Essential Elements of Every Quality Lawn Sprinkler System

The typical assumption is that the installation of lawn sprinklers requires nothing more than simply attaching sprinkler heads to PVC pipe that is buried in the ground.  While it is true that the concept could not be more basic, the true quality of an irrigation system lies in the design and materials chosen.  In addition, the true value of a well designed quality system can be measured in dollars and plants saved by efficient water usage.

Irrigation system studies on both residential and commercial systems show water waste to be approximately 30-50%.  So what can be done to prevent this waste?  Be sure to include the essential elements of a well designed irrigation system whether you use a professional or you do it yourself.

Lawn and landscape beds (trees, flowers, bushes, etc) require different zones due to different watering needs.

A well designed system will not try to accomplish watering the lawn on the same system that is watering flower beds.

Rotating sprinklers and spray heads should be on their own separate zones.

Rotating sprinklers apply much less water than spray heads during the same time period of application.   Both products are excellent for watering but it is important to realize that rotors apply water 3 to 5 times slower than sprays. Installing each on different zones will allow the system to match the different outputs of water required.

Operating pressure of sprinkler heads should be optimized.

Every manufacturer designs their nozzles to operate within a specific range of pressure otherwise known as PSI (pounds per square inch). The optimum pressure is the manufacturer’s recommended PSI. Sprinklers operate at their most optimum performance when they are installed per the manufacturer’s suggestion.

Manufacturers design their sprinkler heads to overlap coverage.

Ideally, heads should be placed in corners so that water is sprayed across from where the head is placed and next to the closest sprinkler head. Areas of overlap should not be overly wet or dry.

Rain sensors are essential to prevent watering during times that Mother Nature has provided a shower.

This tells the controller of automatic systems to shut off even if it is scheduled to operate. Automatic rain shut off devices prevent wasted water and promote healthy plants.

Irrigation schedule maintenance is driven by plant needs.

Changing conditions including plant growth, number of plants, the time of year, and changes in the weather will affect watering schedules. Irrigation schedule should be monitored at least monthly for optimum plant growth and water efficiency.

A thorough system checkup should be performed at least twice a year to ensure proper operation.

Most systems operate when homeowners are away from home and a faulty sprinkler head or leaky valve may not be noticed until plants are suffering or water bills are noticeably high. A thorough system checkup includes observing the system run thru all zones with a keen eye checking the components (valves, rain sensors, controllers, and heads).

If you are thinking about installing a quality lawn sprinkler system, call Dallas North Lawn Sprinklers at 770-943-9654 for a free estimate today.