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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Average Water Pressure For A Sprinkler System
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.
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.
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.
Suction lift and the number of sprinkler heads operating at any given time are the key determining factors in selecting a sprinkler pump. Determine the number of heads and multiply them by 3. The sum (gpm requirement) should be compared with the pump performance chart found on the pump carton.
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.
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.
By checking the pressure regulator, inspecting the sprinkler heads, checking for leaks, doing a pressure test, installing more stations and increasing the water supply line, you can boost water pressure and keep your lawn healthy and green.
A typical system side pressure is 40 psi. In some dry pipe valve models, there is a small amount of priming water to achieve a better seal.
Most automatic sprinkler systems require between 40 to 60 PSI to operate properly. Because water pressure fluctuates throughout the day, it's best to make sure other faucets in your house are off and that you record your water pressure at around the time you will likely be using your irrigation system.
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.
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.
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.
Pressure-Regulated to 30 & 40 PSI. Hunter's pressure regulated pop-up sprays are calibrated for the needs of any installation. The PRS30 with the brown cap optimizes performance of traditional sprays at 30 PSI.
If it is proposed to fit a sprinkler which is supplied directly off the mains, please note, that the pressure in the water mains network varies between areas and throughout the day. Normally it is in the range 2 Bar - 3 Bar, with a minimum of approx. 1.5 Bar.
Sprinkler systems: 150psi at the connection b. Standpipe systems: 150psi ± 5psi per floor elevation up to 9 floors; 200psi for 10 floors and above c. Minimum desired fire flow of 500gpm for any system.
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.
Answer: The pressure requirement varies from 2.0 to 4.0 kg cm-2 with application rate from 4.0 to 20.0 mm hr-1 depending on the nozzle size, spacing etc. Fig. 36.1.