Lawn Sprinkler Head Basics

Sprayers

• The term sprayers generally refers to rigid sprinkler heads that throw a light spray of water across a fixed diameter and fixed distance. Basic sprayer sprinkler heads attach directly to an irrigation pipe that rises from the ground, called a riser. Sprayers typically connect to risers via screw-like threads. Inexpensive and easy to install, sprayers' watering distances range from a few feet to over 10 feet and the shape of their spray ranges from 1/8 circle to a full circle.

Pop-Up Sprinklers

• Whereas a standard sprayer sprinkler head's position remains fixed above the ground, a pop-up sprinkler's resting position is beneath the ground's surface. During operation, the pipe system's pressure causes the pop-up sprinkler to temporarily rise and release its spray. Pop-up sprinklers relieve gardeners of trimming and cutting grass around exposed sprinkler risers. Pop-up sprinkler heads' spray patterns and distances typically resemble those of standard sprayer sprinkler heads.

Rotary Sprinkler Heads

• While the spray shape and distance of rotary sprinkler heads resemble those of the standard sprayer, rotary sprinkler heads' bodies slowly rotate in a circle or partial circle. The rotary sprinkler's rotation increases overall coverage and decreases the amount of sprinkler heads required to water a lawn. Rotary heads are available as fixed, above ground fixtures or concealed, pop-up sprinklers.

Impact Sprinklers

• Like rotary sprinklers, impact sprinkler heads move while spraying water. However, impact sprinklers' internal mechanism increases throwing power and distance, allowing a single impact sprinkler to effectively water a large area. During operation, impact sprinklers create a steady clicking noise. Impact sprinklers are available as both fixed, above ground fixtures and pop-up sprinklers.

Portable Sprinklers

• Attached to standard garden hose, portable sprinklers allow gardeners to address a lawn's dry spots or problem areas. Available in a wide range of spray shapes, flow rates and throw distances, portable sprinklers are lightweight, inexpensive and flexible. However, because most portable sprinklers do not connect to automatic or central valves, they require greater attention and effort to operate than permanent sprinkler heads.