FAQ: What are the parts of an in-ground sprinkler system?
Answer: In-ground sprinkler systems consist of many parts, including rotors and sprinkler heads, pipes and tubing, valves, backflow preventers, pressure regulators, sprinkler timers, and controllers.

In this blog post, you’ll learn about the different components of an automatic sprinkler system, including the following topics:

• Rotors and sprinkler heads are the core of your system
• Bringing your system together with pipes and tubing
• Managing water flow with valves
• Protecting your water supply with a backflow preventer and a pressure regulator
• Automate your sprinkler system with timers, controllers, and sensors
• Connect your system with fittings and connectors.

Rotors and Sprinkler Heads Are the Core of Your System

Sprinkler heads are the backbone of your lawn’s water sprinkler. Without sprinklers, you wouldn’t have an automatic sprinkler system to water the grass in your yard.

You will most likely use a combination of rotors and sprays in your irrigation system. These parts are the core of your sprinkler system. However, rotors and sprays shouldn’t be in the same zones.

Why?

Because rotors have a more extended reach and spray heads have a shorter reach. Also, you shouldn’t mix rotor heads with spray heads since they serve different purposes.

Rotors have the most extended reach and should be used for those parts of your lawn that are farther away.

Sprays, on the other hand, have the shortest reach and are good for watering smaller areas, including groundcovers and shrubs. K-Rain’s sprinklers are built with precise engineering and rigorous field testing to get the reach and longevity you want in your sprinkler system parts.

Here are four sprinkler head types:

• Pop-up sprinklers K-Rain’s sprinkler heads, also known as pop-up sprays, spray bodies, sprinkler heads, or sprinklers, come in three types: Pro-S™, NP Sprays, and K-Sprays™. Better yet, our Pro-S sprinklers have pressure regulation built into them and are WaterSense certified to save money and conserve water.
• Rotary sprinklers Gear-driven rotors deliver uniform water coverage. We have eight K-Rain rotary sprinkler heads to meet your particular water distribution. Our rotary sprays work in any terrain, providing outstanding coverage no matter the complexity or size of your landscape.
• Dripline Irrigation System K-Rain’s Dripline System is designed for non-turf areas like flowerbeds and vegetable gardens. Our dripline irrigation provides efficient and reliable water without run-off and overspray. Drip irrigation delivers large water drops right to the plant’s root system. You can install the dripline system above or below the soil line. Our drip irrigation system also has pressure-compensating emitters and in-line emitter check valves. Also, it’s available in two flow rates and two spacing sizes.
• Tree Bubblers Our pressure-compensating bubblers deliver water where it’s needed—at the tree’s roots. The water sinks into the root ball to help establish a deep root system. The water bubbles over into the tree’s root system. The pressure-compensating feature ensures consistent flow rates over lower pressure ranges. It also works to eliminate excess run-off and water waste.

 

Bringing Your System Together with Pipes and Tubing

Pipes and tubing are the skeleton of the irrigation system. In Southern climates, PVC piping connects with the valves, backflow preventer, and water meter.

In Northern climates, you’ll use black roll pipe or polyethylene (PE) for your tubing and piping.

Funny piping, or swing piping, protects the piping from breakage. It looks like dripline tubing, but its walls are thicker, enabling it to withstand higher water pressure.
 
 

Managing Water Flow with Valves

The valves turn on and off, and the water flows into your sprinkler system. K-Rain’s valves are electric and indexing valves.

Our electric valves deliver hard or dirty water to your irrigation system. The ProSeries valves are sturdy because of their engineering. They’re corrosion- and UV-resistant and built to last.

Our indexing valves are single valves that send water to multiple zones on your lawn. Depending on your model, they can deliver water to up to four or six zones. You would use our indexing valves for pump applications, onsite wastewater disposal, and reclaimed water systems.

Protecting Your Water Supply with a Backflow Preventer and a Pressure Regulator

A backflow preventer keeps your home’s water clean and fresh by preventing water from returning to the water supply. You or your plumber would install a backflow preventer on your home’s water pipes so water can enter but not return.

A pressure regulator does just that: it regulates water pressure. Many states have mandates requiring sprinkler systems to have them.

A pressure regulator determines how fast or slow water comes to your sprinklers. A pressure regulator also helps to save water. We have two pressure regulators:

• The 1” 30 PSI Pressure Regulator
• The 1” 40 PSI Pressure Regulator.

 

Automate Your Sprinkler System with Timers, Controllers, & Sensors

Timers and controllers save you time and money. When you install an automatic timer, it sends a signal for the valve to open, and then, when the timer goes off, there’s a signal for it to close.

The water pressure decreases in the zone, and the sprinkler heads will stop emitting water.

Controllers are the brains of a sprinkler system. It’s where the timer and sensors are located.

We have six controllers, ranging from simple to sophisticated. Our advanced controllers use Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, allowing you to start your water sprinkler anywhere—in your home, office, or on vacation.
Our K-Rain sensors will save you money, time, and water. Our rain sensor and rain/freeze sensor stop your sprinkler system water flow when it rains, or temperatures fall below 32°F.

Connect Your Sprinkler System with Fittings and Connectors

Sprinkler system fittings and connectors connect your sprinklers. Fittings work by snugly connecting the irrigation system parts and securing pipes, valves, and sprinkler heads. Ensure you buy the right fittings for your sprinkler system to prevent leaks and other problems.

We have six K-Rain fittings and connectors to attach to your irrigation system:

1. 17 mm barb
2. 17 mm barb x ½” NPT adapter
3. 17 mm barb x ½” NPT tee
4. 17 mm elbow
5. 17 mm tee
6. Four sizes of swing pipe assembly.

Choose K-Rain Irrigation Products for a Successful Sprinkler System

You want to ensure you're using the best products available regarding your sprinkler system. With K-Rain, you can be confident that you're getting high-quality, reliable products to help you create a successful and efficient sprinkler system.

We hope this guide has given you a snapshot of different sprinkler system parts and how they work together to form a sustainable sprinkler system. 

By understanding these components, you are empowered to make informed decisions and actively create a successful sprinkler system for your home or landscape.

Buy our water sprinkler parts online or at The Home Depot and Lowe's near you. For hassle-free setup, find a skilled contractor through our website—ensuring your system is installed perfectly for optimal performance.

Sources:
HGIC.Clemson.edu, Landscape Irrigation Equipment Part 8: Piping.
PlumbingToday.biz, What Is a Backflow Preventer and How Does It Work?
School.SprinklerWarehouse.com, Anatomy of a Sprinkler System.
Ibid, How to Space Rotors and Sprays.
Tameson.com, Essential Irrigation Fittings for Efficient Systems.