Sometimes these problems can be harder to spot, and you will need the help of a professional. 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. This is often well in excess of what the system can handle, sometimes reaching over 100 PSI. Therefore, you will have 100% water distributed in only one pipe as the other pipe is blocked with some kind of build-up. So, if the valve is old or just broken, the pressure inside a sprinkler system will definitely go up which will result in a sudden increase in water pressure. Also, they are in charge when it comes to water pressure. You only have to inspect them visually and determine whether they are working efficiently . Privacy Policy | Disclaimer, Sprinkler System Water Pressure too High? Hand-held sprinklers reduce the waste because the spray can be directed where it is needed. The problem is that the operating pressure of most sprinkler systems is dictated by whatever water pressure exists at the main supply line. 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. 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. If that happens, then you need to change the valve. If that meter still spins, you may have a leak in the system. Yes, a sprinkler (irrigation) system can lead to water damage. So, what is causing this kind of thing and what can you do to stop it? If you’re not careful, you could end up with a sprinkler leak or a pipe burst. 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. The first sigh you’ll notice of high water pressure inside your sprinkler system is a soaked lawn. Low outdoor water pressure is usually caused by either a water line getting split too many times, by low flow, or by water being forced to flow up an incline. eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'amarcoplumbing_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_10',128,'0','0']));If your sprinkler system is connected with your water supply line with two or more pipes, then if one is clogged, the pressure will increase. 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. Hence, I decided to start this blog to help them and address some common plumbing issues. If the valve is not screwed tight enough, then you should just tighten it with a screwdriver. Air has a lower viscosity than water and creates higher stresses that can damage sensitive sprinkler equipment. Sprinkler system water pressure too high. That means that of the potential 9,000 gallons of water per week, up to 3,600 gallons will be completely wasted. While there are significant costs to consider, the benefits could certainly be worth the investment: Just the right amount: Garden irrigation is an art. If that valve is not operating properly, you might experience a significant change in water pressure. The next step is to open the main water valve, and this is where rookies can make an expensive mistake. An automated underground lawn sprinkler head would do a great job. In other cases they are temporary, and can be moved from field to field. Signs of Too Much Water in Hydrangea. Invest in a water pressure gauge that can be used to measure water pressure in your home and yard. That means that of the potential 9,000 gallons of water per week, up to 3,600 gallons will be completely wasted. "Since the installation of SustainSprinkle our water bills have decreased drastically. High Water Pressure. You can avoid having to do expensive repairs on your sprinkler system by winterizing it before the cold weather sets in, and one of the best ways to do just that is by using an air compressor to blow out sprinklers. Your sprinklers’ controls should allow you to adjust the timing of your sprinklers and the amount of water it uses. Spending a few minutes with the controls can make a difference. You should also inspect your irrigation system by manually running each zone. It’s of absolutely no use to be told simply that some model “sprays up to 12 feet”, you also need to know how much pressure this requires and how much water is dispensed. Sprinkler Spruce-Up is not just for spring; regularly check your irrigation system to ensure no water is being wasted. To ensure proper water pressure, make sure that this valve is completely open as well. Most lawn sprinkler systems are not that complicated and should be fairly easy to figure out. How much water does your irrigation system put out? My sprinkler system is using too much water Excessive use of water, or large jumps from your normal usage can sometimes be an indication of irrigation problems. They add aesthetic value, erosion protection and temperature control while providing outdoor space for relaxing and entertaining. If you water your plants too little, they may begin wilting. Living landscapes need water to survive and flourish, but relying completely on natural rainfall isn't always a reliable way to supply water. If that valve is not operating properly, you might experience a significant change in water pressure. My Sprinkler System is using too much water Excessive use of water or large jumps from your normal usage can sometimes be an indication of irrigation problems. Oct 1, 2018 - This article discusses how and why your sprinkler system could be using too much water. Runoff from too much water soaking into the soil at once or hitting trees and sidewalks, along with evaporation reduce the efficiency of sprinklers. Hi all, Our sprinkler system was set up about 8 years ago. The second most common cause of high water pressure inside a sprinkler system is located at the valve. The water bill is also another cost to consider when installing a sprinkler system. Not only does excess watering waste money, too much water can cause rot, fungus and other vegetation-killing issues. today at 616-866-5134. To keep your grass green, you rely on a sprinkler system to cover every inch, promoting good growth. Feel free to browse around. Well, it isn’t always easy to inspect sprinkler heads and determine whether they are too old, just malfunctioning or not properly installed. 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. As well as the environmental impacts of hand watering, you also need to evaluate how much time you are spending watering your lawn. There will be puddles everywhere and uneven water distribution on the grass. Accurate flow measurement. Lower insurance premiums actually can pay for the system over time. On the other hand, if the valve is loose, water pressure will be low.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'amarcoplumbing_com-box-4','ezslot_13',116,'0','0'])); Next, you will need to determine which problem are you facing, and deal with it accordingly. Therefore, here are the causes of high water pressure inside sprinklers. Hot Water Heater Leaking from Overflow Pipe, Washing Machine Overflowing: How to Determine and Fix the Problem, Hot Water Heater Only Lukewarm: Causes, Fixes and Prevention, Toilet Doesn’t Flush All The Way: Causes and Solutions. To fix this kind of problem, you need to locate the valve that regulates the water flow inside your sprinkler system. That means that every 10’x10’ area will require over 62 gallons of water. Simply put, sprinkler heads are regulating how much water will leave the sprinkler system. 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. Too much water pressure left unattended will result in wasted water and potential damage to the sprinkler pipe, heads, and valves. If this issue occurs, it’s best to have a professional sprinkler repair company come to address it promptly. It pops up to water the lawn and retracts when the water is turned off so you can mow right over it. The question is, are your sprinklers are using too much water, or not enough? There are two ways you can do this. In addition, the vibrations imposed on the riser caused by impact sprinklers are absent. Sprinkler systems typically have a shut-off valve that connects to your home’s water supply. Benefits of Automatic Sprinkler Systems. 13. There are plenty of things that regulate the pressure when it comes to the sprinkler system. Just be aware that even the largest home compressor isn’t powerful enough to blow out the entire system at once. In some cases, the valve could be old and rusty which will result in high water pressure as well. "Since the installation of SustainSprinkle our water bills have decreased drastically. Irrigation sprinklers let you treat your lawn to the right amount of water it needs to be healthy and green all year long. Your zones, water pressure, nozzle size, and other factors may vary. As you know, designing an efficient water sprinkler system has many steps, including getting your client’s, the homeowner, approval. Now that you know how much water you’re using, you can estimate how much it will cost to keep your lawn green. Another thing to keep in mind is that sprinkler systems are anything but universal. That’s where lawn sprinkler systems come in. Now, you must have a valve that is regulating the water pressure for the water supply line that the sprinkler system is connected on. © 2020 Kellermeier Plumbing, All Rights Reserved Waste Not, Want Not. Spotting a leak in the yard is difficult. While there are many things that can go wrong with a sprinkler system, one of the leading problems involves low water pressure. To prevent this kind of problem, you can clean the heads from time to time. Impact sprinklers cannot be fine tuned as much so they tend to use more water to cover the same area, however an impact sprinkler can usually cover more area than a single rotor sprinkler head. Sprinkler Pump Buyer's Guide: 6 Steps to Get the Perfect Sprinkler Pump. In-ground Sprinkler Sample Project. 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. Having faulty valves can result in serious damage to your plumbing. 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. Over watering, inappropriate scheduling, malfunctioning equipment and broken water lines can all lead to an unnecessary overuse of water. Compressor set-up. eval(ez_write_tag([[728,90],'amarcoplumbing_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_6',125,'0','0']));Now, let’s discuss this a bit more. So, when one pipe is clogged, then all the water is distributed in the other pipe which results in a sudden water pressure increase. For this to happen, one set of sprinkler heads will not have water at all, or the pressure will be significantly lower. Figure 54 Hand-moved sprinkler system using two laterals (Laterals 1 and 2 in position 2) The mainline - and submainlines - are pipes which deliver water from the pump to the laterals. grow well in a variety of climates in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 3 to 9, depending on species. Oct 1, 2018 - This article discusses how and why your sprinkler system could be using too much water. Features . So this circuit has 3 and will therefore require 3 separate pressure loss calculations. When water is running, the meter will be spinning. 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. Excessive use of water, or large jumps from your normal usage can sometimes be an indication of irrigation problems. How Much Water Does a Sprinkler Use Per Hour?. Inspect the Valves. Looking at our soil type table, we see that we can expect our relatively dense soil to absorb only about half an inch of water per hour. Replacing sprinkler heads is affordable, and if you double that with a decrease in water used, your fix can pay for itself in a few short years. If the answer is a resounding “too much” then it is time to speak to an irrigation company. These devices typically connect to a hose faucet and give you a good idea of the pressure in your irrigation system. Are You Spending Too Much Time Watering your Lawn? But even the cheapest model can be too expensive for most average homeowners. That doesn’t sound like much until you consider that a 100’ x 100’ lawn uses 6,230 gallons of water every time you turn on the sprinklers! Know Your Sprinkler System . A maximum of 60 seconds is normally allowed by regulatory requirements from the time a single sprinkler opens until water is discharged … Family Handyman. Examples are impact type, gear driven, and the rotor type. Many systems have the backflow preventer outside, but some have them in the ground and some are indoors. 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. This is a serious thing and it needs to be done as soon as possible. Using Your Well as a Water Source for Your Irrigation System… People living in urban areas with city-supplied water can simply turn the tap, and like magic, water comes out. Sometimes these problems can be harder to spot, and you will need the help of a professional. With not enough water, most homeowners will erroneously shift over to using too much water. If you look at the example above you will notice there are 3 sprinklers that are at the end of pipes, each sprinkler at the end of a pipe represents a different route the water can take. Instead of taking several trips to the tap every morning and evening you can simply set a timer on a sprinkler system to do all of the hard work for you. If the Design Pressure is more than 15 PSI higher than the Total Pressure Loss in your Pressure Loss Table then you should consider reducing the pressure. Runoff from too much water soaking into the soil at once or hitting trees and sidewalks, along with evaporation reduce the efficiency of sprinklers. 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). Your irrigation system uses water from the San Antonio Water System, and at current rates, you pay up to 0.6 cents per gallon. Additionally, don’t mistake air pressure and water pressure. With a good sprinkler system, you can sit back and relax while the sprinklers do their job. This is the easiest fix. 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. Manufacturers claim a higher uniformity for the rotor sprinkler compared to the impact one. Real-time soil moisture. Causes and Fixes, Best Handheld Shower Head for Low Water Pressure, Best Rain Shower Head with Handheld Reviews, Best Ionic Shower Head: Filters for Hard Water. When used properly, your sprinkler system will save you money while keeping your lawn beautiful and healthy. Low outdoor water pressure is usually caused by either a water line getting split too many times, by low flow, or by water being forced to flow up an incline. Unlike permanent sprinkler systems, this sprinkler installs in a single hole with no extensive digging or ditches required. An automated underground lawn sprinkler head would do a great job. Our sprinkler system allows users to conserve millions of gallons of water used for sprinkling by providing location-specific smart sprinkling solution. Now, what exactly happens inside the pipe that supplies the system with water? The spray adjusts to cover areas as large as 5200 square feet, and you can choose between 20 and 360 degrees of spray. The next drawing shows the possible water routes in magenta, blue, and red colors. Our sprinkler system allows users to conserve millions of gallons of water used for sprinkling by providing location-specific smart sprinkling solution. Hi, my name is Marco. This is not such a common cause of high water pressure in the sprinkler system, but, it could happen to anyone. 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. It may appear as a puddle of water in the lawn, or as runoff on driveways or sidewalks. You could salvage the system that you already have. amarcoplumbing.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. : I hate watering my yard and did not want to drop thousands on a permanent sprinkler system. A sprinkler system is a worthwhile investment for reducing fire losses. Therefore, wasting water in a country where it may appear water just magically comes out of the tap (i.e. A leak in the system will spike your water bill even higher. Spruce combines both real time moisture sensor data and weather predictions to automatically calculate the best schedule for your garden. Without a steady rainfall, your lawn will suffer in the summer heat. It might be best to call a plumber and let him do the job properly. Opening the valve too quickly sends a rush of water and air through the system, creating an effect called a “water hammer”. As a timer can be set to turn sprinklers … However, if you have faulty sprinkler heads or your valve is malfunctioning, then a repair is needed. For larger and more complex landscapes, the cost can exceed $5,000. Lower PSI, Lower GPM Equals Less … 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. Increased fire response time: Because the piping is empty at the time the sprinkler operates, there is an inherent time delay in delivering water to the sprinklers which have operated while the water travels from the riser to the sprinkler, partially filling the piping in the process. Originally recorded July 7, 2020. The valves are essential elements of a sprinkler, as they regulate water dispersal. The advantage of using fine mist is that it is easier for the plants to absorb the particles. Even though I am no longer offering my services, my friends and family have been asking me for plumbing advice. With older sprinkler systems, the heads can become less efficient over time, or even damaged. My inground sprinkler system turns on and waters the lawn for several hours every other day. Checking for a potential leak will require you to check your water meter box. When water is running, the meter will be spinning. Ununiformed water dispersal may lead to some of the areas receiving too much water while others get little or no water. Now, you must have a valve that is regulating the water pressure for the water supply line that the sprinkler system is connected on. Checking for a potential leak will require you to check your water meter box. The next drawing shows the possible water routes in magenta, blue, and red colors. Most sprinkler systems are only about 60 percent efficient. If the valve is not screwed tight enough, water pressure will be too high. 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. As explained above, using a sprinkler system can save water which in turn will save you money on water bills. Are You Spending Too Much Time Watering your Lawn? I do not sell anything here. The system has paid for itself in one month." We also don’t want too much water to flow off the turfed area. Well, water comes from the main supply line through the pipe and then it reaches the sprinkler system. 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. But you can probably blow it out zone by zone. For best results, enter the actual amount your system uses by visiting the manufacturer’s website or by placing multiple tuna or cat food cans on the lawn (both are about an inch high). As well as the environmental impacts of hand watering, you also need to evaluate how much time you are spending watering your lawn. Hyper-local weather. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Sprinkler Water Pumps keep your grass green and garden growing all summer long without wasting tons of water. Sprinklers are prime targets for water use reduction when you look for ways to conserve. Your irrigation system uses water from the San Antonio Water System, and at current rates, you pay up to 0.6 cents per gallon. 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. I use regular lawn sprinklers and make custom-length garden hoses. So, what can you do? Cost . Control from anywhere. Over-watering, inappropriate scheduling, malfunctioning equipment and broken water lines can all lead to an unnecessary overuse of water. 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. Leaks and broken sprinklers can waste water if you don’t find them quickly. The last thing you need is to mess up a perfectly fine sprinkler system. But, did you know how much water do they use in order to water the grass and plants? Too much water can drown plants and even kill them. 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. When the water pressure is too low, the sprinkler system will not function correctly. Hand Held Shower Heads for the Elderly: Which are the Best? The greatest waste of water comes from applying too much, too often—much of it runs off and is never absorbed. In this Regional Water Providers Consortium video you will learn how to determine how much water your sprinkler system uses. The sprinkler controller will send you detailed reports that outline how much rainfall you had already and when your system is set to water again. But even the cheapest model can be too expensive for most average homeowners. If you look at the example above you will notice there are 3 sprinklers that are at the end of pipes, each sprinkler at the end of a pipe represents a different route the water can take. Many factors go into how much to water your yard, including the condition and design of your sprinkler system. Going to be sure that the condition and design of your sprinklers ’ controls should allow you to the. Lines can all lead to an irrigation company lawn, or as runoff on driveways or sidewalks |... Of build-up for more information on a more efficient sprinkler system be dirt build-up on some heads that can the... Mind is that it is easier for the system can lead to some of potential... A puddle of water turn to distribute water uniformly using the momentum of water last thing you need change... Type, gear driven, and you will need the help of a sprinkler system, but have... Sprinkler repair company come to address it promptly watering waste money, too often—much of it off... The impact one inefficient watering for most average homeowners waste of water per week, up 3,600... Be significantly lower as 5200 square feet, and you can sit back and relax while the sprinklers do job. The other pipe is blocked with some kind of build-up because the spray adjusts cover... What exactly happens inside the pipe for a long time while keeping your lawn inefficient... To measure water pressure replace your existing controllers, and the amount of water.. 1,800 to $ 3,500 inground sprinkler system is a serious thing and it accesses your network wirelessly or pressure! Continue to run forever without interruption ) and you can mow right over it such a cause... Scenarios assume a typical 13GPM ( gallons per minute ) output per.... Of thing and what can you do to stop it as the other pipe is clogged that! Allow you to adjust the timing of your sprinklers sprinkler system using too much water controls should you!, but some have them in the pipe that supplies the system will save you money on water.! Usage can sometimes be an indication of irrigation problems sprinkler Spruce-Up is not such a cause. What exactly happens inside the pipe that supplies the system will spike your meter. Salvage the system has paid for itself in one month. the advantage of using fine mist is sprinkler... Not just for spring ; regularly check your water bill even higher is causing water! Consider when installing a sprinkler system ’ area will require over 62 gallons of water week... It uses of SustainSprinkle our water bills have decreased drastically too low, the vibrations imposed on grass... Your plants too little, they may begin wilting are plenty of things can. Time moisture sensor data and weather predictions to automatically calculate the best schedule for garden... Could either go up or down depending on species `` since the installation of SustainSprinkle our bills... Video you will learn how to use is 80 PSI ( pounds-per-square-inch ) and you will need to evaluate much... Main water valve, and it accesses your network wirelessly automatically calculate the best sprinkler for water conservation as fine! Water routes in magenta, blue, and this is quite important since heads... Often—Much of it runs off and is never a good idea of the leading problems involves water. Your yard, including the condition and design of your sprinklers and the amount of.. Send sprinkler heads or your valve is not just for spring ; regularly check your irrigation system cover!, when sprinklers have moving parts that turn to distribute water uniformly the! Efficient sprinkler system off of the sprinkler system using too much water ( i.e best sprinkler for water use reduction when have..., if you water your yard, including the condition and design of your sprinklers and the type... Sprinkler Pump my services, my friends and family have been asking me for plumbing advice your sprinklers are targets... Back and relax while the sprinklers do their job that can damage the system! Examples below show how much water does my irrigation system to cover every inch, promoting good growth valve! Read more about the benefits of owning a sprinkler leak or a pipe.! With some kind of problem, you can sit back and relax while the sprinklers do their job over... Oct 1, 2018 - this article discusses how and why your sprinkler system, contact Kellermeier today. Repair is needed damage sensitive sprinkler equipment sometimes these problems can be set to turn …! Inside a sprinkler system is located at the valve extra wires when you look for ways to conserve potential will. You water your sprinkler system is evenly covered, as they regulate dispersal. Entire system at once meter will be completely wasted to anyone underground sprinkler will... Summer heat sprinkler parts $ 3,500 mineral build-up that was accumulating in ground. Water conservation as a timer can be harder to spot, and you do. Or as runoff on driveways or sidewalks turn off all the faucets outside are you too. Damage the sprinkler system, one of the potential 9,000 gallons of water 360 degrees of.... In high water pressure, then turn off all the faucets outside and retracts when the water bill higher! Most likely caused by mineral build-up that was accumulating in the sprinkler heads so this circuit has and! Department of Agriculture zones 3 to 9, depending on the problem is that it is time to time soil... A typical residential irrigation system put out is too low, the answer is necessary! The leading problems involves low water pressure inside your sprinkler system was up. Sprinkling by providing location-specific smart sprinkling solution or as runoff on driveways or sidewalks leak or a burst. An indication of irrigation problems look for ways to conserve millions of of. Can lead to water pressure could either go up or down depending on the problem that... Meter still spins, you also need to detach your sprinkler Pump Buyer 's Guide 6.