LANDSCAPE SPRINKLER SYSTEMS

Installation 

The main features in a good sprinkler system are Efficiency and Conservation, Convenience, Durability, and Dependability.

Efficiency and Conservation:

The primary function of a sprinkler system is to distribute water evenly over plant material, avoiding as much as practical non-plant areas, especially windows, house walls, walks, driveways, and public streets. Sprinkler systems bring control to water application. In times of drought or shortages, sprinkler systems are especially useful in gaining control over water use and distribution.

Sprinkler systems typically use more water per minute than the water supply to the property can provide. Thus they are divided into sections of a size suitable to the water supply. Where practical these sections are further divided according to different types of plant materials, sun/shade, or slope of terrain. Thus the relative amount of water can be varied according to specific needs, improving efficiency and effectiveness.

Almost all new systems today are automatic. When automated, the sprinkler system can be adjusted to provide consistent, timely application of water. Some owners who consistently applied water with a manual system report reduction in water use of 50 per cent or more after automation. Of course if a property is under-watered to begin with, automation will increase water consumption.

Rain-sensors. Some communities are now requiring "rain-sensors" on new automatic installations. When damp, these devices interrupt the power output to the sprinkler valves.

Moisture-sensors. Some systems, mostly experimental, utilize moisture sensors buried in the ground to by-pass watering commands to the sprinkler valves when conditions do not require watering. While such systems appear to be very desirable, there are several considerations before installing. If only one sensor is installed, what location will rule the entire property? If sensors are installed for every section, installation costs and maintenance costs are increased significantly. The most sophisticated systems require setting both a high and low sensor at each location so as to provide three zones of information: too wet, too dry, and just right. This further increases installation costs and maintenance. Some systems have centralized controls and monitors; others just wire into each valve individually without going through a central control. We have been reluctant to recommend such devices for typical systems we install because of cost and maintenance.

Drip systems. The term "drip" covers a multitude of products and systems, some of which have outlets that actually drip at the rate of 1 to 5 gallons per hour, to others that have rotating streams that reach 8 to fifteen feet and use 8 to 15 gallons per hour. The main characteristic that distinguishes drip systems from conventional systems is the low rate of water distributed from each outlet, and the low pressure (5 to 30 pounds) at which the system operates (as compared to 50 to 100 pounds on conventional systems). Another characteristic that typifies drip systems is the use of light-weight materials, typically installed above ground.

Drip systems were developed primarily for agricultural applications, and more especially in Israel where conservation of water is critical. While we have been installing drip systems for over 25 years, our experience is that they are not suitable for most home-owner applications, with the exception of potted plants. Even in agricultural systems, the tendency is to favor more conventional underground piping to support drip outlets at individual trees or vines. Drip installations are typically labor intensive to install and maintain. Where plants are close together, as is typical for most landscape applications, and especially for lawns or ground-cover, a spray system is usually more efficient and manageable. Even where drip systems are preferred, it is often a micro spray rather than a true drip that dominates the application. Sprays are easier to monitor, and in porous planting materials, such as vermiculite, are much more effective.

DRIP CONVERSION

Drip systems are subject to less water-loss due to runoff, overspray, and evaporation. Consequently they are often exempt or partially exempt from most water-conserving regulations. Drip materials are usually lighter weight than conventional sprinkler materials, and installed either on the surface or shallow depths. Thus they are more vulnerable to some types of damage and/or root invasion. On the other hand, drip materials in turf are usually much less vulnerable to damage from foot traffic and lawn mowers. Opinions differ widely on whether drip systems have higher or lower overall maintenance costs. Actual maintenance costs probably vary according to types of areas being watered and site use.

Drip conversion typically consists of:

Convenience:

Sprinkler systems are divided into sections requiring multiple valves to turn on and off.
One of the great advantages of having an automatic sprinkler system is the management of repeated turning on and off of multiple valves. Even a small property may have six or more sections of sprinklers. If you decide to water three days a week with six valves, that means keeping an eye on your watch and making 19 trips to turn valves on or off during the week. That is a daunting task for a small property and an impossible task manage effectively for a large property. For anyone who travels or lives a busy life away from home an automatic system is a necessity.
Achieving convenience with automatic controls requires some precautions, however. There are many manufacturers of a myriad variety of controllers. Most of them rival VCRs in terms of difficulty in programming. Effective and convenient use of an automatic sprinkler system depends on having a controller you can understand and use. When we visit trade shows where new controllers are on display, if we cannot perform the basic programming functions without reading instructions, we do not consider it suitable. Almost all new sprinkler controllers are electronic.

                  
The main features we look for in a controller are:
Variable timing for each section
Multiple schedules: daily, weekly, tri-weekly, etc. watering
Simple 2 button programming
Water budgeting to adjust all station timing at once with one setting.
Non-volatile memory to avoid need to reprogram after a power failure.
A test cycle so the entire system can be inspected without running back and forth to the controller

Durability:
The infrastructure (valves and piping) for a well-designed and installed sprinkler system can be expected to serve for many years, probably 30 to 50 years, possibly more. Valves may require some repair or replacement as time passes, and heads typically require at least some annual maintenance. 
On the other hand, it is not unusual to see a poorly designed and installed sprinkler system virtually useless after one or two years, or even from the say of installation.

Following are some of the features we find make for a better system:
Heavy grade of pipe: Schedule 40 PVC laterals and sprinkler mains
Type L copper domestic mains
Proven heads: Toro, Hunter, Rain Bird
Impact resistant sub-head assemblies
Double swing joints
Triple swing joints
Sturdy brass valves: Superior and Champion sprinkler valves.
Hammond and Stockham ball and gate valves
Deep trenches:  8 inches for laterals, 12 inches for mains
Pressure regulation when pressure exceeds 100 pounds.
Surge protection by following design standards that limit the demand on the water supply.
Proven automatic controllers with simple operating characteristics:  Irritrol, Hunter, Rain Bird

Click here for our installation standards

Dependability:
The most critical factor in getting a sprinkler system that is convenient, efficient, and durable is the contractor.
The contractor must first understand how to make a better system, and second must care. Few people can afford the time, energy, and frustration of trying to get a quality system when they, themselves, have to make every decision and watch every move of the installer. They also want to avoid liability for damage or injury that may occur during the course of the work. They also want the system to be serviceable after installation.

Choosing a suitable contractor comes down to:                                      

Knowledge
Experience
Continuity
Reputation
Proper licensing
Liability insurance
Workers compensation insurance
Integrity

Hammer Company, Inc.
1645 Euclid St.,  Santa Monica, CA 90404
(800) 660-1452  (310) 450-1122
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