Yard Sprinkler System Parts Explained

The normal yard sprinkler system does a lot of its work underground and out of sight, but despite its cryptic nature, the performance of a fundamental sprinkler system is not intricate. The system consists of just a couple of distinct types of parts, all of which have the simple objective of transferring water to the perfect place at the ideal moment.

Timer

In most modern yard sprinkler systems, an electronic timer controls the flow of water from the main water supply to the system. It determines when the system turns on and off, and it controls the valves which determine which regions of the system function at a given time. A normal timer permits you to decide on a regular watering program, and some timers allow various areas of the program to follow unique schedules. Advanced timers may have moisture sensors to automatically determine when to close the system off and to suspend the watering program when it’s raining.

Control Valves

A collection of valves control the flow of water through the sprinkler system. Because water pressure is generally inadequate to run the whole system at the same time, the following valves have been utilized to split the system into zones that are run independently of one another. In systems using an automatic timer, the timer controls the valves, opening and closing them according to the programmed watering program, so that every zone is watered when required. The valves are connected to the timer with wires through which the control signals have been transmitted, and the valves are often grouped together in an arrangement, referred to as a manifold, to minimize wiring and make maintenance more convenient.

Pipes and Risers

A system of horizontal PVC pipes carries the water from the primary water supply to the control valves and from the valves into the sprinkler heads. Short vertical pipes called risers extend upward from the concrete pipes at places where sprinkler heads have been needed, and the heads have been attached directly to the risers.

Sprinkler Heads

Sprinkler heads have been positioned around the yard to provide full coverage of the lawn and planting beds. The most frequent types of sprinkler heads retract to sit at or slightly below grade level when they aren’t functioning, but when the mind’s zone is activated, water pressure causes the head to pop up and spray water. Sprinkler heads come in a selection of types designed for various applications. Oscillating heads rotate as they function and cover a huge area, while stationary heads spray water at a pattern which may vary from a full circle into a hammer that is narrow and can be told to cover a specific place. Low-flow or drip heads have been designed to deliver modest quantities of water straight into planting beds to reduce waste.

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