Many homeowners know how to manage a sprinkler system, but they are inexperienced when it comes to knowinghow to plan a sprinkler system installation．When you are planning it out, it is a good idea to factor in a few things that can affect the overall performance. Below is a list ofeight sprinkler design elementsthat are both important and often overlooked. You should consider, or at least be aware of these considerations, to help make the most of your sprinkler designing efforts.
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Reclaimed water is wastewater that is often used as a replacement for potable water for irrigation and industrial needs. Another term for reclaimed water isnon-potable．这是一项用于水没有examined, treated, and is not approved by appropriate authorities as being safe for consumption. Knowing which water source you are using will help to determine which products to use. If you ever come across a sprinkler box or even a sprinkler itself with a purple/pink lid,do NOT drink from that water source．It is signifying a non-potable irrigation system. Reclaimed water is commonly used in municipal applications, like golf courses (this is why you are told not to stick a tee in your mouth). Recycled irrigation systems are becoming more popular as freshwater sources diminish.
Knowing the size of the pipe that is feeding your sprinkler system is crucial to the design of your sprinkler system. This one factor will determine a lot about how many sprinklers can run at one time and what size pipe to use for each zone. The easiest way to know the pipe size* is to look at the label. Most types of pipe include the size, type and sometimes even the pressure rating multiple times down the length of the pipe. After locating your water line, expose about 10-12” and wash it off with water. If there are no numbers or words visible, try one of the following.
*Note: The inch measurements below are approximate numbers but should be quite close to what you find when you do the measurement yourself.
For Steel Pipe orPVC Pipe:
For FlexiblePolyethylene Pipe(Tuff Tube):
*Pipe size and tubing size are measured differently. Tubing is measured by the outside diameter, while the pipe is measured by the inside diameter. To find the tubing size, simply measure the diameter (not the circumference). If the diameter is 1-1/2” you have 1-1/2” tubing.
I am sure you noticed that there are different pipe styles on the chart above. That is because there is no single type of pipe used when supplying a home or an irrigation system with water. The type of pipe also plays a role In factoring pressure and water flow/volume. So It is a good idea to find out, not only what size the pipe is, but what type it is as well. There are generallyfive types of water supply linesthat are used here in the USA today:
There are two basic types of copper tubing, soft copper, and rigid copper. Rigid copper is the most popular copper choice for water lines. Copper is orange in color and isrigidmeaning it is not flexible.
PVC pipe is the most common pipe currently being used for sprinkler systems today. PVC’s strength, durability, easy installation, and low cost have made it one of the most widely used plastics in the world. It is white and is very rigid (meaning it is not flexible). PVC pipe and fittings usually come in white or dark gray. (dark grey signifies “Schedule 80” pipe) There are different classes/schedules of PVC pipe used for sprinklers. Class 200 is the least expensive and also the least durable. Schedule 40 is the most common as it is durable and fairly inexpensive with the ability to hold up under pressure. Schedule 80 is the strongest, can hold the most PSI, and is consequently the most expensive.
It is becoming more and more common these days to replace copper (in plumbing applications) with PEX pipe. All PEX pipe is manufactured with its specifications listed directly on the pipe. It too is white but while still firm is less rigid than PVC.
Galvanized pipes are steel pipes that have been dipped in a protective zinc coating to prevent corrosion and rust. They are grey/nickel in color and are rigid and hard.
Tuff tube is a form of polyethylene tubing that is often used for larger applications that often require a longer distance of tubing lines/runs. It is usually blue and is somewhat stiff, but bendable.
If you can’t tell by looking at your pipes, there is a quick test to identify what kind of pipe you have. Grab a flat head screwdriver and a strong magnet. After locating your water line, scratch the outside of the pipe with the screwdriver:
Two major factors to consider when designing sprinkler systems are; the available pressure and the flow rate. Designing a sprinkler system without these two important numbers factored in will severely affect the efficiency of your sprinkler system.
To determine the flow rate, find a bucket and fill it up. Using ahose bib(located on the outside of the house) fill a bucket, that you know the size of, to the top and time how long it takes to do so. Using the following formula you can easily determine the flow rate available.
*Don’t use a hose. It may restrict the flow and change the outcome.
Finding the pressure is just as easy but will require the use of a pressure gauge. Simply attach the pressure gauge to the hose bib and turn on the water. Once the needle on the gauge stops you will be able to read the pressure available.
*Make sure that no other water is running in the system. That includes toilets, faucets, and hoses. If you don’t have access to one, you can find one for cheaphere．
Sprinklersare sold in a wide variety of sizes, styles, and spray patterns, and there are pros and cons to each one. Smaller areas of landscaping thrive best withpop-up spray heads, while you can utilize fewerrotor(gear driven) pop-up sprinklers in large areas.Impact sprinklersare another option when using a secondary water supply that may not be a clean as a culinary supply.
Elevation changes disrupt or even add water pressure to a water system. Elevation drop is a serious factor to consider when designing a sprinkler system and can change how well the system works.Each foot of elevation change is equal to 0.433 PSI of water pressure．你可能经历了这已经在你的李fe if by chance you have ever swum to the bottom of a pool or lake. For every 2’ that you descend, there is an additional 1lb (approximately) of pressure pushing against you. That is why your ears hurt and why divers have to “equalize” as the plummet to unknown depths and have to do it all over again n their way back up. Knowing how far below or above the water source a sprinkler will be will better help us determine the best products and design needed for each sprinkler system.
In order to automatically run a sprinkler zone (azoneis a specific set of sprinklers designed to water at the same time), asprinkler timeror clock is needed to be the “brains” of the operation. There aretwo types of residential sprinkler timers: indoor and outdoor. Outdoor timers are weather-resistant, less susceptible to UV rays and are usually very durable. Typically, they need to be hard-wired for power rather than simply being plugged into a 110-volt outlet. Indoor timers are not weather-resistant but do not need to be hard-wired.
It is never a good idea to install an indoor timer outside. Indoor timers usually include an external transformer as part of the plug that converts the standard 110V normally found in an outlet, to the 18 volts needed for the timer. Many people like to install their indoor timers in their garage, under a covered patio, in a shed or pump house, and sometimes even in a closet. Convenient locations like these are often preferred by users because they can remain indoors to program, reset, or turn the timer off or on.
It is fairly common for outdoor controllers to be converted for indoor use (with the additional purchase of a pigtail - three-pronged plug and power cord) because many outdoor timers have more features than indoor ones.
Most systems would benefit fromirrigation filters(also known as sediment filters). These filters keep sprinklers and the other parts of irrigation systems free of the contaminants that degrade performance and efficiency. It is recommended to add filters to systems that utilize rotors, sprays or drip devices because they are the most affected by dirt and debris. Some filters come in kits like in the image above, while others can be installed separately. There are filters that are clear so you can see when it is time to change them and even filters the can accept fertilizing tablets that feed your lawn each time the sprinklers turn on.
As you can see, there are a lot of things to consider when installing or formulating a sprinkler system design. But don’t let that stop you. An automatic sprinkler system is worth its weight in gold, especially if you plan on leaving your home for a few days at a time this summer. No more dragging a hose around, and no need to hire the inconsistent neighbor kid to do it for you while you are gone. If you do your homework, installing a sprinkler system correctly is a great way to increase the value of your home AND the curb appeal too. Something both you and your neighbors can appreciate for years to come!
If you want remote control of your sprinkler system from anywhere, check out theRain Bird LNK WiFi Module．
Related Resources:
How to Design a Sprinkler System
Setting Up Sprinkler Zones
List of Sprinkler System Parts
The Best Pumps for Sprinkler Systems
All About Antisiphon Valves
When Should You Water Your Lawn?
