F.A.Q

Water Conservation

Reduced Yard Maintenance

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Irrigation systems are automatic watering systems that deliver a controlled flow of water your plants so they can grow. The need for water conservation means that it’s important to use the most efficient irrigation system for your watering needs. It’s easy to over- or under-water plants if using a garden hose. Also, it takes time to plan and carefully give your plants the water they need. Depending on the size and needs of your landscape, this planning and watering can take a considerable amount of time.

We’ll go into those next, but remember that whatever your landscape circumstances are, you want the water to go down to the roots of your grass and other plants. So, generally, it’s best to water less often for longer periods of time, allowing the water to really sink into your soil. If you water more often for shorter periods of time, the surface roots will grow, but it will be more difficult for the deeper roots to grow. Additionally, watering frequently and for less time can lead to soil compaction, thatch accumulation, and can encourage weeds to grow.

Watering needs vary with soil, slope, roots, sun, weather, and the amount of water the equipment delivers. Check new plants frequently, but do not assume every plant needs daily watering. Follow the nursery’s plant-specific instructions and check moisture before watering. For established lawns, start with the Utah Weekly Lawn Watering Guide and follow your water provider’s restrictions.

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 standard system consists of a controller (the “brains” of the system), valves (which open and close to allow and stop the flow of water to underground pipes) and sprinklers (which dispense water to specific areas). This system* can be customized even more with soil moisture sensors, drip irrigation zones, and rain shut-off devices.

*For more information on spray heads and nozzles, rotors and rotary nozzles, valves, and controllers and sensors, go to Rain Bird’s video library.

Timer/ wires Irrigation controllers, also known as irrigation timers or lawn sprinkler system timers, are the nerve centers or brains of the sprinkler system. Sprinkler system timers send electric signals to the irrigation valves. The valves regulate the flow of water to the sprinkler system.

Lawn sprinkler system timers are the devices that allow you to set a watering schedule to meet your needs. You can set the days you want to water, the time of day you want the sprinklers to come on, and how long you want them to apply water.

Replacement requirements depend on the controller, power supply, wiring, valves, and sensors. Record the model and existing wire labels before planning a replacement, and follow that model’s instructions. Hardwired electrical work may require a qualified electrician. Find model-specific instructions in the Rain Bird support library.

It depends on your watering needs. There are several different kinds of automatic irrigation systems. The above-ground irrigation system is typically best for watering open areas like lawns, whether the lawns are small are large spaces. These types of systems throw water through the air using spray heads. Such systems are made up of hoses, hose bibbs, sprinklers (the sprinkler heads) and hose tap timers.

An in-ground irrigation system spreads water via sprinklers connected to risers, which are in turn connected to a network of underground pipes that run through the lawn. Such a system can also include a drip system which disperses water through releasers to plants’ root zones.

Drip irrigation delivers water near plant roots, but it can still waste water through leaks, poor emitter placement, or excessive run times. Select filtration, pressure regulation, and emitters for the system and check soil moisture. See Utah State University Extension’s drip irrigation guide.

A backflow prevention device prevents water from your sprinkler system from going into the potable water supply. If you are installing a sprinkler system by yourself, you’ll want to check your state and local codes for the backflow prevention device requirements.

That depends on how large your landscape area is, the kind of landscape you have, and the number of zones your landscape requires. If your landscape requires any sort of special designs, that will play into the cost. And of course, the parts your system requires will be part of that cost. Call Dr. Sprinkler today to get your quote! (385) 309-4553

Before doing any installation work, make sure that you:

1. Find out if your locality requires a building permit.
2. Before digging, follow the Blue Stakes of Utah 811 locating process, including the required advance notice and response checks. Private lines may need separate locating. Do not rely on a visual inspection of the yard.
3. Check the watering ordinances of your municipality.

Begin by planning your layout, checking local codes, and ensuring no underground utilities are in the way. Follow with trenching and installing pipes, valves, and sprinklers.

Regularly check for leaks, clean sprinkler heads, and adjust the system for seasonal changes to maintain efficiency.

Use timers to water during cooler hours, adjust settings for different plant needs, and ensure your system is well-maintained to prevent leaks.

Identify the system’s drainage method and follow the equipment manufacturer’s winterization instructions before freezing weather. Turning the controller off does not drain the pipes. Compressed-air blowouts require suitable equipment and care; arrange professional help when needed. See Rain Bird’s winterization guidance.

An automatic system can use more or less water than your current routine. Results depend on coverage, leaks, scheduling, weather, and plant needs. A timer left on a summer schedule can overwater in cooler months. Use EPA’s irrigation inspection checklist and adjust the schedule during the season.

Except for regular system checks and occasional maintenance, once your system is installed you can let it do the work while you enjoy your landscape. Going out of town? No need to ask the neighbor to water the plants while you’re away–your sprinkler system will do it for you.

Rainfall may not arrive when a landscape needs water, especially during Utah’s hot, dry periods. Irrigation needs depend on plant selection, established root depth, soil moisture, and recent rain. Skip unnecessary watering and use the Utah Weekly Lawn Watering Guide as a seasonal reference.

Static pressure is measured with the supply pressurized but no water flowing. Working (dynamic) pressure is measured while water flows through the system. See Rain Bird’s water-supply design guidance. If you are preparing to install a sprinkler system, or if you are trying to figure out the water pressure when planning a manual watering plan, a static reading is only a preliminary check; a design also needs the working pressure at the required flow. The following gauge procedure measures static pressure. To find out that number, you will need a pressure gauge. First, turn off all other outdoor and indoor faucets, including clothes washers and dishwashers. Attach the gauge to the outside faucet, turn the outdoor faucet you’re using to check the measurement on all the way, and check the reading–the measurement will be in pounds per square inch (psi).

Winterization: In cold regions, at the end of the season in which you’ve used your sprinkler system (typically at the end of fall), you’ll want to blow out residual water from the sprinkler system before the ground freezes. This is because, if there is water in your sprinkler pipes when the ground freezes, that water can freeze and expand, eventually cracking PVC piping. Polyethylene pipe, which is used in many freezing climates, is more flexible and can expand under pressure; however, if you have these kinds of pipes, you’ll still want to get the water out, because the water can rupture the pipe walls when it freezes. Additionally, if there’s freezing water in the backflow assembly, it can crack the brass body and do damage to the internal components of the assembly. Since compressed air–the typical substance used to do the blow-out–is very dangerous, you should hire a professional to do this job. Dr. Sprinkler does winterization blow-outs–Call Dr. Sprinkler Today! (385) 309-4553

Some intelligent ways to save water include:

1. Apply only the amount of water needed.
2. Water between 5:00 AM and 10:00 AM
3. Water based on the plant material
4. Leave your grass longer
5. Water only things that grow
6. Check your automatic irrigation system once a month
7. Mulch around plants
8. Adjust automatic irrigation controller as needed

Sprinkler System Installation

Sprinkler System Repair

Winterization Services

Drip Irrigation Setup

Valve Replacement

Pipe and Fitting Repairs

Sprinkler Head Adjustment

Backflow Prevention Installation

System Diagnostics

Seasonal Maintenance

Water Efficiency Audits

Landscape Irrigation Design

Emergency Repair Services

Sprinkler System Upgrades

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