Sprinkler Systems

Sprinkler systems keep lawns and gardens thriving by delivering the right amount of water, on time and with even coverage. This section covers lawn sprinkler systems, irrigation controllers, sprinkler heads, valves, manifolds, piping, fittings, backflow preventers, and helpful accessories like rain and soil-moisture sensors. You’ll find spray heads for small beds, rotors for wide turf, rotary nozzles for water savings, drip and micro-sprays for shrubs, plus timers from simple plug‑in models to Wi‑Fi smart irrigation controllers. Supporting tools include trenching shovels, pipe cutters, PVC cement, thread seal tape, wire strippers, multimeters for solenoids, pressure gauges, and air compressors for winterizing.

Choosing the right setup starts with your site. Measure pressure and flow, map the yard, and group plants by watering needs. Match head type to area size and shape, design zones to avoid mixed precipitation rates, and plan head‑to‑head spacing to reduce dry spots. Add a backflow preventer for safety, isolation valves for service, and a rain or flow sensor to reduce waste. Smart controllers that adjust schedules based on weather can cut water use and protect landscaping during heat waves or drought restrictions. Benefits include healthier turf, fewer weeds, less runoff and erosion, time savings, and lower water bills.

Installation and upkeep are straightforward with the right tools. Use PVC or poly pipe suited to your climate and bury depth, glue or crimp correctly, and label valve wires. Flush lines before installing nozzles, set pressure regulators and filters for drip zones, and test each zone for leaks and coverage. In spring, pressurize slowly and replace clogged or broken heads. Mid‑season, audit coverage and fine‑tune arcs and nozzles. Before freezing weather, blow out lines carefully, insulate exposed piping and the backflow assembly, and store hoses and filters. Always check local codes and call 811 before digging to locate utilities.