will be installed. Continue until all the lines are laid out for that zone. We recommend flushing the system before adding the sprinkler rotors and line end fittings or auto drain valves. This will remove any dirt or debris that could clog sprinklers.

7. Screw the 1/2" BL Swing Elbow Adapter (8096) into the bottom inlet of the sprinkler rotor. Connect the sprinkler to the 1/2" Blu-Lock Swing pipe and set in the desired location. Set the head flush with the finished turf height. The flexible tubing allows easy positioning to get the sprinkler right where you want it without having to be directly over the tubing.

8. Cap the open ends of pipe or tubing using the Auto Drain Valves (8153) for 1/2" swing pipe and the 1" Blu-Lock Caps (8060) for the 1" Blu-Lock tubing.

Sprinkler Adjustments

Adjustments are pretty easy. Proper adjustments will provide the most efficient and uniform watering system. The Adjusting tool (4612) will help with all the adjustments. HydroRain has simple to follow steps for all the adjustments.

Spray Distance:

Set the spray distance after rotor installation. Rotor comes with the #2 nozzle pre-installed. The #2 nozzle adjusts from 25 - 45 feet depending on system water pressure. If you need to change the nozzle see instruction below.

  1. Set with water on under the system’s normal operating pressure.
  2. Insert the hex (metal) end of the key into the distance adjustment slot.
  3. Turn clockwise to decrease distance; counterclockwise to increase distance.

Caution: DO NOT turn the adjustment screw too far in either direction, the screw may come free of threads.

Arc Adjustment:

  1. The HRX 075 is preset for 180-degree operation. The pattern can be adjusted for operation between 40 and 360 degrees.
  2. Turn the top of the head all the way to the left until it stops and then all the way to the right. The top of the head must be in this position to make adjustments.
  3. Insert the plastic end of the adjustment wrench into the pattern adjustment hole (circle with plus and minus signs on either side).
  4. Turn clockwise to increase rotation; counterclockwise to decrease rotation. Each full turn  increases/decreases rotation by 90°.

Aligning the right (fixed) side of the Arc:

You have two methods for right side alignment. Please Note: It is not required to fully excavate the Rotor to adjust the right side of the Arc.

Option 1

  1. With the water off, turn the turret all the way to the left and then all the way to the right. This completes the rotation cycle without damaging the internal gears.
  2. Make a note of where the right stop is located.
  3. Unscrew the cap and remove the internal assembly.
  4. Turn the internal assembly so the right stop is in the location you want.
  5. Lower the internal assembly back into the body and tighten the cap.

Option 2

This option may require the removal of soil around the sprinkler.

  1. Grip the sprinkler body and turn the entire rotor to the desired position.

WARNING: This option may result in water leakage. Turning the entire body may loosen the rotor from the threaded connection at the inlet depending on how far you must turn it.

Changing Nozzles:

See the nozzle specifications chart on our website for details of flow and distance ranges of each nozzle size. It is important to match precipitation rates as closely as possible for uniform coverage. 

  1. To access the nozzle, insert the plastic end of the key into the lifter socket.
  2. Turn the key 90° and pull upward.
  3. Firmly grip the sprinkler stem.
  4. Insert the hex (metal) end of the key into the distance adjustment slot.
  5. Turn the screw counterclockwise until it is just clear of the nozzle.
  6. Use fingers or pliers to grip the edge of the nozzle and pull it out. 
  7. Insert the replacement nozzle so that the diffuser screw channel is on top and turn the diffuser screw back into place.

Tips:

  1. Do not use pipe dope or liquid sealant on the sprinkler rotor threads. If necessary, you can use a small amount of thread sealant tape (teflon tape).
  2. Blu-Lock tubing and fittings have limited UV protection and it is recommended that it be buried.
  3. Blu-Lock tubing and fittings are not for indoor or potable (drinking) water use. For outdoor irrigation or livestock or agriculture use only.
  4. To ensure the best leak-proof connection make sure your cutting tool blades are sharp and make a nice clean, straight cut so the tubing can push completely into the fitting seal.
  5. If using the auto drain valves at the ends of your lines or in low spots you might consider digging a deeper hole beneath it and filling it with gravel or stone before burying the system. This will help keep that spot from getting water logged.

Acronyms

BL - Blu-Lock, proprietary tubing and fittings used in outdoor irrigation. HDPE. Manufactured by Orbit/HydroRain

PVCL - PVC-Lock, special push-fit fittings made for standard PVC pipe sizes. No primer/glue needed for installation.

FPT - Female Pipe Thread, standard US iron pipe size threads with taper. Female is threads on the inside.

MPT - Male Pipe Thread, standard US iron pipe size threads with taper. Male is threads on the outside.

PSI - Pounds per Square Inch, is the measurement of pressure commonly used in the US.

GPM - Gallons Per Minute, a unit of volumetric flow rate. In irrigation, it is the measure used for water flowing through pipes and emitting devices.

PVC - PolyVinyl Chloride, plastic pipe commonly used in water transport. Same standard sizes as iron pipe.

HDPE - High Density PolyEthylene to withstand higher pressure than drip irrigation tubing.