Most spray sprinklers have recommended operating pressures between 30 pounds per square inch (psi) and 45 psi. Operating a sprinkler system at a pressure higher than recommended can cause significant water waste, due to excessive flow rates, misting, fogging, overspray, and uneven coverage.
High water pressure causes a different set of problems. First is the potential of damage to the system. Just like too much air blown into a balloon, the components of an irrigation system can break if the pressure becomes too high. This is most likely to occur where pipe is joined with a PVC fitting.
Pressures higher than 80 psi can possibly damage household appliances. Generally, the ideal pressure is 65 psi. A pressure regulating valve (PRV) can be used to reduce if the pressure is higher than 65 psi.
For residential and small business applications manufacturers recommend 30psi at the head for sprays and 45 psi at the head for rotors. Larger heads will require higher pressure.
Most sprinklers are designed to work with a max pressure of 40psi while its possible you have 80 or 100 psi from a city water supply. I would install a pressure regulator in the system.
Keep in mind that sprinkler and drip systems will not work properly if the pressure is too low or too high. Most sprinkler systems work at an optimal pressure of 30-50 psi, and most drip systems work best in the range of 20-40 psi.
If the static pressure exceeds 175 psi (the pressure rating for standard sprinkler components and maximum pressure allowed for fire hose valve connections), pressure–reducing valves may be required unless all components of the system are rated for high pressure.
To obtain proper air volume, you will need to rent or buy a compressor capable of providing 20 to 25 cubic feet per minute (CFM) of air volume. Air pressure must not exceed 50 pounds per square inch (psi) during the blow out procedure.
Using a small screw driver, you'll need to either tighten or loosen this adjustment screw to achieve your desired results. Generally, if you're having a problem when it comes to over-spraying, then you can turn the screw clockwise to reduce the amount of water pressure.
Anything over 80 psi is considered too high and could damage your plumbing system. On the other end of the spectrum, anything below 40 psi is considered low pressure, and anything below 30 psi is considered too low.
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.
Fire protection piping systems are pressure tested to reveal any leaks by pressurizing the piping to 200 psi for 2 hours. 2.
This will result in the remaining water draining into low spots and subjecting the system to freeze damage. Ideal pressures are in the range of 40 to 80 pounds per square inch (psi) for the air compressor with 80 psi being the maximum for rigid PVC pipe and 50 psi for polyethylene pipe (flexible black pipe).
Most homes and businesses have water pressures that range from 30 psi to 50 psi on average, and the majority of sprinkler systems are made to work with pressures of approximately 30 psi. A flow meter or water gauge fitted to an outside faucet will allow you to monitor the water pressure at your location.
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.
High water pressure can be caused by high supply pressure or changes in landscape elevation. High pressure can be managed by installing pressure regulators on the main line near valves that separate irrigation zones or sprinkler bodies that have internal pressure regulation.
For extra hazard occupancies, palletized, solid-piled, bin box, back-to-back shelf storage, shelf storage, or rack storage, the maximum operating pressure of any sprinkler shall be 175 psi (12 bar).
Minimum operating pressure of any sprinkler shall be 7 psi (0.5 bar). Where a higher minimum operating pressure for the desired application is specified in the listing of the sprinkler, this higher pressure shall be required.
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.
Sprinkler heads are rated at a specific GPM flow rate at a specific pressure. We recommend that you use 40 psi when designing your system.
Impact sprinklers are excellent for low-pressure water sources. This type of sprinkler is built with integrated regulation valves that control water flow. Using impact sprinklers will still allow you to achieve healthy growth of grass and plants, even if the water pressure in your house is less than ideal.