Irrigation Product Listings & Reviews

Hunter PGV Series Valve

Description:

The Hunter PGV are residential or light commercial valves. They come in a wide array of configurations, such as threaded globe, threaded angle, combination globe/angle, globe with slip (glued in place), or with barbs for use with poly pipe.

Features:

Review:

The PGV valve series is hard to categorized and review as it consists of 2 radically different styles of valves. One is more of a small residential valve, the other is a larger size light commercial valve. Common to both is a black PVC body, which is less durable than the nylon used in the more expensive models. While this PVC is somewhat UV light resistant, it will break down if exposed to sunlight over time. These valves should be installed in a underground box, or covered to keep sunlight off of them.

In the 1" size, the PGV is a typical low-end residential valve. It is essentially identical to the SRV but uses a slightly better quality black plastic for the body. The PGV has more configurations than the SRV, including glued inlet and outlet for PVC pipe, and a barbed outlet version for use with poly pipe. The 1" size PGV valves have the same hard-to-use flow control handle as the SRV and the flow control is optional. I strongly recommend you avoid valves without a flow control. Without the flow control you can't fine tune the valve or close it manually if it sticks open.

The 1" size PGV also come in a "jar-top" style. This means that the top of the valve screws onto the body like the lid of a jar, rather than being held on with 4 screws. The claim is they come apart for repair easily without tools. Personally, I like to think that a good valve would not need to be frequently opened up for repair. But if a quick open valve excites you enough, then go for it. In all other ways, including pressure loss, they are the same as the ones with tops held on by screws.

The 1 1/2" and 2" size PGV valves feature a combination globe/angle body similar to mid and high-end valves. This means the same valve can be used either as a bottom inlet angle valve, or a side inlet globe valve. A plug is placed in the inlet that isn't used. The two larger size valves also have a more substantial flow control handle and the flow control is standard equipment rather than a option. These sizes are more of a high-end residential or commercial valve than the 1" models.

The 1 1/2" and 2" models of the PGV will accept the optional Accu-Set™ pressure regulator module. The pressure regulator module turns the valve into a pressure regulating valve. That means that regardless of how high the incoming water pressure is, the valve will keep the outlet water pressure at a uniform pressure. In order for the Accu-Set™ pressure regulator module to work correctly there must be a 15 PSI drop in pressure between the inlet and outlet of the valve. Than means that if you use the Accu-Set™ pressure regulator module your pressure loss will be 15 PSI or more, even if the charts say something else. If you don't have a 15 PSI drop the regulator module will not work correctly and the pressure will fluctuate.

Manufacturer's Performance Data:

Valve Pressure Loss in PSI for ASV Valves
Flow 1 GPM 5 GPM 10 GPM 15 GPM 20 GPM 30 GPM 40 GPM 50 GPM 60 GPM 80 GPM 100 GPM 120 GPM 135 GPM 150 GPM
1" size globe valve 1.1 PSI 1.9 PSI 1.9 PSI 1.6 PSI 3.3 PSI 6.1 PSI                
1" size angle valve 1.0 PSI 1.0 PSI 1.0 PSI 1.0 PSI 2.0 PSI 3.0 PSI                
1 1/2" size globe valve         3.0 PSI 3.0 PSI 3.0 PSI 4.0 PSI 5.0 PSI 5.5 PSI 9.0 PSI 11.5 PSI    
1 1/2" size angle valve         3.0 PSI 3.0 PSI 3.0 PSI 3.5 PSI 4.0 PSI 4.5 PSI 8.0 PSI 10.5 PSI    
2" size globe valve         1.0 PSI 1.0 PSI 2.0 PSI 1.0 PSI 2.0 PSI 3.0 PSI 5.0 PSI 6.0 PSI 8.0 PSI 10.0 PSI
2" size angle valve         1.0 PSI 2.0 PSI 2.0 PSI 1.0 PSI 2.0 PSI 2.0 PSI 3.0 PSI 5.0 PSI 7.0 PSI 9.0 PSI

Note: Watch your pressure losses. Select the valve size based on pressure loss, not pipe size. Often the valve will be smaller than the pipe it is installed on. You may notice the pressure loss is not consistent, that there are flows where the pressure loss is lower or higher than would be expected. This is due to water turbulence in the valve. If you use the optional Accu-Set™ pressure regulator module, you can ignore the chart above, the pressure loss for all sizes and flows will be 15 PSI.