Do the components of a sprinkler system make any difference? If you want a beautiful, high-quality lawn or thriving crops, they need the right amount of moisture on a consistent basis. A reliable sprinkler system is a great alternative to going outside to water your yard or farm by hand every day, but how do these systems work?
Below, the sprinkler experts from Southwest Florida Service & Supply list the main components of the average sprinkler system and how they work together.
Five Common Sprinkler System Parts and What They Do
While many different water systems exist, most include these five main components. Each part provides a necessary function, allowing the system to spray the right amount of water over the right amount of time. If you have a malfunctioning sprinkler system, the problem is likely with one of these parts.
Timer or Controller
Older sprinklers don’t have them, but the timers or controllers on newer systems automatically determine when the water runs. This handy tool ensures you can water even when you are out.
You can usually control a timer or controller via a central system or something installed on the water valve. Some timers or controllers even have moisture sensors to ensure they don’t overwater the plants.
Valves
In addition to the primary water valve that allows liquid into the system, other valves control the water pressure. The sprinklers form enough pressure to spray by dividing the system into zones with a series of valves for pressure purposes. Manufacturers typically color-code valves like this, including a few other valves that help technicians determine whether the water source is clean or non-potable.
Pipes
All sprinkler system components rely on an intricate network of pipes to distribute water, which is usually underground. The pipes connect to valves and sprinkler heads, transferring the pressurized water and spreading it to the correct areas.
Sprinkler Heads
Some of the main components of a sprinkler system include different types of sprinkler heads. These parts affect how the system distributes the water supply. For example, rotary heads spray in a circle around the sprinklers, while fixed ones only spray in one direction.
It is also possible to add attachments to the sprinkler heads. For example, you could use motion sensors to detect critters (they spew water to scare off animals or birds).
Backflow Preventer
Older irrigation systems did not have backflow devices. However, most modern systems include backflow preventers that stop potentially contaminated water from rushing back into clean water. With this component, air or water pressure in the pipes won’t suck back dirty water into the supply.
Install Effective Sprinkler Systems in Florida
Formatting your irrigation system is easy when you know what you want to achieve. The experts at Southwest Florida Service & Supply have worked for over 40 years with agricultural sprinkler systems. So, why work alone when you can rely on local experts to perfect the installation?
Do you have questions about the components of a sprinkler system or irrigation? Call Southwest Florida Service & Supply at (239) 657-2429 today.