Oct 1, 2018 - This article discusses how and why your sprinkler system could be using too much water. Sometimes these problems can be harder to spot, and you will need the help of a professional. Hi, my name is Marco. If you water them too much, you could inadvertently drown their roots. These scenarios assume a typical 13GPM (gallons per minute) output per zone. As well as the environmental impacts of hand watering, you also need to evaluate how much time you are spending watering your lawn. How you water your lawn can greatly impact it. My sprinkler system is using too much water. This article discusses how and why your sprinkler system could be using too much water. There are two ways you can do this. Privacy Policy | Disclaimer, Sprinkler System Water Pressure too High? As sprinkler systems use a lot of water, your sprinklers can use all of the water in your well tank if they pull more water than your primary well pump provides. You’ll also want to keep in mind your main water valve, which is the valve that provides water for your entire home. Without a steady rainfall, your lawn will suffer in the summer heat. That’s where lawn sprinkler systems come in. A system with too much pressure will result in cracked pipes, busted valves, sprinkler head leaks and inefficient watering. Too much pressure can cause damage to the valves or piping and using a small shop compressor will result in it not having enough “free” air to properly winterize the system. Removable Nozzles I do not sell anything here. A leak in the system will spike your water bill even higher. If that valve is not operating properly, you might experience a significant change in water pressure. However, if you have already adjusted the controls, but still suspect your sprinklers are using too much water, it is time to investigate some common problem areas. With not enough water, most homeowners will erroneously shift over to using too much water. So, you must think outside the box to provide your grass with an adequate amount of water without using too much water or depriving your lawn of enough moisture. That’s why when you notice that your sprinklers are operating at high water pressure, it will most likely mean that you have to replace the heads. To provide your lawn with one inch of water takes a little over half a gallon per square foot (0.623 gallon to be more exact). Manufacturers claim a higher uniformity for the rotor sprinkler compared to the impact one. Checking for a potential leak will require you to check your water meter box. There are plenty of things that regulate the pressure when it comes to the sprinkler system. For more information on a more efficient sprinkler system, or installing a new system, contact Kellermeier Plumbing today at 616-866-5134. How to Choose a Sprinkler Decide on the right sprinkler system with these factors in mind–the type of soil and grass you have, your total lawn area, and the amount of water your lawn needs. "Since the installation of SustainSprinkle our water bills have decreased drastically. grow well in a variety of climates in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 3 to 9, depending on species. High Water Pressure. Feel free to browse around. So, what is causing this kind of thing and what can you do to stop it? Sometimes your water pressure may be too high. Sprinkler system water pressure too high. Just because your system says it operates at 120 PSI of water pressure does not mean you can use up to 120 PSI of air pressure to blow it out. Instead of taking too much time with each plant, you can turn on the sprinkler and water them. NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, provides best practices for system design, installation, water supplies, and equipment. If the pipe is clogged, that will result in loss of water pressure, right? You only have to inspect them visually and determine whether they are working efficiently . Namely, if a sprinkler head is old or broken in some way that can result in either loss or increase of the water pressure. But you can probably blow it out zone by zone. Another thing to keep in mind is that sprinkler systems are anything but universal. Sprinkler Pump Buyer's Guide: 6 Steps to Get the Perfect Sprinkler Pump. That’s right, the answer is a lot! If the valve is not screwed tight enough, water pressure will be too high. However, this is a necessary part of doing business when you have a yard to maintain. Your zones, water pressure, nozzle size, and other factors may vary. The water bill is also another cost to consider when installing a sprinkler system. So, what can you do? The question is, are your sprinklers are using too much water, or not enough? Our sprinkler system allows users to conserve millions of gallons of water used for sprinkling by providing location-specific smart sprinkling solution. That might not sound like a lot, but your sprinkler system uses about 12 gallons of water per minute, which works out to 2,160 gallons or $13 over three hours. Know Your Sprinkler System . For this to happen, one set of sprinkler heads will not have water at all, or the pressure will be significantly lower. An underground sprinkler system offers the convenience of spraying water directly where it needs to go and the opportunity to automate your watering schedule according to your needs. Not only does excess watering waste money, too much water can cause rot, fungus and other vegetation-killing issues. In other cases they are temporary, and can be moved from field to field. Hyper-local weather. The first sigh you’ll notice of high water pressure inside your sprinkler system is a soaked lawn. Luckily, the sprinkler systems of today are smarter and more efficient, so you can be sure that the right amount of water is being used, and you won’t be adding extra dollars to your water bill. How Much Water Does a Sprinkler Use Per Hour?. Our checklist “ Find It, Flag It, Fix It: A Checklist For Your Landscape ” (4 pp, 1 MB, About PDF ) will show you how you can walk through your landscape to identify immediate issues. Luckily, the sprinkler systems of today are smarter and more efficient, so you can be sure that the. Also, they are in charge when it comes to water pressure. Hydrangeas (Hydrangea spp.) For larger and more complex landscapes, the cost can exceed $5,000. Wasted water due to over-watering. Cost . In your case, the pressure is increased and you have a flooded lawn. It might be tempting to set it and forget it with your automated sprinkler system but it’s actually quite important to actively tend to it throughout the entire year. This is a serious thing and it needs to be done as soon as possible. Features . This is not such a common cause of high water pressure in the sprinkler system, but, it could happen to anyone. Head inside and turn off all the faucets in your home, then turn off all the faucets outside. Most sprinkler systems are only about 60 percent efficient. If that valve is not operating properly, you might experience a significant change in water pressure. (inches per hour) How can I find out my water output? This surge of pressure can crack pipes, break valves and even send sprinkler heads rocketing into the air. Learn from the experts how to size and place your sprinkler pump. But even the cheapest model can be too expensive for most average homeowners. So, you need to complete the following steps: 1. Inspect the Valves. Originally recorded July 7, 2020. a given sprinkler head might cover an area 12″ in radius at 30 psi and use 2.4 GPM while doing so, with corresponding values for other pressures. Drip irrigation, bubblers and low-output sprinkler heads are more efficient and tend to waste less water. Yes, a sprinkler (irrigation) system can lead to water damage. Sprinkler Systems Healthy landscapes offer a variety of advan-tages for the home. For more information on a more efficient sprinkler system, or installing a new system. Opening the valve too quickly sends a rush of water and air through the system, creating an effect called a “water hammer”. The greatest waste of water comes from applying too much, too often—much of it runs off and is never absorbed. eval(ez_write_tag([[728,90],'amarcoplumbing_com-box-3','ezslot_7',123,'0','0']));And, the situation only gets worse if the water pressure inside the sprinkler goes higher than anticipated. However, if you have faulty sprinkler heads or your valve is malfunctioning, then a repair is needed. This is often well in excess of what the system can handle, sometimes reaching over 100 PSI. You could salvage the system that you already have. Unlike permanent sprinkler systems, this sprinkler installs in a single hole with no extensive digging or ditches required. Instead of watering for one long continuous session, try splitting the watering time into shorter periods and take 15-minute breaks in between each session. The advantage of using fine mist is that it is easier for the plants to absorb the particles. Well, water comes from the main supply line through the pipe and then it reaches the sprinkler system. If this issue occurs, it’s best to have a professional sprinkler repair company come to address it promptly. If you’re not careful, you could end up with a sprinkler leak or a pipe burst. Your sprinklers’ controls should allow you to adjust the timing of your sprinklers and the amount of water it uses. To ensure proper water pressure, make sure that this valve is completely open as well. eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'amarcoplumbing_com-banner-1','ezslot_11',108,'0','0']));In every case, the problem is solvable and you will have normal pressure inside your sprinkler system once again. At Kellermeier Plumbing, we pride ourselves on being honest and upfront with our customers and strive to provide our clients with the highest level of service. Too much pressure can cause damage to the valves or piping and using a small shop compressor will result in it not having enough “free” air to properly winterize the system. If the answer is a resounding “too much” then it is time to speak to an irrigation company. I am an ex-plumber, now retired. Depending on where you live within the U.S. and Canada, you may also need to submit plans to local authorities for approval as well. Irrigation sprinklers let you treat your lawn to the right amount of water it needs to be healthy and green all year long. Sprinkler systems typically have a shut-off valve that connects to your home’s water supply. NOTE: The examples below show how much water a typical residential irrigation system in good working order uses. Head inside and turn off all the faucets in your home, then turn off all the faucets outside. Having faulty valves can result in serious damage to your plumbing. With older sprinkler systems, the heads can become less efficient over time, or even damaged. In-ground Sprinkler Sample Project. It also spreads the water more and covers more area. For this reason rotating sprinklers are usually the best sprinkler for water conservation as a fine tuned sprinkler system can waste very little water. While there are significant costs to consider, the benefits could certainly be worth the investment: Just the right amount: Garden irrigation is an art. 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