Lawn Sprinkler System Terms

Backflow An unexpected but common occurrence, backflow can usually be prevented with a check valve.  By law, all residential lawn sprinkler systems need some sort of backflow prevention to prevent sprinkler water from going back into the drinking water.

Bubbler head Flower beds and gardens best employ the bubbler head.  They can be used for any kind of smaller area.

Controllers These are the brains.  They dictate time, amount, and which station goes next.  Common features include water budgeting, manual start, and preprogrammed settings.  Nicer ones will withhold a day's watering when it rains.  Expect to pay a little more for an outside unit.

Drip Irrigation These handy units take care of the garden with gentle drips or mist.  Some products are made to inject water directly to the root.

Impact head This is the best head for large, open areas.  Also the inspiration for the classic dance often seen on wedding videos but rarely remembered, these sprinklers can spray a 45 foot radius.

Pop-up head These are inserted flush with the ground.  The water pressure raises the head high above surrounding bushes or other obstructions.  After the cycle, the head falls back into place.

Remotes You guessed it.  Operate your automatic sprinklers from the couch.  These are probably best left to greenskeepers, as those products with ample distance start at around 300 dollars.  Perhaps worth it if you need to instantaneously terminate unexpected sprinkling during some high-stakes badminton. 

Risers This word refers to any item that can adapt a lawn sprinkler system to its surroundings.  Sudden changes in elevation or difficult locations require flexible pipes or raised sprinklers and valves.

Rotor head A gear rotates within this type of head to slowly turn the lawn sprinkler across a wide area.

Sensors A variety exist.  Rain sensors and soil moisture sensors function to stop water when unnecessary.  Some controllers offer similar functions, so these may be unneeded.  However, pressure sensors can cut off power when the water pressure exceeds a specified force, indicating a significant leak.

Valves In a lawn sprinkler system, valves are used to control flow to certain areas (isolation valves), start or stop flow to individual units (control valves), and stop flow from going the wrong way (check valve).

Valve Boxes Protect your valves from dirt and wear that comes from being located underground.  Smaller, circular models are more popular because they allow for individual valves to be dug up rather than several.

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