Rain Bird JTVAS075 Jar Top Anti-Siphon Valve, 3/4" Threaded Female x Female (Discontinued by Manufacturer replaced with model # DASASVF075)

I have been using Rain Bird valves for many years. My recent purchase was to a replace valves that have been in service for almost 20 years. I decided that, rather than replacing worn parts, this time, that I would replace the entire valves. These new ones work perfectly and I will probably not have to think about them for another twenty years.

My home had a sprinkler system installed nearly 20 years ago with all RainJet parts. They have since gone out of business. Their parts were great quality, but time came where simple repairs to the valve were no longer enough to keep them leak-free and working. These Rain Bird valves are very similar to them, and they replaced the Rain Jet valves without any need to change the spacing of the inlet and outlet lines. I wouldn't be surprised if these lasted 20 years as well.

I bought 4 of these for my irrigation system. 2 worked really well for my other half of the irrigation system. The other 2 caused water hammering in the house when they open and close. It might have been something with the design of the irrigation pipes in the ground. I tried lowering water pressure and that helped about 20%; I tried one of the Sioux Chief Mini-rester and that helped another 20%. In the end what I did to solve the problem was to get the 1-inch size and use that with the 1-inch to 3/4 inch adapter. That solved it. My theory was that the 3/4 inch valve was too small and caused alot of backpressure in the system resulting in hammering. The larger 1-inch size valve reduced the water backpressure when it opened and closed so no more hammering.

These valves do not have flow control. I am having problems with water hammer on several of my zones (I have 8 zones). Solenoid valves open and close to quickly and I am getting water hammer surges into the house (Loud knocking noise as the valve opens and closes). These valves give no ability to control flow to each zone which if available would allow better ability to manage the pressure surges on each zone. Spend the extra money and get the rain bird valves with flow control. With these valves you can tweak the flow rate to match each zone. The valves operate great. I am not knocking rain bird but you need flow control. The old design (now unavailable) worked for me for 20 years. Never had a problem with the exception of having to replace the valve internals (normal maintenance). My old valves had flow control. Spend the extra money and buy the valves with flow control. Believe me.

I found this product works well but is not robust. This is my second one and both have developed cracks in them during winter months and after about a year of use. I keep the parts insulated. The third valve I have is from a different manufacturer and is holding up well.

These Rain Bird 3/4 inch jar top anti siphon valves for sprinkler systems seem to work fine (I ordered 3 and have installed one thus far). I'm submitting this review only to note that during shipping somebody managed, incredibly, to CHOP OFF THE SOLENOID CONNECTION LEADS of one of the three valves I ordered. It's too much trouble to return; I can solder on new leads, but it reflects astonishingly bad handling.

Ok so at least as of summer 2016, the picture is NOT accurate as to what you would receive, hopefully Amazon will do something about this as I emailed them regarding this.The color is all black, and I believe this also has the newer solenoid (yellow o-ring). The yellow O-ring is viton and should hold up better with regard to leaks. Also, the unit ships as OEM- meaning there is no pretty retail packaging nor instructions- if you need them you can get them online, but if you really do need them, perhaps consider hiring someone who doesn't ;). As a bonus, the 3/4 male adapters came with the valve and were already installed with teflon tape. I didn't need that but still a nice bonus considering they are about 60 to 80 cents a piece. This is a really good deal considering they are three to four dollars more at Lowes or Depot. Keep in mind that the this does not have the "flow control" feature to reduce the pressure and GPM like the newest rainbird model does. If you don't need that, then this is the same valve for much less money. The spacing is 4.5" - center to center, see photo for details. Satisfied, and fixed my 8 year old leaking valve in minutes. As others point out, unions are always best instead of hard plumb- as they do need periodic replacement.

I like and trust Rain Bird sprinkler products for a host of reasons. They are economically to purchase and seem to hold up better than many other brands. If anyone does experience problems with their products, they are usually ready to assist with help as needed.