Understanding the Components of Your Lawn’s Irrigation/Sprinkler System

How does yourirrigation/sprinkler systemwork? Learning about the various components in the system can help you spot early problems, upgrade your system, or find new ways to conserve water. Here’s an overview of the most common components in an outdoor sprinkler system.

The Water Source

Most people connect their irrigation system to a public water supply. If you don’t live in an area that offers municipal water, you might connect to a well. You’ll use whatever water source provides service to the rest of your home.

You’ll rarely see this green box since it’s buried beneath the soil. It contains the valves that control your irrigation system.

The Control Valves

The control valves connect to the valve box, and each controls water flow to a different part of your yard. Timers control each control valve.

Each timer tells its respective control valve to open or close. This is how the system controls the flow of water.

The Master Valve

When the system detects a malfunction, it will stop water flow by triggering this valve. This safety feature eliminates water waste in an emergency.

The Shut-Off Valve

You’ll find this valve above ground on your property to prevent freezing. It’s also separate from the main shut-off valve for your home’s water supply. When you have a problem with your sprinkler system, this valve gives you immediate control over the flow of water through the irrigation system.

The pump moves water from the source through the system. It regulates the pressure of the water flow.

The Backflow Preventer

Backflow occurs when the water pressure is higher than the supply. The backflow preventer keeps sprinkler water from backing up to your home’s water supply. This important component ensures you’ll never have to worry about your sprinkler water and tap water mixing.

Your irrigation system will have a separate water meter. It measures water usage in every zone to help you evaluate where your sprinklers are using the most water. It might also connect to your home’s main water meter. You can use this data to measure how your sprinkler system is affecting your household’s overall water usage.

The Pipes and Risers

This is the network that carries water from the source to the sprinkler heads. The pipes deliver water through the system to the designated sprinklers. Risers push the water up to the heads.

The Sprinkler Heads

There are several types of sprinkler heads. You’ll choose your sprinkler heads based on your specific lawn care or gardening needs.

Surface Irrigation

This is the most common type of sprinkler system. It involves saturating the soil based on gravity. The water flows from the sprinkler head and falls onto the soil. There are two types of surface irrigation:

Flood Irrigation

Water gets spread evenly across a field. It’s a cost-friendly method, but it can lead to excessive water runoff.

Furrow Irrigation

This method is more effective and ideal for gardens. While it delivers more even water distribution, the property owner must keep up with furrow maintenance to achieve the best effects.

Sprinkler Irrigation

These systems work to simulate real rainfall. Rotary sprinklers rotate to spread water to a larger area. They work well when irrigating larger yards. Adjustable spray patterns make it possible for more even coverage.

Grass WorksInstalls&Repairs Sprinkler Systemsin the Austin Area and surrounding areas. Grass Works is licensed by the State of Texas: #LI19556.

Ferris MyCueis the founder and owner of Grass Works Lawn Care, LLC located in Leander, TX. As a former firefighter who maintained yards on his days off, he saw a need for a dependable, local maintenance company that knew the hill country climate and could deliver quality landscaping services for a reasonable price. Since 2007 he has used his leadership to grow the company into one of the top landscape maintenance companies in Austin and surrounding areas offering landscape maintenance, design, and irrigation services to bothresidentialandcommercialclients. Ferris is also a member of the Seasonal Employment Alliance (SEA) and an active participant in advocacy efforts to help promote cap relief.

Need help with your Austin lawn? Contact Grass Works Austin for a free estimate. We serve Austin, Cedar Park, Round Rock, Georgetown, Lakeway, and the Highland Lakes area.