All About Sprinkler Systems for A Green Lawn

Sprinklers might just be your ticket to a green lawn. Whether you're looking to add some consistent watering to your backyard or protect your garden from a drought, follow our guide to get started on planning and installing a sprinkler system.

Before you install your new sprinkler system, it's important to take note of your lawn's needs:

• Soil types differ based on where you live. Sandy soil, for example, has great drainage but that means it needs shorter watering periods more frequently than clay soil that has higher water retention. Your soil type will determine your watering needs.
• The size and shape of your lawn will affect which types of sprinklers you install. If you have a smaller, square lawn, fixed sprinklers will work best.
• Water usage is very important and, of course, a big topic in the Southwest United States. Make sure you know your municipal water codes on how much you can water and even what time of day. If your goal is to help save a few plants from drought, look for sprinklers designed with water conservation in mind.
• Water connections and underground utilities (along with any permits you might need) play a role in the setup of your system.
  • Determine what permits you need, if any, and any HOA rules.
  • Know what water pressure (PSI) your home has.
  • Know your water meter size or your pump size if you are on a well system.
  • Know your service line size. This is the size of the pipe that enters your house from the main service connection.
  • Determine your water flow rate (GPM). While PSI is the pressure of the water, GPM is the amount of water leaving an opening for one minute. Use this blog to help you calculate your GPM.
  • Understand any backflow prevention regulations. This ensures that the potable water of the service you have (drinkable water) is protected from contamination.

There are some basic parts of a sprinkler system to know before installation:

• As discussed above, you need a water supply source. This can be your city's water lines, a well system if you live in a rural area, or even a rainwater collection system.
• You will need a backflow preventer as described above.
• The system will have control valves to regulate the flow of the water, and this can be controlled manually or through a timed system.
• Next are sprinklers heads and these are the parts that spray the water. They can have a fixed-spray stream or a multi-stream spray. Types are listed below.
• Pipes take the water from the control valve to the sprinkler heads and are typically PVC or PEX. These can be installed above- or in-ground. Valve boxes protect these valves.
• Of course, you need to connect everything together. These connections are made with fittings including elbows, tees, couplings, and adapters.
• Pressure regulators are used to control the pressure of the water throughout the system.
• A controller or a timer can turn off and on the sprinklers at set times or for different zones (discussed later).
• Risers are connections to the sprinkler heads from the pipes.

There are seven mainstream (pun intended) types of sprinklers for different types of lawns and watering needs.

• Fixed- Also known as stationary sprinklers, this type stays in one place and sprays in a fixed pattern. Sprinkler heads with adjustable spray patterns can be added. These are great for lawns 5,000 sq. ft. or less.
• Oscillating- This type moves back and forth as it sprays water in a fan shape. Good for both lawns and gardens.
• Impact- This might be what you think of when you picture sprinklers as these make the distinctive tapping sound while it moves and sprays water. Good for large areas.
• Rotating- As its name suggests, the head moves in a circular pattern as it sprays water. Good for large lawns.
• In-ground- These pop-up sprinklers are common in lawns or gardens as they aren't visible unless in use and installed underground.
• Hoses- These systems are unique in the types of hoses they use and deliver water to a specific area like a plant. Click here for more information on drip irrigation systems.
• Traveling- The sprinkler systems have wheels and can be moved to specific locations for watering. These are designed for larger areas of land or big gardens.
• Shrub- These are fixed sprinkler heads that are tall to be level with plant height.

Bases

Sprinkler heads can be mounted on the following different types of bases:

• Spike bases are common with rotary or impulse sprinklers to keep them steady in the ground as they rotate.
• Sled bases are used with oscillating heads and are easily moved.
• Tripod options allow you to adjust the height of the sprinkler head.
• T-post options allow you to install the head on a t-post for higher spraying patterns.

After you have determined your lawn size, watering needs, and sprinkler head types (you might have multiple types depending on what you want to water), it's time to map out the placement of each sprinkler head. You will want to ensure that the spray pattern from each head overlaps with the next one to ensure 100% coverage. This is called head-to-head coverage. Sprinkler heads can be adjusted by angles to avoid watering your driveway or other areas that don't need it.

Sprinkler Zones

Zones refer to different sections of the watering area that require separate watering needs or different head types and are controlled individually. For example, let's say you have a smaller front lawn and a backyard with some drought-tolerant landscaping. Your layout and zones might be set up like:

1. Zone 1: Front lawn, in-ground sprinkler heads.
2. Zone 2: Backyard, in-ground sprinkler heads.
3. Zone 3: Drought-tolerant landscaping, fixed sprinkler heads.

Setting up zones in this way will ensure good water flow and will help to avoid pressure loss (and help maximize water conservation). Timers can be used to automatically turn on zones one and two at five in the morning every day and zone three can be turned on only every other morning.

We're ready to help you get the greenest lawn or help save your plants during the heat of the summer with sprinkler parts and advice. Does your lawn need more? Use our EasyGreen calculator to create your custom lawn care bundle (and get it all delivered).