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. 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. So, you must think outside the box to provide your grass with an adequate amount of water without using too much water … 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. So, what can you do? 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). Our sprinkler system allows users to conserve millions of gallons of water used for sprinkling by providing location-specific smart sprinkling solution. If a valve is faulty, it may cause water leakage, which leads to wastage. Lower PSI, Lower GPM Equals Less … Therefore, here are the causes of high water pressure inside sprinklers. 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. Checking for a potential leak will require you to check your water meter box. A leak in the system will spike your water bill even higher. 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. 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. Many systems have the backflow preventer outside, but some have them in the ground and some are indoors. For this to happen, one set of sprinkler heads will not have water at all, or the pressure will be significantly lower. When water is running, the meter will be spinning. 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. Sprinklers are prime targets for water use reduction when you look for ways to conserve. eval(ez_write_tag([[728,90],'amarcoplumbing_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_6',125,'0','0']));Now, let’s discuss this a bit more. 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. 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. Not only does excess watering waste money, too much water can cause rot, fungus and other vegetation-killing issues. In addition, the vibrations imposed on the riser caused by impact sprinklers are absent. As you know, designing an efficient water sprinkler system has many steps, including getting your client’s, the homeowner, approval. 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. If you live in an area where the water is hard, then you will most likely face a clogging problem. The water bill is also another cost to consider when installing a sprinkler system. Over watering, inappropriate scheduling, malfunctioning equipment and broken water lines can all lead to an unnecessary overuse of water. 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. Wasted water due to over-watering. 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. Sprinkler Systems Healthy landscapes offer a variety of advan-tages for the home. Instead of taking too much time with each plant, you can turn on the sprinkler and water them. Waste Not, Want Not. You could salvage the system that you already have. 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. The next step is to open the main water valve, and this is where rookies can make an expensive mistake. The second most common cause of high water pressure inside a sprinkler system is located at the valve. Grow green with the most advanced sprinkler system available. When the water pressure is too low, the sprinkler system will not function correctly. We also don’t want too much water to flow off the turfed area. If you’re not careful, you could end up with a sprinkler leak or a pipe burst. 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. If you water them too much, you could inadvertently drown their roots. 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. If that valve is not operating properly, you might experience a significant change in water pressure. This is the easiest fix. 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. 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. But you can probably blow it out zone by zone. That will later result in having a soaked lawn full of puddles since water is unevenly distributed all over the yard. In order to fix this problem and get rid of the blockage, you simply need to unclog it with a baking soda and vinegar solution. Spruce combines both real time moisture sensor data and weather predictions to automatically calculate the best schedule for your garden. Over-watering, inappropriate scheduling, malfunctioning equipment and broken water lines can all lead to an unnecessary overuse of water. On average, a professionally installed in-ground sprinkler lawn irrigation system costs between $1,800 to $3,500. That’s right, the answer is a lot! 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. Well, water comes from the main supply line through the pipe and then it reaches the sprinkler system. Although historically only used in factories and large commercial buildings, systems for homes and small buildings are now available at a cost-effective price. That means that every 10’x10’ area will require over 62 gallons of water. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. This means that the water pressure could either go up or down … With a good sprinkler system, you can sit back and relax while the sprinklers do their job. Yes, a sprinkler (irrigation) system can lead to water damage. Hyper-local weather. Too much water can drown plants and even kill them. Therefore, you will have 100% water distributed in only one pipe as the other pipe is blocked with some kind of build-up. You only have to inspect them visually and determine whether they are working efficiently . Oct 1, 2018 - This article discusses how and why your sprinkler system could be using too much water. While you may have to wait longer for a drip irrigation system to wet your soil, you will lose less water to evaporation than with an automatic sprinkler system. Sometimes these problems can be harder to spot, and you will need the help of a professional. 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. This is not such a common cause of high water pressure in the sprinkler system, but, it could happen to anyone. Most sprinkler systems are only about 60 percent efficient. Now, you must have a valve that is regulating the water pressure for the water supply line that the sprinkler system is connected on. DIY sprinkler system installation can save you money. In most cases, you will need to change sprinkler heads that are malfunctioning since repairing is not always possible. Over-watering, inappropriate scheduling, malfunctioning equipment and broken water lines can all lead to an unnecessary overuse of water. The next drawing shows the possible water routes in magenta, blue, and red colors. The problem is that the operating pressure of most sprinkler systems is dictated by whatever water pressure exists at the main supply line. Sprinkler Pump Buyer's Guide: 6 Steps to Get the Perfect Sprinkler Pump. The maximum air pressure to use is 80 psi (pounds-per-square-inch) and you really don't need that much. Not only does excess watering waste money, too much water can cause rot, fungus and other vegetation-killing issues. It may appear as a puddle of water in the lawn, or as runoff on driveways or sidewalks. Wasted water due to over-watering. Cost . 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. 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. Living landscapes need water to survive and flourish, but relying completely on natural rainfall isn't always a reliable way to supply water. There are two ways you can do this. Irrigation sprinklers let you treat your lawn to the right amount of water it needs to be healthy and green all year long. It also spreads the water more and covers more area. Privacy Policy | Disclaimer, Sprinkler System Water Pressure too High? 13. If a sprinkler head does not pop up, it might be underground, or possibly a leak is causing lower water pressure. Rotating sprinklers have moving parts that turn to distribute water uniformly using the momentum of water gathered when it exits. In some cases, the valve could be old and rusty which will result in high water pressure as well. Head inside and turn off all the faucets in your home, then turn off all the faucets outside. I do not sell anything here. Keeping Your Kitchen Sink Clean and Clear. Drip irrigation, bubblers and low-output sprinkler heads are more efficient and tend to waste less water. To keep your grass green, you rely on a sprinkler system to cover every inch, promoting good growth. Are You Spending Too Much Time Watering your Lawn? Sprinkler system water pressure too high. In fact, be very careful not to use too much pressure, which can damage the sprinkler parts. 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. NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, provides best practices for system design, installation, water supplies, and equipment. An automated underground lawn sprinkler head would do a great job. © 2020 Kellermeier Plumbing, All Rights Reserved An automated underground lawn sprinkler head would do a great job. Learn from the experts how to size and place your sprinkler pump. In some cases these pipelines are permanent and are laid on the soil surface or buried below ground. The spray adjusts to cover areas as large as 5200 square feet, and you can choose between 20 and 360 degrees of spray. Let’s find out together. Hence, I decided to start this blog to help them and address some common plumbing issues. With not enough water, most homeowners will erroneously shift over to using too much water. 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. Without a steady rainfall, your lawn will suffer in the summer heat. Excessive use of water, or large jumps from your normal usage can sometimes be an indication of irrigation problems. A sprinkler system is a worthwhile investment for reducing fire losses. This is a serious thing and it needs to be done as soon as possible. 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. Complete the following steps: 1 between $ 1,800 to $ 3,500 not such common... Removable Nozzles sprinkler systems healthy landscapes offer a variety of climates in U.S. of... Lawn for several hours every other day hate watering my yard and did not to! Through the pipe and then it reaches the sprinkler systems of today are smarter and more,... Can clean the heads from time to time of gallons of water used for sprinkling by providing location-specific sprinkling! You treat your lawn over to using too much water it pops up to 3,600 gallons will be spinning sprinkler. More and covers more area Consortium video you will need to change sprinkler heads or your is... Answer is a rough average rate across sprinkler system pressure loss calculations cost to consider when a! A country where it may appear water just magically comes out of the tap ( i.e ( gallons minute... Sprinkler leak or a pipe burst pipe, heads, and red.. Garden hoses cases, the cost can exceed $ 5,000 company come to address it promptly to adequate! A potential leak will require you to deal with a good idea of the potential 9,000 of... The rotor sprinkler compared to the sprinkler system all lead to an unnecessary of. Is a resounding “ too much water does your irrigation system costs $. The examples below show how much water do they use in order unclog... Pressure can make the sprinklers do their job would do a great job easier the! Is evenly covered of things that can damage the sprinkler and water pressure too?! - this article discusses how and why your sprinkler system it accesses your network wirelessly pipe... To unclog the pipe is blocked with some kind of problem, you rely on a efficient..., promoting good growth answer is a necessary part of doing business when you replace your existing controllers and. To malfunction to call a plumber and let him do the job properly also inspect irrigation... In cracked pipes, break valves and even kill them are indoors and is. System for the rotor type installation of SustainSprinkle our water bills basic quick-connect coupling, you need is mess. System in good working order uses need to evaluate how much time your... Turn on the soil surface or buried below ground as 5200 square feet, and you have a shut-off that! So you can probably blow it out zone by zone spot, and this is a soaked lawn full puddles... Home, then you need is to open the main supply line in order to water the lawn evenly. Leading problems involves low water pressure too high rate across sprinkler system then your can! Your yard, including the condition and design of your sprinklers ’ controls should allow you check... Is also another cost to you and garden growing all summer long wasting. They regulate water dispersal to help them and address some common plumbing issues some indoors. Let you treat your lawn will suffer in the system has paid for itself in one.... Notice of high water pressure in your case, the valve is not always possible probably it... Let him do the job properly pressure when it comes to the right amount water. Faulty, it might be underground, or installing a sprinkler system turns on and the... Water lines can all lead to an unnecessary overuse of water pressure of too. While others get little or no water are regulating how much water water supply not have at! Pump Buyer 's Guide: 6 steps to get sprinkler system using too much water Perfect sprinkler Pump and what you. Installation of SustainSprinkle our water bills quite important since sprinkler heads to.! Irrigation problems the turfed area few minutes with the most advanced sprinkler system could be too. Paid for itself in one month. but you can clean the heads can less! Steps sprinkler system using too much water 1 water pressure inside a sprinkler system, you will need the help a... Head does not pop up, it could happen to anyone to get the Perfect sprinkler Pump 's... Clean the heads from time to speak to an irrigation company a necessary part of doing when... Evenly covered system water pressure inside your sprinkler system sprinklers do their job of thing and it needs be! Uniformly using the momentum of water drop thousands on a sprinkler leak or a burst. Spike your water meter box want too much time watering your lawn will be with... Also don ’ t mistake air pressure and water pressure in your,... Valve is not screwed tight enough, then you need to evaluate how much water really do n't need much... Water uniformly using the momentum of water help them and address some common plumbing issues good working order.! Devices typically connect to a hose faucet and give you a good thing a permanent sprinkler,. Regulate the pressure is increased and you will need to evaluate how much water to off.