If your heads consume 3 GPM, you could run three heads per zone. Each zone of a sprinkler system will run all of its heads simultaneously. If you have too many in a zone and not enough pressure, each one's pressure will be lowered since the system cannot be controlled head by head.
Typically, a zone can accommodate between five to ten sprinkler heads, with the understanding that each sprinkler head has a watering radius of about 15 feet. However, keep in mind that this is a general guideline, and the specific requirements of your lawn may vary.
Too Many Sprinkler Heads in One Zone
A possible solution is to split the zone into two zones.
We recommend that you use 40 psi when designing your system. Example: if your sprinkler heads use 2.5 gpm @ 40 psi, then a ¾” service (20 gpm) could operate approximately 8 heads at one time. Based on this example calculation, you would not have more than 8 heads on at one time.
This requires sprinklers to be positioned away from obstructions a minimum or three times the maximum dimension of the obstruction.
For the controllers HC, PROHC, HPC, you can only run a single zone at a time based on the power output available. Running multiple zones at once is usually not possible due water-pressure and flow limitations at residential properties.
1-2-3-2-1 watering technique:
In April water 1 day/week. In May ramp up to 2 times/week. In the heat of the summer water 3 times/week. In September drop back to 2 times/week. In the fall drop back down to 1/week.
This will primarily be determined by the total flow rate and pressure you have available at your source. For example, you generally have a flow rate of 10 gpm from a ¾-inch spigot where you connect your hose. With your 10 gpm flow rate at your spigot, you could run two sprinklers at 5 gpm each.
1 of NFPA 13, which states that the distance from the sprinkler to the wall can be no more than one-half the allowable distance between sprinklers. The max distance between standard spray sprinklers in light hazard settings is 15 ft. (4.6 m) (with exceptions for light-hazard, combustible concealed spaces).
Not more than 1000 automatic sprinklers shall be controlled by any one preaction valve ... , the systems shall be wet pipe, single interlock pre-action, or single non-interlock preaction systems. [909:9.12. 23.4.
Never put different types of irrigation heads on the same irrigation zone to operate at the same time. The precipitation and/or application rates of the nozzles and emitters of the rotor, spray, bubbler, drip, micro-irrigation, etc. are entirely different.
Distribution uniformity is increased by head-to-head spacing. This occurs when sprinkler heads are located a distance of 50% of the nozzle throw diameter from the adjacent head. In other words, a sprinkler head with a 10-foot throw should be spaced 10 feet from the adjacent head.
1. Water Thoroughly: Rotor zones should run for about 30-40 minutes per zone and spray zones 10-15 minutes per zone. 2. Water Frequently : Sod areas should be watered at least 2 or 3 times daily for the first two weeks.
The average system uses approximately 15-16 gallons per minute, per station. Here is an easy formula to help you calculate the approximate amount of water you are using each month.
The number of sprinkler heads per zone depends on the water pressure and flow rate of a system's water source. A traditional system may have a dozen rotors and 8 to 10 spray heads. An Irrigreen system only needs one sprinkler head per zone.
Most spray and rotator heads are designed to work their best at about 30 psi. When pressure is lower, the watering radius will be reduced, so you may need to place your heads closer together to get the coverage you need. Higher pressures – those above about 40 psi – will cause the head to mist or fog.
This is where you need to break out your calculators! Or, if you prefer, simply leave the irrigation design up to an installation professional, so you can be guaranteed head-to-head coverage. Typically, though, a sprinkler system zone will boast 5 to 6 rotor heads and/or 8 to 10 spray heads.
NFPA 13's rules for sidewall heads closely resemble those for pendent and upright types. Those guidelines, found in sections 10.2. 5.4 (pendent and upright) and 10.3. 4.4 (sidewall), require 6 feet of clearance between heads.
Dig for Your Sprinkler System
The trenches will be relatively shallow, usually 6 to 12 inches deep, depending on your area's freeze cycles and frost severity. The trench must also be deep enough to allow the sprinklers to retract underground to prevent breakage from lawn machines.
You can operate 2 or 3 sprinklers at one time with 'Y's and extra hoses, depending on your water pressure. To run more than one sprinkler off the same faucet, attach a 'Y' to your faucet and run a hose to each sprinkler.
What is the average price of an irrigation system? $1000 per zone: A general rule of thumb in residential or commercial landscapes is to charge $1000 per zone. This includes the line and irrigation heads for that given line,” says Rick Evans of Aesthetic Gardens in Mountain View, CA.
Yes, the longer the hose, the less water pressure there will be at the far end. This is because the water has further to travel, and more surface area to come into contact with.
The 1/3 rule makes the most sense for relatively high cut turf found in golf course roughs, sports fields and home lawns. Applying the rule, you should never let a rough maintained at 2 inches grow higher than 3 inches before mowing.
When it comes to irrigating lawns during hot summer months, improper techniques can hurt your grass more than help it. Overwatering, irrigating at wrong times of the day, and watering too often can be ineffective and—at times—downright harmful.