A Homeowner's Guide To Sprinkler Systems

Rated 4.9 Across 250+ Reviews



When it comes to yard and lawn maintenance, a lush and healthy lawn is every homeowner's dream. One essential tool for achieving this is an automatic sprinkler system. Though it may seem confusing at first, especially to those who are not technologically inclined, an automatic sprinkler system is relatively simple and easy to operate. These systems save you time, water, and money, and they will protect your yard's beauty and value.

The purpose of this guide is to give a comprehensive understanding of how automatic sprinklers work, their basic components, and why you can't afford to go without one! Read on to learn more about automatic sprinkler systems for your home!

What Are Automatic Sprinklers?

Irrigiation Automation

Automatic sprinklers are a system of interconnected, underground pipes and lines that distribute water through sprinkler heads in your yard. They are designed to spray water on your lawn or garden automatically at preset intervals. These intervals can be adjusted, depending on the weather and your lawn's needs. Sprinklers are the most effective way to ensure your lawn is well-watered because they distribute water evenly, avoiding puddles and water waste common with manual irrigation methods.

The automatic system monitors when and how much water should be delivered to your lawn, garden, and other landscaping features. An automatic sprinkler system helps you regulate and conserve the amount of water used, which translates into lower water bills and less waste. Best of all for the aesthetics of your lawn... they are virtually undetectable to passersby, with no bulky equipment present in your lawn!

How Do They Work?

Irrigation installation thumbnail

Automatic sprinkler systems work by optimizing water delivery in different zones of your lawn according to the needs of each area. Zones are divided based on the amount of sunlight, slope, and types of plants in different areas of your lawn and yard. With the right zoning, sprinkler systems ensure every inch of your yard receives the proper amount of water at the right frequency.

The centerpiece of an automatic sprinkler system is an automated control panel that triggers the sprinkler heads to water your lawn and plants. Once programmed adequately, the system will automatically turn on and off, following the set schedule. Advanced systems even factor in rain and soil type when determining the amount of water necessary. These systems aid in the prevention of over- and under-watering, which can damage your yard. The system can operate on a timer, and some can even be accessed remotely through a mobile app for instant adjustments.

Optimizing Zones

Zoning divides your yard into smaller sections to ensure appropriate amounts of water are supplied throughout the area. Zoning helps optimize water consumption, avoid damage, and manage water pressure. By dividing your yard into unique zones, you can apply different water amounts and schedules, which help optimize lawn health and minimize water usage. Some zones may need more water than others, and some may require less. For example, parts of your lawn that are at the bottom of a slope will collect water as opposed to higher areas that cause water to evaporate more quickly.

Components Of Sprinkler Systems

Automatic electric outdoor irrigation timer scaled

An automatic sprinkler system is a complex unit made up of various parts. Different types of systems can have different parts and components, but all systems work to ensure even distribution of moisture throughout your lawn and yard. Below are just some of the most common components used in an automatic sprinkler system.

  • A mainline connects to the water supply, typically underground to avoid ugly pipes running across your yard.
  • The water supply is the source of water to your sprinkler system. It could either be from your municipality or a well water supply.
  • The controller is the brain of the system. It is responsible for sending signals to each valve to control the sprinkler system's start and stop times.
  • Valves control water flow from the water source to the different zones of your lawn. Each valve can have its unique zone settings.
  • Sprinkler heads are responsible for distributing the water and covering the right radius of your lawn. Different types of sprinkler heads include rotors, spray heads, and multistream.
  • PVC pipes carry water from the valve to the sprinkler heads. They are buried beneath your lawn and can be difficult to repair if damaged
  • Rain sensors are automatic devices that detect rainfall and shut down the sprinkler system when rain is detected. This feature saves water and money and is a must-have in every sprinkler system.
  • A backflow preventer is added to the system to prevent dirty water from flowing back up into the main water system.

Types Of Sprinkler Heads

sprinkler maintenance service

There are different types of sprinkler heads that are suitable for different lawn sizes, shapes, and watering patterns. Rotors are perfect for large lawns, whereas spray heads are suitable for small areas and corners. Choosing the right sprinkler heads is crucial because it affects the overall efficiency of your system. Consider the different types of sprinkler heads listed below.

  • Rotor Heads: These types of sprinklers can evenly cover large areas as they rotate and spray water in a circular motion, but they stop themselves from watering unnecessary areas. They are ideal for long, straight lawns with no obstacles or trees, and they use up to 9 gallons of water per minute.
  • Spray Heads: This type of sprinkler head is perfect for small areas like flower beds and gardens. The sprays come out from the nozzle at a fixed angle and are ideal for areas with obstacles or trees that need to be watered at specific angles. These heads use up to 3 gallons of water per minute.
  • Multistream Heads: This option is the most economical and eco-friendly. It features separate streamlines of water shooting out from tiny nozzles in the same sprinkler head. Multistream heads are perfect for small areas, and they use only up to 1.5 gallons of water per minute.

Automatic Sprinklers vs. Other Irrigation Systems

There are several other types of irrigation systems that can provide water for your yard. Some homeowners utilize slow-drip systems that feed directly to plants over a sustained period of time, but these are often not effective for established lawns. Manual sprinklers and hoses are also commonly used, but it is very easy to over-water and damage your yard with these types of systems, not to mention the hassle of dragging out the various components every time you want to water your yard.

An automatic sprinkler system is the most popular due to its convenience and efficiency. An automated system requires less maintenance because it adjusts to weather conditions and soil moisture levels automatically. Additionally, automatic systems are more cost-effective than other methods since they use about half as much water compared to hose systems.

Why Your Home Needs An Automatic Sprinkler System

automatic sprinkler watering a lawn at night

An automatic sprinkler system can help you achieve the lush green lawn of your dreams without the high water bills and laborious maintenance. The system's convenience and efficiency will quickly outweigh the initial investment, and you will save big on time and money when it comes to long-term lawn maintenance. If you're planning to sell your property in the future, a well-maintained lawn adds both aesthetic and financial value to the home, but these are also benefits you will enjoy yourself if you plan on staying in your home for many years. Check out Oliviers’ sprinkler services to see all we have to offer, and keep the following benefits of automated sprinkler systems in mind:

  • Efficient Water Usage: Automatic sprinklers use water more efficiently than manual watering methods. They distribute water evenly across your lawn and yard.
  • Time-Saving: With automatic systems, there's no need to spend time manually watering your lawn. Set your sprinkler system, and let it do the work for you.
  • Economic Benefit: Over time, an automatic sprinkler system may help save money on your water bill by optimizing water usage and avoiding waste.
  • Aesthetic Appeal: Since automatic sprinklers are buried underground, they maintain the natural appeal of your yard without any visible equipment.
  • Protects Your Investment: Your lawn and landscaping are an investment. Automatic sprinklers ensure they receive the right amount of water to thrive.
  • Adaptability: Automatic sprinkler systems can be programmed according to your lawn's specific needs. Click on this link for more information about the convenient mobile system used by Oliviers!