Parts of a Sprinkler System (List of Components With Photos)

The conventional sprinkler system found on residential properties does the majority of the work under the ground, and out of view. Despite their enigmatic nature, irrigation systems aren’t particularly complicated. In fact, they consist of only a few main basic components, each of which has the primary goal of distributing water to the correct place at the proper time.

To both understand how a sprinkler system works and be able to diagnose issues when they arise, it’s important to know all the parts of a sprinkler system. Although they are made up of a number of different pieces, your average yard irrigation system can be broken down into ten basic parts: water source, the timer (or, controller), backflow preventer, water pump, water meter, control valves, valve box, shut-off valve, sprinkler heads, and the pipes and risers.

In most modern sprinkler systems, an electronic timer (or controller) is the brain. It controls the flow of water from the main water source to the rest of the system. The timer is what communicates to the valves when to open or close. By controlling the valves, the timer allows you to control which areas of the system function at a given time.

A traditional controller will allow you to set a regular watering schedule. Some, more advanced, timers allow you to set different parts of the system on their own individual schedule. Other advanced timers may feature moisture sensors that automatically determine when the system needs to be shut off. For example, these types of timers will know to suspend the watering schedule if it’s raining.

When your sprinkler system is connected to a potable water supply, the backflow prevention device (BPD) is what protects the water source from possible contamination. It prevents contaminated water from flowing backward into your drinking water – hence the name “backflow preventer.”

Backpressure is what occurs when the pressure in your system is greater than the supply pressure. As a result, contaminated water is pushed back into the potable water supply. However, these issues are avoided when you have a backflow preventer.

Back-siphonage is another way that your water supply can become contaminated. It occurs when negative or loss of pressure sucks water from your sprinkler system into the water source, allow hazardous chemicals to enter your drinker water. Like backpressure, back-siphonage can also be prevented by installing a backflow preventer.

Depending on where you live, you may be required by law to have a backflow preventer installed on your irrigation system.

While the timer is the brain, the water pump is the heart of a sprinkler system. For smaller installations, you might have a single booster pump. Whereas, most sprinkler systems will need multiple irrigation pumps installed.

The purpose of a water pump is to deliver the appropriate level of water pressure for the system to function properly. While the water pressure of your municipal water supply may be sufficient to operate a garden hose hooked up to a portable sprinkler, an irrigation system needs much higher water pressure.

High pressure, provided by the water pump, allows water to be efficiently pumped through the pipes and to the sprinkler heads.

As you might assume, the water meter measures the amount of water that is used to irrigate your lawn. It allows you to ensure that the appropriate amount of water is being serviced to the various zones.

However, in some cases, the water meter may be a component of your water utility setup. Depending on your municipality, you may be charged a fee for water usage and water sewage treatment. Under normal circumstances, the amount of water used is how the sewage treatment fees are determined.

In a conventional sprinkler system, a series of valves are what control the flow of water through the system. Since water pressure is generally insufficient to operate the whole system at once, the valves are what divide the system into designated zones. These sprinkler zones all function independently of one another.

If your system has an electronic timer, the valves are controlled by the timer which opens and closes them according to the encoded watering schedule. The control valves are hooked up to the timer with wires, which transmit the control signals.

In many cases, control valves are grouped together in a “manifold,” or an arrangement that helps make maintenance easier and minimize wiring needs.

Valve boxes are, as the name indicates, a box for housing the valves. However, that isn’t all they’re used for. They are placed underground and used to encase a number of components of your sprinkler system. The valve box allows convenient access for the homeowner to easily get to the sprinkler valve, along with other components such as the wires, sensors etc.

Not to mention, the housing protects all the parts inside of the valve box from pests, outdoor elements, and accidents (like errant lawnmowers). By using valve boxes, properly installed sprinkler systems can be nearly invisible but still easily accessible for repairs and maintenance.

While the idea of a shut-off valve may seem simple, when it’s included in a well-designed irrigation system, the sprinkler shut-off valve plays a crucial role in preventing and alleviating potentially destructive problems.

Along with the solenoid switch, power supply, and a well-programmed controller, the system will shut off the water supply the moment issues are detected. By meticulously planning out your sprinkler system’s zones and installing sufficient shut-off valves, you can reduce disruptions and maximize the protection of your entire system.

Having a sprinkler system allows you to have more control over when and how your lawn is watered. Despite your sprinkler system’s manufacturer or specific model, all lawn irrigation systems tend to have the same main basic parts. Piping is buried under the ground, which are attached to the various sprinkler heads strategically positioned in designated zones.

The heads operate based on water pressure, and how and when the water is distributed is controlled by an electric timer or controller. The controller tells the control valves to open and close based on the watering schedule. Having a basic understanding of the parts of a sprinkler system and how they work can make operating them much easier!