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How does an automatic sprinkler system work
The
three main components of every automatic sprinkler system are the controller,
station-control valves and sprinklers. The controller is the brain of the
system, telling the control valves when and how long to supply water to the
sprinklers. The sprinklers direct and control the water applied to the lawn and
plants. Each valve controls a specific group of sprinklers called a watering
station. The stations are generally laid out and installed according to the type
of plant material to be watered, the location of the plant within the landscape
and the maximum amount of water that can be supplied. Each valve is connected to
a numbered terminal within the controller, identifying it as Station 1, Station
2, etc. The controller operates the valves in order, one at a time. In other
words, one station would water completely before another station would turn on.
This is called a watering cycle. The information stored in the controller memory
that determines when and how long the stations will water is called a program.
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What is a watering program
A
watering program requires three basic instructions to operate automatically: -
What days to water - called watering days - When to water - called a program
start time - How long to water - called station run time
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Why do some controllers have multiple programs
Many
landscapes have plants with different water requirements (i.e., lawns that require
everyday watering, shrubs that only require watering every other day, etc.).
Therefore, the lawn stations can be assigned to a different program than the
shrubs. With a single program timer, all stations would have to water on the
same days.
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How dependable are automatic sprinkler timers
Today's
technology has brought more sophisticated controllers to the industry than ever.
Most controllers come with a battery backup and pre-programmed default settings.
These timers will not leave you high and dry.
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When should I water my
landscape
We
recommend watering in the early morning hours and observing your water
purveyor's guideline's.
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How much water does my
landscape
need
Its
best to water your lawn thoroughly each time, to encourage deep root growth.
Don't forget to factor in any rainfall. We
recommend a precipitation rate ranging from 2.0cm - 2.5cm" per week, depending on
soil conditions, to keep all grass varieties vibrant and green.
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How much maintenance will be involved in caring for my irrigation
system
We
recommend that you check the sprinkler system for proper operation at least
twice a year. We like to visit customers at least once a year. Conducted
studies revealed an average life span of 10 years for a sprinkler
system before needing major work.
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How can I
determine my water usage
The
average system uses approximately 15 - 16 gallons per minute, per station. Here
is an easy formula to help you calculate the approximate amount of water you are
using each month. If your system has six stations, you water two times per week,
and each station is set to run for 15 minutes. Number of Minutes x Number of
Stations = Total Minutes Total Minutes x 16 Gallons per minute = Total gallons
used per watering day. Total gallons per day x Number of days per month you
water = Total gallons of water used per month. Therefore... 15 Minutes x 6
Stations = 90 Total Minutes. 90 Total Minutes x 16 Gallons per minute = 1,920
Total gallons used per watering day. 1,440 Gallons per day x 8 Days per month =
11,520 Total gallons of water used per month.
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Water seeps
from one sprinkler. Is there something wrong with the sprinkler?
No.
Water will drain through the lowest head until the pipe empties. If the seepage
does not stop, the problem is with the valve that controls that sprinkler zone.
The problem could be as simple as a small piece of debris inside the valve. Or
the valve may need rebuilding or replacing.
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One zone
continues to water after the cycle is complete. Is the controller broken
Probably not, but to make sure, pull the power cord from the wall, removing
power from the controller. If the water continues to run, the problem is with
the zone valve. If the water stops, the controller is at fault. Double-check the
programming.
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