Garden Sprinkler Systems

Function

• Sprinkler systems take water from a main line and pass it through a vacuum breaker to prevent back-flow into the drinking water supply. Water is then passed to a series of electronic control valves in a manifold, which are controlled by a timer. The timer tells the valves when to release water to specific zones, which cover different parts of your lawn.

Types

• Sprinkler systems can be installed above ground or underground. For most residential applications, sprinklers are installed underground. This helps create a finished appearance. Some commercial and agricultural applications prefer above-ground sprinklers that are easy to access and maintain.

Materials

• PVC, an injection-molded plastic, is the most common material found in sprinkler systems. PVC is strong, durable and water resistant. It's also relatively inexpensive, with pipes and fittings usually costing only a few dollars each. Most home improvement stores carry a wide selection of PVC.