No-Nonsense Guide
ARE THERE WATER REGULATIONS THAT I NEED TO ONSIDER?
I WANT TO IRRIGATE USING WATER FROM A WELL/LAKE/STREAM.WHAT
DO I NEED FOR THIS?
DO I NEED TO AUTOMATE MY SYSTEM?
WHAT SHOULD I DO WHEN IT RAINS
WHAT MAINTENANCE DO I NEED TO DO ON MY IRRIGATION SYSTEM?
HOW MANY SPRINKLERS CAN I RUN AT ONE TIME AND WHAT ARE ZONES?
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I WATER MY LAWN AND FOR HOW LONG?
WHAT TIME OF DAY SHOULD I WATER? DO I NEED
TO AUTOMATE MY SYSTEM?
ARE THERE WATER REGULATIONS
THAT I NEED TO CONSIDER!
The most recent water regulations categorise the different types of irrigation
system dependent on the risk of contamination of the mains water supply, within
a domestic garden it is okay to operate mini sprinklers and drip-line/porous/leaky
pipe direct from a tap with the appropriate backflow device. With other types
of underground irrigation such as pop up sprinklers a RPZ (Reduce Pressure Zone)
valve or more commonly a storage tank and booster pump is required.
I WANT TO IRRIGATE
USING WATER FROM A WELL/LAKE/STREAM. WHAT DO I NEED FOR THIS?
You will need a pump to move the water and to provide water pressure for your
system. You will also need a dirty water filter to make sure that debris (even
from the cleanest lake or stream water) does not clog your sprinklers. Additional
components such as float switches and an electrical control switch will be required.
We can advise and supply these as a complete kit. Assuming it is a private,
domestic property you can draw up to 20,000 litres per day without an extraction
license, although you should always check with the local office of the Environment
Agency.
DO I NEED TO AUTOMATE
MY SYSTEM?
Whatever type of irrigation system you have you will only truly benefit from
it if you automate. This is as simple as a tap mounted battery powered unit
for small systems or battery/mains powered multi zone controllers on medium
to large systems. Not only does it relieve you from the chore of watering when
you are at home or away, it also ensures your garden gets the right amount of
water at the right time. This ensures that you minimise water waste and the
results in the garden are stunning.
WHAT SHOULD I DO
WHEN IT RAINS?
Most timers have a button for shutting down for rain. In addition, connecting
to a Rain Bird rain sensor allows automatic shutdown during rainy weather.
WHAT
MAINTENANCE DO I NEED TO DO ON MY IRRIGATION SYSTEM?
1. Monthly: Adjust timer settings, check and adjust sprinkler sprays and clean
mainline filter (if installed).
2. Once per season: Clean filters in all sprinkler heads, manually operate each
valve and check signal cable for any damage.
3. As needed you should: Unclog sprinkler heads and adjust installation levels
of heads to ground level. The system will require draining before winter to
prevent frost damage, and a spring service to get it up and running for the
new season.
HOW MANY SPRINKLERS
CAN I RUN AT ONE TIME AND WHAT ARE ZONES?
This will depend on your available water supply, the more you run at one time
the more water flow and pressure you need. In the USA most systems are run from
the city main water supply, in the UK it is more common to have a water storage
tank for irrigation with a booster pump. This is generally because the flow/pressure
over here is not as good. Small domestic drip and mini sprinklers systems can
be run direct from the mains water supply, but pop up sprinklers are normally
run via a tank and pump. In all cases you work out how many sprinklers you need,
then work out what their total flow requirement is (this is normally in the
catalogue), this required flow is then divided by your available flow (either
from mains or pump). The final answer will indicate approximately how many zones
or groups of sprinklers you will need to run. Remember, the bigger your zones
the bigger pump and pipe you will need, but no need to worry, Auto Aqua can
advise on all these areas!
HOW
OFTEN SHOULD I WATER MY LAWN AND FOR HOW LONG?
Because each lawn is unique, the answer to this question can vary greatly. The
best watering times and length of watering depends on your climate, the type
of grass and soil conditions. It is generally preferable to water infrequently
for a longer period of time than frequently for short periods. Watering infrequently
provides deep water sources that roots search for. Frequent watering promotes
surface root growth. In the UK the requirement can vary from 10mm 24mm per
week (10 24 litres per sqm). Ask Auto Aqua for more information as run time
will depend mainly on weather, sprinkler type and sprinkler spacing.
BACK TO TOP
WHAT
TIME OF DAY SHOULD I WATER?
Rain Bird recommends watering early in the morning, followed by evening watering.
Water in the middle of the day only if it is cool or if you have a new lawn
requiring constant moisture. You only should water more than once per day if
evaporation is extreme or if your soil wont hold water because of the clay
content or the slope of a hill causes too much runoff.
If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to email us and we will reply and display it here.
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Copyright © 2005 Auto Aqua Irrigation Last modified: 04/03/05