Top 5 Basic Components for an Automated Sprinkler System

An automatic sprinkler system regularly provides water to your lawn and shrubs. Installation of an automatic system can improve the efficiency and convenience of watering your lawn. If you are trying to save time and money on your irrigation system while maintaining a lush, healthy landscape, an automated sprinkler system is an excellent investment.

It is the easiest way to keep your garden or lawn in shape with minimal effort. An automated sprinkler irrigation system consists of a network of piping, valves, sprinkler heads, a programmable timer, and a backflow prevention device. Knowing about your irrigation system's main components is essential so you can easily get replacement parts or fix issues to keep your system in optimal condition.

Why You Should Consider Automated Sprinkler System for Your Home

Here are the benefits of installing an automatic sprinkler system that make it a worthwhile investment.

• Saves time and water
• Boost home's curb appeal
• Reduces soil erosion and prevent water runoff
• Allows you to water your yard from anywhere without being at home

5 Main Components of Automatic Sprinkler Irrigation System

An automatic sprinkler system consists of several working components, but these five parts are the most essential. Understanding the purpose and features of these basic components is crucial for installing and maintaining the system.

• Timer or Irrigation Controller
• Pipe or Tubing
• Valves
• Sprinkler Heads
• Backflow Preventer

1. Timer or Irrigation Controller

The timer or controller is the brain of the sprinkler system that automates the watering schedule to ensure your lawn receives the right amount of water at the right times. This is a main component of an irrigation system that controls when the water will flow. A timer is necessary to ensure your sprinkler system does not waste water. The common types of timers include electronic timers, battery-operated timers, and smart timers. It is recommended that you become familiar with the functioning and features of the controller so you can program it yourself.

The automatic sprinkler system depends on a timer to determine when the system will water the yard. You can program the timer to water at specific times. When the timer reaches the set start time, it sends a signal to tell the valve to open. The valve opens and then releases the water to that zone. Water flows through piping to the sprinkler head, and the water pressure activates the sprinkler in the zone for watering. When the runtime in the timer ends, it sends a signal, telling the valve to close. Read our All About Irrigation Controller or Water Timer guide to learn more.

2. Pipe or Tubing

Pipes placed underground deliver water through the sprinkler system. When the valve opens, the water flows through the pipes to sprinkler heads around the yard. The two most used types of pipes are PVC and funny pipe. For automatic sprinkler systems, you will mostly have PVC pipes. PVC pipe is used anywhere inline before the valve, from your water meter to the point where you connect your system to your backflow preventer and valves. After the valve, you can use either PVC or poly pipe.

The 1-inch PVC pipe can handle a water pressure of 200 psi. PVC pipe is rigid and has thicker walls, which allows it to handle higher pressure. On the other hand, a 1-inch funny pipe is flexible with thinner walls, so it can handle only 100 psi water pressure.

Both are perfect for an in-ground sprinkler irrigation system. However, funny pipe is more suited for colder climates because its flexibility allows it to withstand freezing temperatures.

3. Valves

Valves control the water flow to different irrigation zones. Each watering zone in your yard has its own valve, which provides precise control over the watering for that area. Valves receive orders from the controller or timer and then direct pressurized water flows into the selected zone around your yard. When the controller orders them to open, they open, and water flows through the pipe to the sprinkler heads. Once closed, the sprinklers stop supplying water until the next scheduled watering time. The number of valves required in your sprinkler systems depends on your yard size.

Valve Box: Valves are stored underground in a valve box near the controller. The valve box protects the sprinkler valves and wiring from extreme weather conditions and traffic.

AC or DC Valves: These valves manage water flow for different zones. The control valves open and close according to the timer's schedule for certain zones.

Manual Shut-off Valve: This valve turns the water supply to your sprinkler system on and off. If you need to maintain or repair your system components, you will have to shut off the entire system's water supply.

4. Sprinkler Heads

Sprinklers are the backbones of your garden and lawn sprinkler system. When the timer signals the valve to open, the sprinkler heads are pressurized, supplying water to your grass and plants. If your sprinkler system is properly designed, you will achieve uniform watering throughout the property. Different types of sprinklers are available, such as rotors, stationary sprinklers, impact sprinklers, and pop-up sprinklers. All sprinkler heads are not designed equally. The key to efficient watering is to use the right type of sprinkler head in the right location.

Pop-up sprinkler heads remain underground when not in use and pop up when the zone is activated. They are perfect for watering ground covers, low-growing flower beds, and lawns where lawnmowers or foot traffic can damage them.

5. Backflow Preventer

A backflow preventer, also known as a pressure vacuum breaker, is another essential component of an automatic sprinkler system. This device acts as a valve to protect your home's drinking water from being contaminated by non-potable water used for irrigation or cleaning. It prevents irrigation water from going back into your drinking water If you're using chemicals or fertilizers in your irrigation system, installing a backflow preventer is important to prevent contamination of your water source.

If the backflow device breaks, you risk contaminating your water with chemicals or water-borne particles. If your irrigation system is connected to the main waterline, this is crucial to consider. It also affects the water pressure, so check it regularly and replace it if it is faulty or damaged.

Read More: What is a Pressure Vacuum Breaker Valve?

Get High-Quality Automated Sprinkler System Components from DripWorks

DripWorks offers a complete range of high-quality and efficient products for your irrigation needs. With these products, you can maintain a beautiful, lush, and healthy landscape while saving time, water, and money. We stock various types of sprinklers, timers, valves, pipes, backflow preventers, and all other components used in sprinkler system installation.

Whether you need a sprinkler system for a small lawn or a large commercial property, we have everything to meet your irrigation needs. Dripworks offers other irrigation components, landscaping products, yard & garden products, and more.