Home Garden

How to Program Sprinkler Systems

A sprinkler system enables you to water your lawn when nobody is home, saving time and energy. Often, homeowners invest in expensive sprinkler systems -- but never learn how to use them effectively. As a result, wasted water, scheduling errors and other issues abound. The first step to programming a sprinkler system is to create a watering schedule that maintains your plants without wasting excess amounts of water. If you would like to enjoy the benefits of maintaining an efficient watering schedule, you can do so in a few easy steps.

Things You'll Need

  • Sprinkler system
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Instructions

    • 1

      Consult your state's water code prior to selecting the frequency of your watering schedule.

    • 2

      Select the days that you intend to water your yard on the system controller. Turn the dial clockwise to each day and choose either "ON" or "OFF" for each designated day.

    • 3

      Set the time of duration for each zone or each area that receives water. Select zones with rotor heads to run for 30 to 45 minutes, zones with spray heads to run for 5 to 10 minutes and zones with continuous and micro-sprayers to run for 15 to 20 minutes.

    • 4

      Set the date and time of day to program a set time.

    • 5

      Select an additional program (A, B, or C on the system) other than the one you used to set up through the steps above. Repeat steps 1 to 4.