The recommended PSI ratings for blowouts are not to exceed 50 PSI for general safety and efficiency. Never exceed this PSI when the system is using PVC piping, or you can crack the pipes. If nothing else, absolutely do not run any compressor higher than 80 PSI in your lines, or damage will be more than likely to occur.
For many sprinklers, the recommended operating water pressure ranges between 30-40 pounds PSI. A pressure regulator ensures that water pressure consistently stays within this recommended PSI range, regardless of the water pressure before it reaches the sprinkler.
Most domestic pop-up sprinkler systems operate at bar pressures from 1.3 to 4.8 bar depending on the type of pop-up sprinkler and nozzles used in the system.
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.
Pressure Ratings:
Maximum allowable water working pressure is 175 psig (12 Bar) unless rated and specified for high water working pressure [250 psig (17.2 Bar)].
Under 40 is considered low, so you may need to boost pressure if installing an irrigation system. Over 80 is high, and many household water appliances may be at risk of damage over this range. A pressure reducing valve may be necessary. Static pressure is affected by elevation.
How is pressure measured? 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.
For a fixed spray system, aim for 20-30 psi per sprinkler. On a rotor/pop-up system, shoot for 30-60 psi. Irrigation and drip systems require 20-40 psi.
Normal psi for a home pipe system is between 30 and 80 psi. While you don't want the psi to be too low, it violates code to be above 80. Instead, you should aim for a psi that's between 60 and 70.
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.
If your home's water capacity was 10 GPM, you could place 3 heads per zone. Consult the Performance Charts on or inside the box your sprinkler head came in for your head's exact performance data, or locate the performance data in the Support area of this website.
You need pressure regulators to achieve the intended distribution pattern and application rate. If you do not control the system pressure, it can negatively affect the sprinkler performance. Without regulators, the throw radius can alter, fitting, and emitters could even take damage or blow out of the tubing.
The standard sprinkler flow rates, in general, are from 4 gallons per minute (gpm) from a 5/32-inch nozzle at 30 pounds pressures to over 11 gpm from a 7/32-inch nozzle at 70 pounds pressures.
Most residential plumbing systems are designed to handle 40 to 60 PSI of pressure, with 80 PSI being the typical maximum and anything over 100 PSI being possibly detrimental to plumbing components.
What is “too high” when it comes to water pressure? For most houses, 80 psi (pounds per square inch) is about right. If the water pressure is over 100 psi, that's too much.
Water pressure over 80 psi can cause damage to your home's plumbing fixtures, including anything with a rubber gasket. Common problem areas include: water heaters.
Operating under too much pressure can cause misting, fogging, overspray, and uneven coverage. Courtesy of the Irrigation Association.
Pressure regulators are generally installed on the outflow side of the valves. It should be placed after the backflow preventer and filter.
Maintains constant outlet pressure at 30psi (2.1 bar). Spray nozzles perform best at 30psi.
Generally, the larger a pipe is, the higher the water flow. The water pressure level always has to be taken into consideration, however. Even the biggest, smoothest pipes will not have effective water flow if the water pressure is low, because there is not enough strength to defeat the force of friction.
Sprinkler heads must be a maximum of 12-15 feet apart, depending on the hazard rating of the space (it ranges from Light Hazard to Extra Hazard 1&2), and at least half that distance from the nearest walls (typically 7.5 feet away).
5.4 (pendent and upright) and 10.3. 4.4 (sidewall), require 6 feet of clearance between heads. That minimum distance is measured from the center of each sprinkler head (or, “on center”).
The most common reason that sprinklers failed to operate was the system being shut off at some point before the fire. One sprinkler is usually enough to control a fire. In 77 percent of the structure fires where sprinklers operated, only one operated. In 97 percent, five or fewer operated.