Run the sprinkler system during pre-dawn hours for most efficient watering, as the lawn will lose less moisture to evaporation from the sun and heat. Avoid night watering, though, as watering after dark will cause grass blades to remain moist overnight, making them more susceptible to fungal diseases.
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.
You can fix this by making sure that the heads only sit about a half-inch above the ground. Whether your sprinkler not spraying far enough is caused by a clogged head, a broken head and or it's sitting too high, you should get in touch with a professional to find a solution.
Timer problems are the most common cause of intermittent low pressure in one sprinkler system zone. The timer for this zone may be a bit behind the others, causing a delay for full water pressure to reach the affected zone. Or, the timer may turn the zone on and off a few times or may not turn it on at all.
One of the leading reasons for low sprinkler water pressure relates to the valves on your backflow preventer device. If you notice limited water pressure in your sprinkler system but normal water pressure inside your home, then the problem might be that your backflow preventer valves are not completely open.
The optimum operating pressure for most residential sprinkler heads is between 30 and 50 pounds per square inch (PSI). With correct water pressure, each head will perform the way they were designed, and the result will be even spray-patterns and efficient use of water.
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.
If your sprinkler output is 1½ inches per week, your sprinklers should run for only ⅓ hour or 20 minutes that week (½ divided by 1½). On a twice-weekly watering schedule, run your sprinklers 10 minutes each time.
The ideal time to water, therefore, is early in the morning between 4 am and 8 am. Your lawn will have time to absorb the moisture deep down to promote root growth, but will not be too damp by dark that it encourages fungus and other problems. The number of hours of continuous wetness should be kept to a minimum.
It is always important to install sprinklers with overlap for full coverage. Spray heads have a higher application rate than other sprinkler heads. Meaning they put out a lot of water fast. One benefit to spray heads is that there are no moving parts eliminating mechanical failure.
Watering every day is not advised. It should be done 2 to 3 times per week only to prevent a shallow root system. If possible, water during the early morning hours to ensure that the lawn dries entirely before nightfall. However, watering at any time of the day is better than not watering at all.
Water pressure is measured in pounds per square inch – also called psi. The average water pressure for most homes and businesses is between 30 psi and 50 psi; most sprinkler systems are designed to use pressures of around 30 psi.
If you are unsure how tight to thread these fittings, simply tighten to hand tight and check for leaks when you pressurize the main line. Over tightening will cause trouble in the future. Next, Thread in another close nipple. Thread on the valve.
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).
Running multiple zones at once is usually not possible due water-pressure and flow limitations at residential properties.
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.
When properly installed, most sprinkler heads will have an 8' coverage radius. This is one of many determining factors in how the sprinkler heads must be spaced.
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.