Irrigation Equipment
Irrigation Valve Assembly
The valve assembly controls the flow of water to the irrigation lines. If you are using a drip system and plan to operate it yourself, it is highly advisable to become familiar with the valve assembly and its related parts:
| 1. | Backflow prevention assemblies stop water in the lines from flowing backwards into the drinking water system. They are required by building codes. To function properly, backflow prevention valves must be installed at a higher elevation than all of the emitters. When the emitters’ area is higher than the valve, a special backflow prevention device is required by code. Check with your local building department. |
Back flow prevention device
| 2. | An automatic valve opens and closes for a programmed amount of time. Each valve allows water into an irrigation line (zone). |
| 3. | A filter prevents clogging of emitters by particles in the water supply. |
Drip Filter
| 4. | A pressure reducer provides the correct water pressure to a line. |
Pressure Reducer
Although they look somewhat complicated, an irrigation controller is basically an on/off switch with a timer attached. An irrigation system with a controller can be the most effective and time saving method of irrigation because the landscape can be watered on a regular schedule specific to its needs.
However, it can also be the largest water waster if timers are set once and never adjusted. With an initial investment of a few hundred dollars, and some time spent learning to program the controller, you will be rewarded with a healthier landscape and more time to enjoy it. Here are some terms with which to become familiar:
| 1. | Each valve is called a station or zone on the controller. |
| 2. | All controllers have variable run-times which means for each irrigation valve, watering can be set for a different time. |
| 3. | A program is a set of stations set to specific run-times and start times. |
| 4. | Dual or multiple programs lets you irrigate areas with different watering frequency needs. For example, a controller with multiple start times can water the lawn every Tuesday and Saturday morning and shrubs once a month. |
| 5. | Multiple start times allow the controller to water more than once a day. For example, a controller with multiple start times can water the lawn for 5 minutes, turn off for 60 minutes, and then turn on again to water an additional 5 minutes. This system allows the first irrigation water to soak into the soil before applying the second. |
| 6. | A manual setting will allow you to run the system and check for leaks or problems, or to add a single additional run-time if plants are stressed in the summer. |
| 7. | The off button is useful if the system is malfunctioning and it needs to be turned off or if it is raining and you want to skip an irrigation cycle. |
| 8. | Sign up to receive a monthly e-mail reminder to change your watering frequency by visiting City of Mesa's Utility Conservation website: http://www.cityofmesa.org/utilities/conservation/ |
Or go to the Watering Schedule on this CD.
Click here to see tips on selecting an irrigation controller.