When you first buy a home, you have to become accustomed to many things in your new place. How does the thermostat work? Is the stove gas? Where will you store your Christmas decorations?
One of the trickiest things to figure out for many new homeowners is the sprinkler system. While every system is a little different, here’s our “Sprinklers 101” guide – so that you can better understand your system and utilize it to its full capacity.
Controllers & Timers
These are the devices that tell the system when to turn on and how long to run. In most cases, these are adjustable – allowing you to run the sprinkler more in the dry summer and less in winter when you don’t mind if the grass doesn’t grow as much.
Sprinklers
The sprinklers or nozzles themselves come in two main types – rotary or stationary. Stationary sprinklers are used in smaller areas, often hidden in the ground, and will pop up to water a specific space. A rotary sprinkler rotates and can cover a larger space.
Valves
It may be difficult to water your entire lawn at one time. A valve controls where the water is and how it is dispersed throughout the lawn. Manual valves require you to turn them on and off, while automatic valves work automatically to cover the different areas.
Sensors
Many sprinkler systems have sensors that can identify when the lawn is too wet or if it is too cold outside. This acts as a way to prevent overwatering the lawn or watering it when it is not actually necessary. Sensors generally save you money.
Pipes
The pipe system runs below the lawn, bringing water from the water main to the different areas. Installing the pipes is a complex job and one that is generally done by a professional in the industry. However, once installed, the pipes are often very reliable.
These tips are only the beginning. If you have further questions about what you system is capable of and how you can best use it, why not talk to an expert? Our team at Irrigation Outlet is always happy to help answer any questions you may have about your sprinkler system and get things running just as they should. After you figure out what you have in place and what you need, you will be able to get the most out of your system now and in the future.
