Below is a list of Key terms
& references to assist you in your decisions and
research.
Got a question? We are happy to help.
Since only a certain amount of information
can be covered in this section, please do not
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if you have any questions.
Arc
- Describes how far around in a circular pattern a sprinkler
will rotate or spray.
Backflow Preventer
- A device installed between the P.O.C. and the sprinklers that is designed
to keep water from the system from re-entering the public water supply.
Most common are Reduced-Pressure (RPZ), and
Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB). Local codes differ as to which model
to use.
Check Valve - A spring inside a sprinkler head that will
hold back water in the pipe that has a 1-10 foot elevation change. This
solves the problem of low head drainage.
Controller
- A timer that allows your sprinkler system to function automatically.
Cycle- Refers to one complete operation of a controller.
Cycle and Soak - A method of irrigating
that allows the soil sufficient time to absorb the water before continuing
irrigation. GPM- Gallons Per Minute - The available GPM must be known
prior to system design. The total GPM of all sprinklers in a zone should
not exceed the available GPM.
Head-To-Head
- Describes the correct placement of sprinkler heads. Each sprinkler
should spray to each other, providing complete coverage and preventing
dry spots.
Lateral Line
- Pipe running from the valve to the sprinkler. These lines are only
under pressure when the zone is running. Main Line- Pressurized pipe
running from the P.O.C. to the zone control valves.
Manifold
- A group of valves in one box.
Matched Precipitation Rate - A system or zone in which
all the heads have similar precipitation rates. Correct nozzle sizes
are determined based on coverage areas and precipitation rates. If not
properly matched, the system will have either wet or dry spots.
P.O.C.
--Point of Connection- The main tie-in point for the system. Poly Pipe-
Polyethylene - Black, flexible pipe that comes in 300 foot rolls. Popular
for use with a Vibratory Plow and in cold weather areas. Pipe is joined
using Insert Fittings and Crimps.
Precipitation Rate - The rate at which water is applied
to plant material, expressed in inches per hour.
Program
- The information entered into the controller to run the system. You
need to fill-in three blanks: What zone is going to run, How long is
it going to run, and How often it is going to run.
PVC Pipe
- Polyvinyl Chloride- White, rigid pipe that comes in 20 foot sticks.
Popular for use on projects where trenching is involved and in warmer
climates. Pipe is joined using Primer and Solvent (Glue). SDR 21 pipe
is most popular for irrigation systems. PVC is also used as the main
line in poly pipe systems due to its higher pressure rating. Radius-
How far out from the sprinkler head the water sprays.
Run-Off - Water that is not absorbed by the soil and turf
to which it is applied. It is either applied at too great a rate or
on a slope.
Rotor Head
- Gear-Driven sprinklers that shoot out a solid stream of water and
rotate slowly in a circular pattern. Used for large areas, where the
radius exceeds 17 feet.
Spray Head
- A fixed sprinkler head that emits a fan-type spray of small water
droplets. Used in small areas and landscape beds, where the radius is
less than 17'. The pattern of spray is determined by the specific nozzle
used.
Station
- Also known as "Zone." It consists of a set of heads that run at once
base on available GPM and/or area of lawn/landscape. Each zone has one
control valve and is activated by the controller. Only one station is
designed to run at a time.
Valve
- There are two types of valves in a sprinkler system:
Shut-Off Valves - Most common are
Gate Valves, which have a wheel type handle. It takes several turns
to open or close the valve and they are not recommended for frequent
use. Ball Valves have a single handle and only require a quarter turn
to open/close. Better for frequent use and are considered more reliable.
Zone Control Valves -
These are 24-volt automatic valves used in conjunction with a controller.
There is one valve for each zone. They provide a convenient, economical
way of delivering water to your lawn and landscape.
Velocity - The speed at which water travels through a
pipe. Irrigation design should keep velocity under 5 feet per second.
Water Hammer
- The surging of pressure which occurs when a control valve is suddenly
closed. In extreme conditions, this surging will cause the pipes to
vibrate or create a pounding noise. Water Hammer is most commonly caused
by fast-closing valves or pipes that have been sized too small causing
high velocity water flow.
Zone - A set of heads that are run
at once based on available GPM and/or area of lawn being covered. Each
zone is controlled by one remote valve.
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