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Timer/ wires Irrigatin controllers, also known as irrigation timers or lawn sprinkler system timers, are the nerve centers or brains of the sprinkler system. Sprinkler system timers send electric signals to the irrigation valves. The valves regulate the flow of water to the sprinkler system.


Lawn sprinkler system timers are the devices that allow you to set a watering schedule to meet your needs. You can set the days you want to water, the time of day you want the sprinklers to come on, and how long you want them to apply water.
Sprinkler system controllers may be mechanical, partly automatic, or fully automatic. Although lawn sprinkler system timers are largely maintenance-free, the home or property owner might wish to upgrade and replace irrigation controllers or install irrigation controller parts or extra features. Sprinkler timer installation or replacement is very straightforward and easy and can be done by either the homeowner or by an irrigation professional

 

 

 

 

 

  • How much time should I take to water my lawn?

Q. When and how long you should water your landscape depends on a few factors. We’ll go into those next, but remember that whatever your landscape circumstances are, you want the water to go down to the roots of  your grass and other plants. So, generally, it’s best to water less often for longer periods of time, allowing the water to really sink into your soil. If you water more often for shorter periods of time, the surface roots will grow, but it will be more difficult for the deeper roots to grow. Additionally, watering frequently and for less time can lead to soil compaction, thatch accumulation, and can encourage weeds to grow.

 

Now, about those factors we mentioned earlier: How much you should water depends on your lawn’s soil type, condition, and slope. Since water pressure also differs from house to house, it’s impossible to give a “one size fits all” answer for how often you should water your plants. Michael Glassner gives good advice for watering new plants you’ve purchased from a nursery. Water those plants everyday, helping the roots to establish themselves in the native soil. Watering in the morning, avoiding the heat of the day or evening, is best for your plants. Watch the Michael Glassner video to learn more, and research your particular landscape to make your watering plan.

 

 

 

 

Q: What is an automatic irrigation system, and why should I think about installing one?

A: Irrigation systems are automatic watering systems that deliver a controlled flow of water your plants so they can grow. The need for water conservation means that it’s important to use the most efficient irrigation system for your watering needs. It’s easy to over- or under-water plants if using a garden hose. Also, it takes time to plan and carefully give your plants the water they need. Depending on the size and needs of your landscape, this planning and watering can take a considerable amount of time.

 

Q: What are the basic components of an automatic sprinkler system?

A: A standard system consists of a controller (the “brains” of the system), valves (which open and close to allow and stop the flow of water to underground pipes) and sprinklers (which dispense water to specific areas). This system can be customized even more with soil moisture sensors, drip irrigation zones, and rain shut-off devices.

 

**For more information on spray heads and nozzles, rotors and rotary nozzles, valves, and controllers and sensors, go to Rain Bird’s video library.

 

Q. Will an automatic sprinkler system use more water than I am currently using?

A. No, and in reality, a well-designed and efficient automatic sprinkler system may actually save you water. Such a system distributes only the water your plants and lawn need. So say “goodbye” to the worry of wasting water because you forgot to turn off your manual sprinkler system.

 

Q. How can having a sprinkler system save me time?

A. Except for regular system checks and occasional maintenance, once your system is installed you can let it do the work while you enjoy your landscape. Going out of town? No need to ask the neighbor to water the plants while you’re away--your sprinkler system will do it for you.

 

Image from shorelinesprinkling. com

 

Q. We generally get 40 or more inches of rainfall a year. Why do we need a sprinkler system?

A. Plants and lawn need an evenly distributed and regularly timed amount of water. Since many places typically have a “rainy season” as well as time when there is no rain for a substantial amount of time, watering in some form is required to make sure your landscape gets the water it needs to thrive. After just a few days with no water, plants typically suffer stress and damage.

 

Q. What kind of sprinkler system should I get?

A. It depends on your watering needs. There are several different kinds of automatic irrigation systems. The above-ground irrigation system is typically best for watering open areas like lawns, whether the lawns are small are large spaces. These types of systems throw water through the air using spray heads. Such systems are made up of hoses, hose bibbs, sprinklers (the sprinkler heads) and hose tap timers. An in-ground irrigation system spreads water via sprinklers connected to risers, which are in turn connected to a network of underground pipes that run through the lawn. Such a system can also include a drip system which disperses water through releasers to plants' root zones. The water is applied slowly and precisely, thus not wasting any water. Since it is not being sprayed into the air, water dispersed this way is not exposed to the sun and wind and so avoids being evaporated or otherwise wasted. Also, drip irrigation reduces the need for yard maintenance: weed growth decreases, since water is being delivered directly to plants. An in-ground irrigation system is composed of the following elements: valves, pipe and fittings, sprinklers, risers and flex assemblies, drip tubing,  and timers.        

 

Full Guide to Drip Irrigation Supplies – Starter Kits and More from Rain Bird!

 

Q. What is a backflow prevention device?

  • A backflow prevention device prevents water from your sprinkler system from going into the potable water supply. If you are installing a sprinkler system by yourself, you’ll want to check your state and local codes for what the backflow prevention device requirements are.

 

Q. How much will a good sprinkler system cost?

A. That depends on how large your landscape area is, the kind of landscape you have, and the number of zones your landscape requires. If your landscape requires any sort of special designs, that will play into the cost. And of course, the parts your system requires will be part of that cost. Call Dr. Sprinkler today to get your free quote! (Insert Phone Number for Area Here)

 

Q. What are some things I should know before I install a sprinkler system myself?

  • Before doing any installation work, make sure that you:

  • Find out if your locality requires a building permit.

  • Check the landscape for underground utilities. The law requires that, before you begin any excavation (even digging a hole), you call your local utility company to check for underground utilities. Call The North America One Call Referral Service at 1-888-258-0808 to connect to a national directory of utility companies.

  • Check the watering ordinances of  your municipality.  

Watch this video from Rain Bird to learn more about the basic concepts involved in designing a sprinkler system.

 

Q. How do I find out what my water pressure is, either for watering my plants manually or as I am preparing to install a sprinkler system?

 

  • Working water pressure is the water pressure that exists when the water supply is turned on. The static water pressure exists when the water supply is turned off. If you are preparing to install a sprinkler system, or if you are trying to figure out the water pressure when planning a manual watering plan, you will want to know your working water pressure number. To find out that number, you will need a pressure gauge. First, turn off all other outdoor and indoor faucets, including clothes washers and dishwashers. Attach the gauge to the outside faucet, turn the outdoor faucet you’re using to check the measurement on all the way, and check the reading--the measurement will be in pounds per square inch (psi).

Image from Sprinkler Warehouse   

 

 

 

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Q. What are some things I’ll need to do to maintain my sprinkler system?

 

  • Winterization: In cold regions, at the end of the season in which you’ve used your sprinkler system (typically at the end of fall), you’ll want to blow out residual water from the sprinkler system before the ground freezes. This is because, if there is water in your sprinkler pipes when the ground freezes, that water can freeze and expand, eventually cracking PVC piping. Polyethylene pipe, which is used in many freezing climates, is more flexible and can expand under pressure; however, if you have these kinds of pipes, you’ll still want to get the water out, because the water can rupture the pipe walls when it freezes. Additionally, if there’s freezing water in the backflow assembly, it can crack the brass body and do damage to the internal components of the assembly. Since compressed air--the typical substance used to do the blow-out--is very dangerous, you should hire a professional to do this job. Dr. Sprinkler does winterization blow-outs--Call Dr. Sprinkler Today! (Include Area Number Here)

Other maintenance:

Some problems that may arise with your sprinkler system include: broken sprinkler heads and clogged sprinkler heads. Read Family Handyman’s article on how to recognize and fix common sprinkler system problems.

 

Q. What are some ways I can save water while watering my plants?

  • Some intelligent ways to save water include:

  • Apply only the amount of water needed

  • Water between 5:00 AM and 10:00 AM

  • Water based on the plant material

  • Leave your grass longer

  • Water only things that grow

  • Check your automatic irrigation system once a month

  • Mulch around plants

  • Adjust automatic irrigation controller as needed

 

Watch this video from Rain Bird to learn more about each of these helpful strategies!

 

MORE RESOURCES:

 

  • Check out Rain Bird’s full online Product Support Center featuring instruction guides for Timers, Controllers and Sensors,  Valves,  Spray Heads and Nozzles , Rotor Sprinklers, Impact Sprinklers, and Hose-End Sprinklers & Kits.

  • View Rain Bird’s Irrigation Troubleshooting Manual.

  • Click here for Rain Bird’s Winterization Guide.

  • Learn more about Rain Bird irrigation supplies--Rain Bird Irrigation Products Catalog

 

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