A Guide to Using and Maintaining Your Sprinkler System

After a long winter, most homeowners are eager to attend to their landscaping. It’s the perfect time to evaluate your outdoor plumbing and sprinkler system. During the cold season, outside plumbing fixtures may freeze and sometimes break if not properly winterized. These problems can go unnoticed until the water lines are pressurized and used again in the spring. 

Understanding Your Sprinkler System

Sprinkler systems use a network of underground pipes connected to a water source. Sprinkler heads fitted along the pipes release water to irrigate lawns, flowerbeds, and vegetable gardens. Sprinkler systems are typically connected to a main water valve and work like this: 

• A timer turns on the water supply. The water is pressurized straight from the water line or using a pump. 
• Water flows along a main supply line and into secondary lines to reach your sprinkler heads. 
• Control valves along the pipes direct water flow to different system parts called zones. 
• Sprinkler heads disperse the water, usually in an oscillating or rotating manner. 
• Water flow stops when you manually turn off the supply or when a timer reaches the end of a set period. 

The 4 Types of Sprinklers

• Oscillating sprinklers have curved arms that swing back and forth, creating a wide water arc. An oscillating sprinkler system is well-suited for square and rectangular lawns. 
• Rotary sprinkler systems deliver circular water coverage and even coverage for large areas. 
• Impact sprinklers shoot out long streams of water. The length of the stream is adjustable, so you can adapt it to suit a range of irrigation needs. 
• Fixed sprinklers water in a set pattern and are often used for smaller lawns or plant beds.

How to Use Your Sprinkler System Effectively

• Early morning watering reduces water loss from evaporation and maximizes water absorption. 
• Adjust the sprinkler system’s run times based on your local climate and soil conditions
• Overlap spray patterns to avoid dry spots.  
• Position sprinkler heads for maximum coverage and periodically check their positioning.
• Install rain sensors and smart controllers to use water efficiently. 
• Watering deeply on a less frequent schedule helps plants develop strong root systems. 
• Increase run times during hot, dry periods.
• Mulch plant beds to help the soil retain moisture. 

How to Install a Sprinkler System 

Understand Your Irrigation Needs

Work with a professional plumber or sprinkler system installation expert to ensure the system matches your needs. The installer needs a detailed plan of your garden and landscape and the water requirements of your grass and plants. According to This Old House, you'll need about 30 to 35 pounds per square inch of pressure and 10 to 13 gallons per minute of water flow for a typical sprinkler system.

You can easily measure water delivery with a 5-gallon bucket. The best way to measure water delivery is by placing a bucket under your outdoor tap and letting it run for one minute. Measure the water in the bucket and send this information to the sprinkler system installer or manufacturer, along with a scale drawing of your property.

Dig Trenches According to Your Water Source

You’ll need a special tool to help dig the trenches for sprinkler pipes. Before you break ground, knowing where the primary water source is is essential. Typically, the main water supply pipe is near your water meter. The water meter is usually at the front of your home, near the curb, or in your basement. Do not dig until all underground utilities have been marked.

Choose PVC Pipes

Plastic PVC piping is the best option for underground sprinkler systems in most areas of the country. Depending on local weather's freeze and thaw cycles, some regions might call for polyethylene pipe, a flexible alternative to PVC. Often, a combination of these pipe materials is preferred, with main supply lines made from PVC and their branch lines made of flexible polyethylene tubing. Contact your local plumbing professional for advice if you're unsure which piping material is best for your area.

Don't Forget a Backflow Preventer

Include a backflow preventer when installing a sprinkler system to ensure that the new sprinkler system doesn't contaminate your potable water supply. Note that backflow preventers usually require an annual inspection to ensure compliance with local codes.

Get Help From the Experts

A sprinkler system is great to have as long as it is installed correctly. This Old House rated installing a sprinkler system as moderate to hard in terms of difficulty. It would be best to have the assistance of a plumbing and sprinkler installation expert who's tackled this type of installation before.

Sprinkler System Maintenance Basics

How to Turn on Your Sprinkler System in the Spring

• Inspect all outdoor hose valves (bibbs or spigots) for visible signs of damage. Clean sprinkler heads to remove debris and sediment.

• Locate the system’s main shut-off valve. The valve is often in your basement, crawl space, or utility area. It could also be inside an underground meter vault near the front curb.
• Open the main valve slowly so the sprinkler system lines can pressurize gradually. 
• Check that the backflow preventer is operating correctly. The backflow preventer stops sprinkler water from flowing back into your water supply and contaminating your community’s drinking water. 
• Set the sprinkler system to manual mode and test each zone, checking for leaks and misadjusted sprinkler heads. If you notice any leakage around valves, immediately turn off your system and call a sprinkler specialist. In some areas, your local Roto-Rooter may provide these services.
• Reprogram the system controller to meet your irrigation needs. 

How to Winterize Your Sprinkler System

• Shut off the main water supply valve and the backflow preventer valves. 
• Turn off the sprinkler controller to prevent the system from running and freezing. 
• Clean sprinkler heads regularly to remove debris and sediment. 
• Drain the system by opening manual valves to drain the water, running the system until water stops flowing, or using an air compressor to blow water out of the pipes.  
• Insulate exterior pipes, faucets, and backflow preventers to lower the risk of the system freezing. 

When to Call a Professional Plumber

The expert plumbers at Roto-Rooter aren’t just here to plunge your toilet. They are fully versed in addressing maintenance and repair issues for your outdoor plumbing systems, often including sprinklers and irrigation. If you’re concerned that your sprinkler system isn’t ready for the season, call us, and we’ll diagnose and repair any issues you’re having.