The high volume pressurised water stream gets harder to be distributed evenly. Thus, that size of impact sprinklers have another small (4-6 mm) nozzle to water the area for the closer area to the sprinkler. The main stream will start spreading in the air after a certain distance to the sprinkler head.
Our Recommendation… If you have a rectangular shaped yard with no obstacles, we would recommend the oscillating sprinkler, as it will typically cover the whole yard if placed correctly. Also, if you have newly planted grass seed, this is the sprinkler to use.
The impact sprinkler's long spray radius and uniform water distribution re-creates the effect of natural rainfall. The device provides an above-ground alternative to furrow irrigation, in which trenches are dug between rows of crops and flooded.
One of the most common issues you will likely encounter with your sprinkler system is clogged heads. Cuttings from the lawn mower and debris from storms may eventually block the sprinkler heads. It is pretty easy to tell if this is the problem. The spray of the water will be interrupted, uneven or nonexistent.
A watering session should be long enough to soak the area sufficiently so all the roots receive a beneficial drink. Sprinklers should be set to run for about 30 to 35 minutes at a time twice a week. Your goal is at least 1″ of water a week for your lawn.
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.
Water up to 25 minutes for rotors, rotary, and impact sprinklers. Tips for new seed: Keep the top 2 inches of soil moist watering daily, morning would be best to get it through the heat of the day.
Typically, though, a sprinkler system zone will boast 5 to 6 rotor heads and/or 8 to 10 spray heads.
Gear-Driven Rotor Sprinkler Heads
They offer a multitude of advantages over impact rotors, such as low cost, quiet operation, and various spray patterns. Gear driven rotors often require less maintenance because the enclosed body protects the drive mechanism from dirt and lawn debris.
Higher Chemical Resistance — Brass is more resistant to chemicals typically found in irrigation water and therefore less susceptible to failure due to cracking. Longer Life — Brass valves can be used above and below grade whereas plastic degrades over time in extreme environments and in direct sunlight.
Oscillating sprinklers feature a row of multiple openings to disperse water in a semicircular spray. The sprinkler head and the resulting water fan then move from side to side, so your irrigation covers a larger area than most stationary models.
Sprinkler heads should always be placed so that the sprays overlap—the distance one head throws should reach the head of the next sprinkler. This is called head-to-head coverage, and sprinklers should be placed equidistantly in each zone to achieve it.
A common rule that is followed for obstructions within 18 inches of the sprinkler deflector is the “three times rule”. This requires sprinklers to be positioned away from obstructions a minimum or three times the maximum dimension of the obstruction.
1.3 lays out the “Three Times Rule” which states that unless specific requirements are met that “sprinklers shall be positioned away from obstructions a minimum distance of three times the maximum dimensions of the obstruction”, up to a maximum of 24 inches (0.6096 m) though the “maximum clear distance does not apply ...
On the other hand, watering longer but less frequently, “deep watering,” produces deep roots that mean lawns can better survive periods of drought. The ideal watering schedule is once or twice per week, for about 25 to 30 minutes each time.
Impact sprinkler heads are usually sold in a couple different materials—plastic and metal. Plastic heads are lightweight, making them easier to turn with a conservative water flow of around 20-40 psi.
We're Talking PSI
The optimum operating pressure for most residential sprinkler heads is between 30 and 50 pounds per square inch (PSI).
For example, in the summer you need 2 inches of water per week. Your sprinklers apply one inch in 20 minutes.
At the top of the nozzle, you will find a small screw. Use a flat-headed screwdriver to turn the screw to reduce or extend the radius of the nozzle opening. Set the arc position by adjusting the stem to cover the spray distance you need.
There are many types of sprinkler heads and each one has different patterns or uses. The most common types are stationary, rotor, pop-up, and pulsating sprinkler heads. You'll need a flat-head screwdriver and possibly a few other tools to adjust the heads.