How to Connect Copper Pipe to a Sprinkler Valve

Choose a Service Line Size

• Copper pipes connected to your primary water supply or faucet should be the proper matching size. Water meters will have their sizes stamped on them. Sizes such as 5/8, 3/4 and 1 inch are all common. Check the size of your supply, and buy a copper connection that has the correct matching size. Screw in the connector using threading compound to help seal the connection properly.

Choose a PVC Conversion Joint

• At some point in your sprinkler system you will need to convert from copper to PVC pipe, or a similar plastic pipe. Check the size of your PVC before you purpose the connecting pipe. The PVC pipes should come in the same variety of sizes as the copper pipes. Match the size typed on the pipe with the connector pipe again, and make sure you have enough room to firmly connect the two pipes together. Dig out the irrigation line more if you cannot reach the pipes easily.

Use Compression Fittings

• Compression fittings are plastic-based cuffs that you can fix onto copper pipes when connecting them. Purchase these fittings when you are connecting copper pipes to an adaptable system such as a sprinkler network. Clamp the compression fitting down on the pipe with a clamping or crimping tool designed for compression fittings. Do not adjust the pipe after the fitting is connected. Test the water and look for leaks to see if you need to reconnect the fitting.

Solder the Heavier Work

• Copper plumbing pipes are also soldered together for permanent fits, joining the metal of the fitting and the metal of the pipe. If you have a copper to copper fitting located within your water supply box and want one of the most dependable connections, solder the pipes together with a solder torch, solder wire and flux. Use lead-free solder, and purchase a paste flux for simple protection around your work. This step is typically too time-consuming and difficult in a sprinkler system, so if you are working on the irrigation lines themselves, stay away from soldering and use threads or compression fittings instead.