How Do Sprinklers Work?
Sprinklers make for great additions to homes and businesses because they make maintaining landscapes easy. Sprinklers and irrigation systems, of course, provide a steady stream of water to the area. This is much easier than manually watering your yard or garden. However, you may be curious about the inner workings of these sprinkler systems. How do sprinklers work, and what sort of steps do we go through when installing these systems at our clients’ properties in Powell, OH?
We are Hydro Tech Irrigation, and we are excited to teach you more about our sprinkler systems. Get a better understanding of sprinkler functionality below. Then, feel free to schedule an appointment with us—we’re here to help you with all your irrigation system needs.
Planning a Sprinkler System
So, how do sprinklers work anyway? One of the best ways to explain is by going through the process of creating a new irrigation system. To do this, the needs of the landscape must be considered. Which parts of the area need to be watered? And which parts need to be left alone? At Hydro Tech Irrigation, we take all this information into consideration, sketch out the property, and mark the different “zones” that water needs to be guided to. Then, we can determine where the pipes need to be laid accordingly.
Once we have reviewed the plan and determined it is ready to be implemented, the installation process can begin. This is where it gets exciting, so let’s take a closer look.
Digging Trenches For Pipes
With the plan finalized, it’s time to dig trenches for the pipes. These trenches need to be six to twelve inches deep, protecting pipes from everything happening on the surface (e.g., mowing the lawn). If you plan on doing your own digging, you also need to be aware of any existing underground utilities. The last thing you want to do is damage power, water, gas, or cable lines. Always call 811 before you dig so you know what you’re up against.
Once you are aware of the placement of underground utilities, you can begin digging. Your goal should be to create even, smooth trenches that are accurate to the planned design. If you come across any debris while digging—such as large pieces of rock underground—be sure to remove it. These objects can damage your pipes over time by scraping or poking them.
Controlling Pressure With Valves
An irrigation system provides water to many different zones. However, most irrigation systems can’t water all zones at the same time. Why? Because all the water in a sprinkler system comes from a single main supply. This main supply sends pressurized water down the main line, which is then diverted into different zones. If all zones were to run at the same time, the water would rapidly lose pressure, causing sprinklers to have a very weak spray. In this scenario, you’ll stop asking “How do sprinklers work?” and switch to “Why won’t my sprinklers work?”.
Fortunately, you won’t have to deal with this problem because valves are the solution. These valves divide the main line from the different zones, blocking the flow of water. These valves will open one by one, supplying water to the zones in a sequence. This prevents the system from being overloaded, extending its lifespan.
How Different Sprinkler Heads Work
How do sprinklers work? Well, that depends on what sort of sprinkler heads you’re using. Different kinds of sprinkler heads function in different ways. We’ve included a bulleted list of the most common ones below.
- Fixed Spray Heads. These sprinklers release a steady stream of water in a fixed pattern. These sprinklers are available in full-circle, half-circle, and quarter-circle patterns, making them a versatile choice for various landscaping needs.
- Rotor Heads. Rotor heads, as their name implies, rotate to apply water to the area. What makes this necessary when full-circle fixed spray heads are an option? It’s because rotor heads apply the water more slowly, preventing runoff.
- Impact Heads. These are also known as impulse heads. These sprinkler heads spray water in a powerful, pulsating arc, allowing them to reach the far reaches of your landscape. A great choice for wide, open yards.
- Bubbler Heads. Bubbler heads don’t just sound cute. They’re also useful for small gardens. That’s because they gently release water—hence the “bubbling” name—allowing you to water small plants without damaging them.
Finalizing a Sprinkler System
Once sprinkler heads have been installed, it’s time to test the system. By running water through all the different zones, you’ll be able to confirm the functionality of the pipes, valves, and sprinklers. If you encounter any problems, now is the time to resolve them. The last thing you’ll want to do is skip the testing phase and discover you did something wrong a month later.
Is everything in working order? Great! At this point, you can fill in the trenches. You may want to consider surrounding pipes with fine sand before burying them. This sand cushions pipes from heavy soil, helping them stand the test of time.
Benefits of Professional Sprinkler Installation
How do sprinklers work? Through a sophisticated—and sometimes complicated—arrangement of pipes and valves. Creating a sprinkler system requires a lot of time, energy, and equipment. Additionally, if you make any mistakes along the way, it could be a costly affair. To save yourself a world of frustration, consider reaching out to Hydro Tech Irrigation, a locally owned and operated business. It would be our pleasure to make an irrigation system for you—that way, you can focus on your other responsibilities!
By scheduling an appointment with Hydro Tech Irrigation, you’re putting your landscaping needs in the hands of fully trained experts. Not only are they ready to satisfy you, but they’re also ready to do it for a fair price. Contact us online and let us know about the sprinkler system of your dreams. We’ll give a free estimate for your project, and then, you can choose a time and date for us to swing by and make your dream a reality.