A well-designed and installed sprinkler system will give you more control over when, where, and how your lawn gets watered. This is essential for a healthy lawn that is both beautiful and eco-friendly.
The network of piping running under your lawn transports water to strategic places where retractable sprinkler heads water your lawn section by section automatically. No more lugging a hose and positioning bulky sprinkler attachments.
The in-ground irrigation system has revolutionized home lawn care, but how do these sprinklers really work? Time to get to the basics!
The Basics Of How Yard Sprinkler Systems Work
The sprinkler heads that distribute the water across your lawn operate on a pressure system that allows pressure to build up in the pipes enough to cause the sprinkler heads to extend and shoot out water in a pre-determined spray arc. When the water pressure stops, the sprinkler heads retract back down underground, so they are out of the way of lawnmowers and feet.
Sprinkler heads in a garden bed are usually a raised-head type that is permanently above ground, which is good to avoid them getting clogged by mulch and dirt, but not so good for an open lawn, which is why they are relegated to beds and garden spaces.
Most modern sprinkler systems today have a control box where you can program times for the sprinklers to run and control what areas go off when and for how long. You can also invest in sensors that will override a scheduled run time if it is currently raining, so you do not end up wasting water.
While there are many ways to design and set up your sprinklers, they all operate on the same basic concept and comprise the same general components. At the heart of the lawn irrigation system is the need humankind has to harness the power of irrigation and better control the ebb and flow of water.
Types of Water Sources
So, the in-ground sprinkler system seems pretty simple and straightforward. When the control is activated and the system kicks on, water flows through the pipes and out the sprinkler heads. But where does the water come from?
In-ground sprinkler systems can get water from two sources depending on the system design and the property location, on-site setup, and what you have available. Essentially you have a choice of a pump system or a metered water system. Here are how the two break down when compared to each other:
- Pump systems work by pulling in water from a well underground. This allows homeowners to run their sprinkler system as they need to without incurring additional water bills as that water is not counted on their monthly meter readings.
- Metered water systems typically are connected directly to the home’s existing water system. While this involves additional water costs, it is often easier to perform work on the system and keep it in tip-top shape for longer. Issues of filtration, damage, and repairs are less cumbersome with this setup.
Maintenance, Repairs, and Upkeep Are Key
No matter what kind of system you have, the way to get the most out of your system is to ensure it works efficiently each time you run it. Scheduled checks and repairs will be needed, and full systems inspections should be part of your routine.
Working with irrigation experts is the best way to get the most out of your lawn sprinkler system. To learn more about how sprinklers work, how to get the most out of them, and how to keep your running at optimal capacity, contact us today!
