Common Sprinkler System Misconceptions

Metro Orlando FL | Kissimmee - Sanford - Leesburg

• MYTH: It is smarter for me to water every day for a short period of time.
  • FACT: It is better to water less frequently for longer periods of time than to water for a short period of time every day. Watering every day creates a more shallow root system, increases weeds, disease, and insect infestations. Example: 2 times a week for 90 minutes per zone or as long as it takes to water 3/4 “instead of every day for 15 minutes.
• MYTH: I only need to water for 30 minutes per zone.
  • FACT: the University of Florida recommends watering ¾” per application and with each system being different, no one time will work. Water as long as it takes to water ¾”. There are many factors that contribute to the amount of time needed for each zone including the type of head, design of the system, type of landscape, slope, season, and sun versus shaded areas. All of these factors must be considered when determining the frequency and run times for each zone. For example, sprays require less watering times than rotors and must be calibrated differently.
• MYTH: I don’t need a rain sensor. They don’t work.
  • FACT: Most rain sensors require a set amount of rain to accumulate before shutting the system off. If you see your system running when it’s raining, it is because the rain sensor has not accumulated enough rain to shut the system off. We use and recommend the Hunter Wireless Rain Sensor that has an instant shut off. It doesn’t require water to accumulate.

• MYTH: I can shut my irrigation system off if it has rained in the past few days.
  • FACT: Rain showers may dump a large amount of precipitation at once. However, the majority of the water runs off because your lawn cannot absorb it quickly enough. It is important to leave your system on because, unlike rain, your system is designed to distribute water slowly and evenly at an infiltration rate that your lawn can absorb.
• MYTH: It is okay to have spray heads and rotors on the same zone.
  • FACT: It is not okay to mix rotor and spray heads on the same zone because they require different run times to distribute the same amount of water. For example, it takes a rotor 60 minutes to put out ½” of water versus a spray head that only takes 15 minutes to put out ½” of water.
• MYTH: My irrigation system does not need maintenance.
  • FACT: Just like your vehicle needs tune-ups and maintenance, so does your irrigation system.
    It constantly needs adjusting for proper coverage, seasonal changes, and normal wear and tear. Just one broken sprinkler head can cause irreversible turf damage. A bi-monthly maintenance program will keep your irrigation system functioning at its maximum efficiency.

Do you have additional questions that weren’t answered above, call our office today to speak with an irrigation system expert!