Denver Sprinkler Systems

No matter where you live, if you have a yard – you need a sprinkler. Do you know what’s available in Denver sprinkler systems? Do you know which one best fits your needs?

Purpose

Denver sprinkler systems are meant to keep your yard watered adequately, according to the rainfall in your area. They are not meant to be turned on when it is raining or snowing outside nor are they meant to drown your plants and yard.

The purpose of Denver sprinkler systems is to provide your yard with the adequate amount of water in the correct places at the correct times.

Deciding the Type of System

There are two types of automatic Denver sprinkler systems available – both the in-ground and the type of system where all of the sprinklers are connected and zoned come in automatic and manual.

Automatic Denver sprinkler systems are regulated by a timer, which will turn itself on and off at pre-set times. There are even some automatic systems that are able to tell when your lawn needs watering. They turn themselves off when detecting that the moisture level in your yard has reached the desired level. (how to do thing .com)

Manual Denver sprinkler systems need you to turn them on and off. The only difference between this type of system and a regular sprinkler is that you do not have to move this one around your yard.

Ask your Denver irrigation contractors which sprinkler system will be better for your yard, according to the rainfall in your area, your plants, yard extension, and other considerations.

Beautiful lawns don’t happen by themselves. (Photo courtesy of browne-associates.com)

Above Ground Systems

This Denver sprinkler service is an excellent choice for non-home owners and are composed of multiple sprinkler heads. This means that you do not have stop whatever you are doing to go turn the water off, change the location of the sprinkler head and turn the water back on when it comes time to relocate the sprinkler head. Another benefit of using these types of Denver sprinkler systems is that they are much cheaper than installing the in-ground ones.

There are other Denver sprinkler systems that are “half n half”, meaning that the sprinkler heads are dug in the ground yet are attached to an external hose.

These are also very convenient for non-home owners for when you move all you need to do is dig out each sprinkler head.

In-Ground Systems

Firstly, this type of Denver sprinkler system is considered to be the best with regard to water efficiency. Also, this type of system is definitely for home owners.

When searching for Denver irrigation companies for installing a sprinkler system, there are a few things you need to check out:

• Ask for references of prior clients to demonstrate capability and educational background installing this type of system.
• Ask them to explain to you how their system provides precise water control.
• What kind of warranty do they offer and does it include replacing or adjusting deficient and broken parts. Also, ask if they will winterize your system.
• Ask what kinds of tools they use to survey your yard. Some companies are now coming in with GPS devices.

Lastly, make sure that prior to your contractor leaving, you are totally familiarized with how the system works and how to properly operate the timer.

Shaded areas will require less watering. (Photo courtesy of browne-associates.com)

DYI Sprinkler Kits

There are several types of do-it-yourself Denver sprinkler systems that you may choose from.

In the planning stage the first thing you need to do is get the proper permits from your local City Building Department. You also need to contact your local utilities’ companies in order that they may come out to your property and mark the location of gas, water, electricity, cable tv and phone lines. They will normally come out and do this for free.

Your next step is to figure out your water flow rate and pressure. Both of these tests are conducted with the water turned off in the rest of the house. To perform this task you will need a water pressure gauge.

Secondly, you need to make a sketch of the area you want watered. If your yard is already landscaped, you need to denote where all of the foliage is, on your sketch. If it is not, you will then need to draw in where you plan on planting trees and shrubs. Also on your sketch you will need to plot the location of your Denver sprinkler systems heads. “Multiply the throw distance of the heads (usually 15 feet) by 1.4 to find the spacing between sprinkler heads, so the areas covered by each head overlap. In windy areas, space the sprinkler heads the same as the throw rating….Finally, divide the system into circuits.” (do it yourself .com) The instructions included in the kit will provide you with a chart that tells you the gpm rating for each sprinkler head. (do it yourself .com) “Divide the gpm capacity of your water line by the rating of each head to find the number of sprinkler heads that you can put on each circuit.” (do it yourself .com)

If your circuit – i.e. layout of hose, is over 100 feet long, you will need to use ¾” PVC piping. If your circuit is over 100 feet long, the size of the PVC piping you will require will be of 1 inch.

NOTE: “Never use different types of sprinkler heads (e.g., lawn sprinklers with low-shrub sprinklers) on the same circuit.” (do it yourself .com)

Once you have completed all of the above steps, watching a couple of free YouTube videos on your computer will show you how to install the system you have chosen.

Denver sprinkler systems should include heads for watering shrubs and flower beds. (Photo courtesy of browne-associates.com)

Types of Sprinkler Heads

There are three types of sprinkler system heads: for large areas, medium areas and small areas/spot watering – pots, under shrubs, etc.

The sprinkler heads used for large areas are either normally “impact heads”, which remain above-ground or retractable heads, which only come up when the water is turned on.

Small areas and spot, or “precision”, watering heads are normally above-ground and are great for flower beds and for watering under shrubs and under trees. Another good system to use in small areas is the drip system, where tubing runs above-ground.

New Products & Accessories

As with everything else, there are also new products on the market that will help you economize water. One of these products is the GeiserMiser, which shuts off those sprinklers that are damaged while still allowing all of the other working sprinklers to continue doing the job. (geisermiser dot com)

Sensors are an accessory which comes in handy and allows you to conserve water. These sensors can tell when it is raining and whether the amount of precipitation is sufficient to keep the systems from turning on. “Rain sensors automatically prevent your sprinkler system from turning on when it rains. Fully adjustable for rain fall amounts and adjusts for sprinkler reactivation. The digital freeze sensor reduces hazards and damage from freezing water.” (orbitirrigation dot com)

A nice addition to your system is the different types of valve box covers which come in the form of artificial rocks. These “rocks” are hollow on the inside where the valve box fits in.

You may now purchase timers which are installed inside your home in order to protect them from Mother Nature. Another Orbit product, the Outdoor Super Dial EZ comes with an LCD screen – “that can be set to run your sprinkler system multiple times in a day. If it rains, there is a convenient rain delay button that postpones your program. Water budgeting allows you to adjust the watering program to meet seasonal needs without reprogramming the timer.” (orbit irrigation .com) In spite of the fact that it is called “outdoor”, this timer may also be installed indoors.

Misting systems are relatively new on the market and may be used for vivarium & terrarium humidification, bonsai & orchid propagation and greenhouse humidification. (cloudtops dot com)