Understanding How Sprinkler Systems Work
A well-designed and installed sprinkler system will give you more control over your lawn’s health. This is essential to maintain a healthy and beautiful lawn. The piping network under your lawn delivers water to specific areas where retractable sprinkler heads automatically water your lawn section by section. No more dragging a hose and positioning bulky sprinkler attachments! The in-ground irrigation system has revolutionized lawn care, but how do these sprinkler systems work? Keep reading to learn more.
How Do Sprinkler Systems Work?
The sprinkler heads that distribute water across your lawn operate on a pressure system that allows enough pressure to build up in the pipes until the sprinkler heads extend and spray water in a pre-determined arc. When the water pressure stops, the sprinkler heads retract underground, out of the way of lawnmowers and feet.
Sprinklers in a garden bed are usually raised-head types permanently above ground. This type is good for avoiding clogging by mulch and dirt, but it is not so good for an open lawn, so they are relegated to beds and garden spaces.
Most modern sprinkler systems have a control box where you can program times for the sprinklers to run and control what areas turn on when and for how long. You can also invest in sensors that will override a scheduled run time if it is raining so you do not waste water. While there are many ways to design and install sprinklers, they all operate on the same basic concept and comprise the same general components.
Types of Water Systems
When the control is activated and the system turns on, water flows through the pipes and out the sprinkler heads. But where does the water come from?
In-ground sprinkler systems get water from two sources depending on the system design and the property location, on-site setup, and what you have available. Essentially, you can choose a pump system or a metered water system. Here is a comparison between the systems:
- Pump systems work by pulling in water from a well underground. This allows homeowners to run their sprinkler system as needed without incurring additional water bills, as that water is not counted on their monthly meter readings.
- Metered water systems are typically connected directly to the home’s existing water system. While this involves additional water costs, it is often easier to 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.
Sprinkler Maintenance is 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. Contact the professionals at Sposato Irrigation to install and maintain your irrigation system.
Choose Sposato Irrigation
Sposato Irrigation is uniquely positioned to offer high-quality, affordable, and reliable irrigation services to homeowners and business owners in Sussex County, Milton, Lewes, Rehoboth Beach, Bethany Beach, Fenwick Island, Ocean View, Millsboro, Dagsboro, and Ocean City, MD. Thanks to our expertise, innovation and decades of professional experience, we can meet the needs of large properties and small gardens. To learn more about our irrigation installation, LED landscape lighting, and commercial irrigation maintenance services, contact us today. We can be reached at 302-645-4773. Also, check us out on Facebook and Twitter