Before detailing the installation process for the irrigation system, guest Chuck Coddington finishes explaining the system's functionality to host Heidi Robinson. - As soon as water passes through a valve from the main line, it enters a "zone line," represented by the thinner pipe in the mock-up shown in figure A. This line connects directly to the sprinkler head and is sometimes referred to as a "swing line."
Note: The mock-up featured here shows what the system will look like at the point where an individual sprinkler head is positioned. - Each zone line is attached to the main line with a connective device called a "saddle-T" (figure B) that directs the water immediately to the sprinkler head itself.
- As soon as a sprinkler head is activated by the water flow, it extends upward, directing a spray of water onto the surrounding area.
Rotor sprinkler heads, like the model shown in figure C, rotate to cover wide sections of lawn and are generally used for larger, open areas. The spray range of a micro-sprayer (figure D) can be set at bubble-size or expanded to a 10-foot, 360-degree radius. These sprinklers are generally used in flowerbeds, or other limited spaces that don't require large amounts of water. - In planning any irrigation system, it's essential to determine the right type of sprinkler head for each zone in the layout. Sprinkler heads are sold in a wide variety of sizes, styles and spray patterns, so background research is essential to ensure that you select the right type(s) for the needs of your lawn.
To make this task easier, Coddington provides an overview of the various types, along with the pros and cons of each: - Pop-up rotor heads have a lower, wider portion that is inserted into the ground. When this sprinkler head is activated, the upper portion (figure E) rises into position to emit the spray of water.
Note: The distance to which a sprinkler can spray is often referred to as its "throw." A six-inch pop-up rotor head (figure F) will generally have a 30- to 35-foot throw, and is ideal for use in open lawn areas and along hard lines (curbs, sidewalks, etc.) Tip: When planning the placement of individual sprinkler heads, begin with large areas first; then work inward from hard lines toward the smaller sections of the landscape. - With an average throw around 45 feet, an impact sprinkler head (figure G) is ideal for larger open spaces. Impact sprinklers are named for the action that propels them: the actual spray is "impacted" by a mechanical arm that helps distribute the streaming water.
The mechanism of this sprinkler type has the familiar, ticking sound often heard on golf courses; host Heidi Robinson describes it as "the sound of summer." But beware, warns Coddington: the open design of impact sprinklers doesn't protect the inner mechanism from debris. Therefore, this type of sprinkler isn't a good choice for lawns with grasses that grow on "stringers" (zoysia and Bermuda varieties, for example). These grasses can easily become tangled in the spray mechanism and disrupt its motion. - Pop-up heads, by comparison, are gear-driven and self-contained (and therefore won't be obstructed by grass or other debris). If this type of sprinkler will be used in an area where the spray needs to extend over a small obstacle -- a flowerbed or small grouping of rocks, for example -- simply select a taller model, such as the 12" version shown in figure H.
RESOURCES :
Lawn Care for Dummies
Model: 0764550772
Author: Lance Walheim
Hungry Minds, Inc
(January 1998)
Handbook of Water Use and Conservation: Homes, Landscapes, Industries, Businesses, Farms
Model: 1931579075
Author: Amy Vickers
(2001)
To order this title from Amazon.com, click here.
WaterPlow Press
Website: www.waterplowpress.com
Rain Bird Sprinkler Heads and Components
Rain Bird Sprinkler Mfg. Corp.
Website: www.rainbird.com
GUESTS :
Chuck Coddington
Coddington Enterprise
6376 Fairview Road
Hixon, TN 37343
Phone: 423-847-9964
Home Irrigation Specialist
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