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Glossary of Landscape Irrigation Terms
Comprehensive Irrigation Glossary
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
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100% Coverage - Means all the area within the irrigation system has sufficient water applied by the irrigation system for good growth of the landscape or crop. Does not necessarily mean the coverage is "perfect," which is not likely achievable. 100% coverage is the design goal of all sprinkler system designers.
A
Acre Foot (also acre feet) - A measurement of water quantity most often used in agriculture. The amount of water needed to cover one acre of area with water one foot deep.
Acre Inch - A measurement of water quantity most often used in agriculture. The amount of water needed to cover one acre of area with water one inch deep.
Angle Valve - Refers to the water flow pattern into and out of the valve. Often used as control valves. Seldom used as isolation valves. The valve inlet is on the bottom of an angle valve and the outlet is on one side. Angle valves as a group tend to be very reliable and have lower friction losses than "globe" valves, the other common style used for control valves.
Anti-Siphon Valve - A control valve with a built-in atmospheric vacuum breaker (backflow preventer). Most commonly used in residential irrigation systems. Used to control the flow of water in one direction. It will prevent a backflow of water into potable water.
Arc - The arc describes how far around in a circular pattern a sprinkler will rotate or spray. A sprinkler with a 90-degree arc would spray a quarter pattern circle.
Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker (AVB) - A type of backflow preventer.
Automatic Control Valve - Used in conjunction with an automatic timer, an automatic control valve is a convenient, economical way of delivering water to lawns, plants, and gardens. With an automatic system, the user does not have to worry about wasting water when they forget to turn the system off. The right amount of water is delivered to each zone automatically.
Automatic Valve - A valve which can be remotely operated. The remote operation method may be either electrical (the most common) or hydraulic. Automatic valves are commonly used as "control valves" for irrigation systems.
AWG-UF - The classification of the direct burial wire used for automatic sprinkler systems. Example: #14-1 AWG-UF means a 14-gauge wire, single wire cable, designed for direct burial (no conduit) in the ground. The wire should have this information stamped or printed directly on the wire's plastic insulation. The wire should be at least 18″ deep for safety (in most areas this requirement is written into local law).
B
Backflow - Any unwanted flow of used or non-potable water or substance from any domestic, industrial, or institutional piping system into the pure, potable water distribution system. The direction of flow under these conditions is in the reverse direction from that intended by the system and by the owner of the system.
Backflow Preventer - A device installed between the point of connection and the sprinklers that is designed to prevent the backflow of contaminated water into the drinking water. Different areas of the country require different types of backflow prevention. The user should check with their local dealer or local permitting agency for the type of backflow device approved for their area.
Ball Valve - A ball valve has a single arm or lever that requires a quarter turn to turn on or off. This single action is convenient, but caution should be used, and the valve should not be turned on or off too quickly while water is flowing, as damage could result. Ball valves have resilient seats and are better for frequent use applications. This type of valve controls the water by means of a rotating ball with a hole through the center of it. When the hole is aligned with the water flow the water flows freely through the valve with almost no friction loss. When the ball is rotated so that the hole is not aligned the flow is completely shut off. Ball valves are used primarily as isolation valves. They tend to be very reliable and trouble-free.
Blu-Lock®: A push-fit irrigation fitting system designed for connecting polyethylene pipe in non-constant pressure (valve-out) outdoor irrigation applications. Blu-Lock fittings feature stainless steel teeth that grip the pipe and a specialized O-ring that creates a watertight, rotatable seal without requiring solvents, glues, or clamps. Available in ½", ¾", and 1" sizes, with the ½" version using proprietary Blu-Lock pipe, while ¾" and 1" are compatible with industry standard SIDR 15 and SIDR 19 pipe. Blu-Lock fittings operate at working pressures up to 80 PSI (½"), 125 PSI (¾"), and 150 PSI (1"), and all sizes are designed to be releasable and reusable.
Booster Pump - A device to increase the water pressure in a system where some pressure already exists. For example, if water comes from a water company at 40 PSI of pressure but you need 80 PSI of pressure for the irrigation system, you would use a booster pump to increase the pressure.
Bushing - A small piece used to connect two pipes of different sizes together. A standard reducer bushing has one male end (for the larger pipe) and one female connection (for the smaller pipe).
Butterfly Valves - This type of valve uses a rotating disk to control the water flow. A true butterfly valve has two half-disks, hinged together in the center. When the disks, or "wings" are folded together the water flows freely past them. when folded out into the water stream the wings block the flow. Most "butterfly valves" are really "rotating disk" valves. They have a single, round disk that rotates on an axle. When fully open the disk is rotated so that it is aligned with the water flow. To close, the disk is rotated at a right angle so that it fully blocks the flow. Butterfly valves are used as both isolation and control valves. Butterfly valves tend to be very reliable and trouble free. They are mostly used on larger pipe sizes, seldom less than 3″ in size. Ball valves are used on smaller size pipes.
C
Check Valve - A check valve is a small device allowing water to flow in one direction only. A check valve has a spring which will hold the valve closed and will not allow the water to flow out of the sprinkler until a preset pressure is achieved in the system. This spring will hold back water in a pipe that has as much as a 7' to 10' change in elevation and is an excellent solution for slope applications.
Class 125, 160, 200, 315 - Pipe classifications based on standard dimension ratios. Class (CL) 125 pipe is rated for 125 PSI working pressure, CL 200 for 200 PSI, etc. Most industry professionals will tell you that it's not wise to use pipe rated at less than twice the actual maximum water pressure level. In other words, for a water pressure of 100 PSI use at least CL 200 pipe.
Controller - Also known as a timer, the controller is the part of an automatic sprinkler system that determines when a valve will turn on and how long it will operate. The timer sends a low voltage signal to the valve, which will then open for a predetermined amount of time allowing water to flow to the sprinklers. The size of the timer to purchase is determined by how many zones are in the sprinkler system. Controller is most often used by an irrigation professional. Timer is viewed as a retail DIY term. Controllers range from very simple to extremely sophisticated computer systems that utilize modems, cell-phones, or radios and allow 2-way communication between the controller and the units (valves, meters, weather stations, soil moisture sensors, etc.) being controlled.
Coupling - A fitting used to join two sections of pipe together.
Cross - A fitting that joins 4 sections of pipe at one point forming a "cross". Reducing crosses are available which have different size outlets. Unless you order a custom made cross the outlets opposite each other are always the same size.
Cubic Feet - A measurement of water quantity, often used by water companies in the United States of America to measure water use by customers. A cubic foot is one foot in length, one foot in width, and one foot deep.
Cubic Meters - A metric measurement of water quantity, often used by water companies to measure water use by customers. A cubic meter is one meter in length, one meter in width, and one meter deep.
D
Design Pressure - In irrigation design, the design pressure is the total pressure available to operate the irrigation system. Other uses of the term vary, but usually refer to the operating pressure at which a specific piece of irrigation equipment is designed to operate.
Distribution Uniformity - A measure of how evenly water is being applied across a field during irrigation, typically expressed as a percentage between 0 and 100. For example, if one inch of water is applied to one side of a field and only a half inch is applied to the other half, that would be described as poor Distribution Uniformity. "DU" lower than 70 percent are usually considered poor, 70 to 90 percent good, and over 90 percent, excellent.
Draw Down - The depth (from the top of the well) to the water in a well when the pump is operating. The water level in a well typically drops when the pump is running.
Drip Irrigation - Any type of irrigation system that applies water to the soil very slowly, thus the name "drip" irrigation. Currently the most efficient irrigation technology in terms of both water and energy use. Drip Irrigation is the most efficient water and nutrient delivery system for growing crops. It delivers water and nutrients directly to the plant's root zone, in the right amounts, at the right time, so each plant gets exactly what it needs, when it needs it, to grow optimally. It enables farmers to produce higher yields while saving on water as well as fertilizers, energy.
Drip System - An irrigation system that uses drip irrigation.
Drip-Lock - a family of irrigation fittings designed to connect drip tubing in landscaping and gardening applications. These fittings feature stainless steel teeth for secure grip, a special O-ring for watertight sealing, and a built-in removal collar for easy reconfiguration and reuse. Available in both 1/2-inch (compatible with 0.630" to 0.710" outside diameter tubing) and 1/4-inch sizes, Drip-Lock products provide reliable connections while allowing for rotation after installation, enabling flexible and efficient drip irrigation system design.
E
Elevation Head - A measurement of pressure. Related to pressure head.
Elbow or Ell - A fitting used to change the direction of a pipe. For PVC and poly irrigation uses they are available in 90 degree and 45 degree bends. Some specialty ells are available in other angles but have limited availability.
Emitter - A term used with drip irrigation. The emitter, or dripper, is a small device that controls the flow of water going to the soil. Emitters come in many different flow rates and styles.
Evapotranspiration - The process by which water is transferred from the land to the atmosphere by evaporation from the soil and other surfaces and by transpiration from plants (plants sweat). B-hyve calculates evapotranspiration using plant type, temperature etc. to determine a watering schedule for landscapes.
F
Female Adapter - A fitting used to connect over or around a male fitting. Never use a plastic female adapter on anything with metal threads. Never tighten a plastic female adapter with a wrench, hand tighten it only. The female adapter will split if you over tighten it.
Fittings - The generic name for the various parts that attach the pipes together. Includes bushings, couplings, crosses, ells, female adapters, male adapters, reducers, and tees. Fittings may be threaded, barbed, soldered, or welded to the pipe. (The glue or cement used on plastic fittings is a solvent which results in a welded joint.) Plastic fittings with threads should never be tightened with wrenches. Hand tighten them only.
Friction Loss - Water flowing through the meter, valves, pipe, and fittings has a considerable drag or friction. When the velocity of water increases, the friction loss increases. The friction reduces the available static pressure.
G
Gallons per Minute (GPM) - A measurement of water flow primarily used only in the United States of America.
The available GPM must be known before a sprinkler design can be completed. Sprinkler heads have different GPM requirements. The total GPM of all the sprinkler heads on one zone should not exceed the available GPM. Abbreviation used by irrigation designers for "gallons per minute".
Gate Valve - A gate valve has a wheel type handle. Several turns of the handle are required to turn off a gate valve. Gate valves are most commonly used on mainline pipes with high water pressure or high water flow. Because several turns are required, they are easier to turn off and the potential for water hammer is reduced. Gate valves have a brass-to-brass seat and are not recommended for frequent use. Refers to the operating mechanism for the valve, which is a sliding gate which moves up or down to block the flow. Often used as isolation valves. Never used as control valves. Because the gate slides it is very subject to wear, and gate valves wear out fast when used often. Some gate valves use a wedge-shaped gate which holds up better. They are still not designed for regular use, but for emergency shut-off only.
Globe Valve - Refers to the water flow pattern into and out of the valve. Often used as control valves. Seldom used as isolation valves. The valve inlet is on one side of the globe valve and the outlet is on the other side. Globe valves as a group tend to be very reliable, but have slightly higher friction losses than "angle" valves, the other common style used for control valves.
Gravity Flow - The term given a water system that relies on gravity to provide the pressure required to deliver the water. Consists of a water source located at a higher elevation than the water delivery points.
H
Head - Short for "sprinkler head".
Head-to-Head - This phrase describes the correct placement of spray heads and stream rotors. One sprinkler must be placed so that it will spray another sprinkler (or 50% of the adjusted diameter). This provides for complete coverage and prevents dry spots. In irrigation "head-to-head" refers to the situation where sprinklers are spaced so that the water from one sprinkler throws all the way to the next sprinkler. Most sprinklers are designed to give the best performance when head-to-head spacing is used.
HDPE - High-density polyethylene - HDPE piping is more flexible than most other types of piping in irrigation systems, and HDPE pipes can bend to relatively severe angles without suffering damage. Blu-Lock is Orbits brand of HDPE pipe.
Hydraulics - The science of fluids in motion. As it relates to irrigation there are two sub categories for hydraulics. They are open-channel hydraulics (canals, ditches, streams, rivers, etc.) and closed channel (or closed conduit) hydraulics (pipelines, tanks, etc.).
Hydro-Zone - An area of an irrigation system where all the factors that influence the watering schedule are similar. Typical factors to be considered would be the type of plants, the precipitation rate of sprinklers or emitters, solar radiation, wind, soil type, and slope. See the related term "valve zone".
I
I.P.S. - Iron Pipe size pipe has the identical dimensions as iron pipe does. This pipe is commonly referred to as IPS or SDR pipe. The outside diameter of IPS pipe is the controlling dimension.
Isolation Valve - A valve used for isolating all or part of the irrigation system for repairs, maintenance, or winter shut-down (winterization). Common types of isolation valves are the ball valve, butterfly valve, and gate valve.
L
Lateral Line - A lateral line is a non-pressurized pipe running from the valve to the sprinklers.
Liters per Minute - A metric measurement of water flow used worldwide.
LLDPE - Extremely flexible polyethylene tubing designed for all micro irrigation applications requiring the use of emitters. ½" - ¼" Non-Pressure Rated.
Low Head Drainage - Low head drainage is water left in the pipe after a valve is turned off that is gently flowing out of a low elevation sprinkler head.
M
Main Line - The main line is a pressurized pipe running from the point of connection to the valve manifold or master valve.
Male Adapter - The fitting used to connect into a female adapter. When connecting to metal threads male adapters should be used, so that the plastic male threads screw into the metal female threads.
Manifold - A manifold is group of valves - usually two or three connected together. aka sprinkler manifold, irrigation manifold, or valve manifold.
Manual Sprinkler Control Valve - Manual valves are not as common as they once were. The manually controlled sprinkler system eliminates having to move a hose end sprinkler around from area to area, but the user does not have the convenience of the automatic system.
N
Nipple - The common plumbing term used in the irrigation trade for a short length of pipe, usually threaded on both ends. This is slowly being replaced by riser.
Nozzle - The part of a sprinkler that the water comes out of. Usually, a very carefully engineered part to assure a good spray pattern. In most cases the nozzle is removable so that it can be easily cleaned or replaced. With plastic nozzles replacement is generally preferred over cleaning as small scratches in the plastic can cause big problems with water distribution uniformity.
O
Operating Pressure - The pressure at which a device or irrigation system is designed to operate. Can mean just about anything depending on usage. There can be "optimum operating pressure" "minimum operating pressure", "maximum operating pressure" and "operating pressure range".
P
Pipe - Engineered irrigation pipe that meets strict ASTM standards for consistent diameter and pressure performance. Built for reliable connections with push-to-connect fittings - no leaks, no failures, no headaches. Perfect for homeowners who want professional results without the professional price tag. See also Tubing.
Polyethylene - A plastic used for manufacturing irrigation tubing. "Poly" for short. Poly pipe is almost always black in color, sometimes with a strip of a different color for identification. It is very flexible, and is usually sold in coils of 100 feet or more of tube. Poly pipe is often used in areas where the ground freezes 12″ deep or more, and also in mountainous areas that are extremely rocky. Poly pipe uses insert type fittings where a barbed shank is shoved into the end of the tubing. These fittings must be clamped, the barbs alone will not hold the tube on the fitting. Exception- special barbed fittings made for sprinkler risers do not need to be clamped. Blu-lock fittings are designed to work on Poly pipe.
Poly Vinyl Chloride - The real name for PVC.
Pop-Up Sprinkler Head - A sprinkler head that retracts below ground level when it is not operating.
Precipitation Rate - Expressed in inches per hour, precipitation rate is the rate at which water is being applied.
- Matched precipitation means all of the sprinklers in the area are placing about the same amount of water on a given area. Different types of sprinklers should not be installed in the same zone. Large area sprinklers and small area sprinklers may use the same GPM, but because the size of the areas they cover is not the same, the inches per hour of water applied is very different.
- A measurement of water application. The measurement is given in the depth of water applied to the soil. In other words, the depth that the water would be if it didn't run-off or soak into the soil.
- In the USA precipitation rate is measured in inches per hour. In metric countries it is measured in millimeters per hour.
Pressure - Pressure is measured with a pressure gauge and expressed in pounds per square inch (PSI) in the United States. Static pressure is the PSI measured when no water is flowing through a closed system. Dynamic pressure is the PSI measured when the system is open, or water is flowing through the system.
Pressure Gauge - A device used to measure water pressure. The best pressure gauges are "liquid filled", however most gauges work well enough for irrigation use.
Pressure Head - Measurement of water pressure based on the water depth. Measurement is stated as "feet of head" or "meters of head". One foot of head is the pressure at the bottom of a 1 foot high column of water, which is also equal to 0.433 PSI. So it's really a measure of the weight of water of a given depth. It doesn't matter how much water is present, the pressure head is only determined by the depth of the water. The water pressure at the bottom of a 2″ diameter, 20 foot tall water filled pipe is the same as the water pressure at the bottom of a 20 foot deep lake.
Pressure Loss - The term given for the loss of energy, in the form of pressure, that occurs whenever water moves through a pipe or any other piece of irrigation equipment. Pressure loss also occurs when water moves uphill against the force of gravity. If the total pressure loss in a piping system exceeds the available static water pressure the water will not flow. In landscape irrigation systems no flow means no grow.
Pressure Vacuum Breaker - A pressure vacuum breaker (PVB) is a backflow device configured with a spring-loaded float and an independent spring-loaded check valve. The check valve is designed to close with the aid of a spring when the flow stops. It also has an air inlet valve which is designed to open when the internal pressure is one PSI above atmospheric pressure so that no non-potable liquid may be siphoned back into the potable water system. Being spring loaded it does not rely upon gravity as does the atmospheric vacuum breaker. This assembly includes resilient seated shut-off valves and test cocks. The PVB must be installed at least twelve (12) inches above all downstream piping and outlets. A PVB may be used to protect against a pollutant or contaminant, however, it may only be used to protect against back-siphoning. It is not acceptable protection against backpressure. A type of backflow preventer.
Program - A program is information the user enters into the timer's memory that determines when the system will water. A program for an automatic sprinkler timer contains three pieces of information: what days to water, what time to start watering all zones, and how long each zone will water. Many controllers have dual or multiple, independent programs.
PSI - Abbreviation for "pounds per square inch".
Pump - A pump is a mechanical device that moves water from a source, like a well or reservoir, to an area needing irrigation, such as crops or a lawn. It uses a motor to create pressure, ensuring a consistent flow of water to the irrigation system.
PVC-Lock®: A push-fit irrigation fitting system designed for connecting PVC pipe in both constant pressure (valve-in) and non-constant pressure (valve-out) outdoor irrigation applications. PVC-Lock fittings feature stainless steel teeth that grip the pipe and a specialized O-ring that creates a watertight, rotatable seal without requiring solvents or glues. Compatible with Schedule 40, Schedule 80, and Class 200 PVC pipe from all major manufacturers, PVC-Lock fittings operate at working pressures up to 150 PSI at 68°F. The fittings can rotate 360° after installation, allowing for easy sprinkler head orientation, and are designed to be removable and reusable with the PVC-Lock release tool.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) - pipe is the most common type of pipe used in areas with warmer climates. Generally white in color, PVC pipe is more rigid than the HDPE black poly pipe and requires the use of PVC solvents (glue). The pipe manufacturers also recommend the use of primer just prior to the application of the solvent. Some examples and descriptions of PVC pipe are as follows: Schedule 40 -- A thick-walled pipe most commonly used for main lines. Class 200 -- Piping with medium-thick walls and strength. Class 160 -- A thin-walled pipe that should only be used for lateral lines. Abbreviation for poly-vinyl-chloride. A type of plastic used to make water pipe. Usually white in color for water use but sometimes is gray, brown, tan, or purple based on intended use. If it's purple it means "reclaimed water," you absolutely don't want to drink the water in purple pipes. PVC-Lock fittings are designed for use with PVC Pipe.
Q
"QWEL" - QWEL is an EPA WaterSense labeled Professional Certification Program for irrigation system audits. The Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper training presents an affordable, proactive, local approach to reducing landscape water demand. QWEL provides graduates with knowledge in water efficient and sustainable landscape practices, including water management and preservation of other valuable resources.
R
Radius - Radius is the distance from the sprinkler the water sprays. A nozzle with a 17' radius means that the water will spray out as far as 17 feet.
Reduced Pressure Backflow Preventer (RP) - A type of backflow preventer.
Reducer - A fitting used to change from one size pipe to another. Two types are generally available. The first, and most common is the reducer bushing (abbreviated "red. bush." or RB). The reducer bushing fits inside a coupling or other fitting on the large end. The pipe fits into the red. bush. on the small end. The other common reducer is a "bell reducer". The pipe fits inside the reducer on both ends of the bell reducer.
Riser - The connection between a sprinkler or other irrigation device and the pipe that supplies the water to it.
Rotor - A rotor is a gear-driven sprinkler that shoots out a solid stream of water and rotates slowly in a circular pattern, streaming out water to area as small as 17' and as large as 75' or more. Rotors fit into the "large area sprinklers" category.
S
SCH 40, SCH 80 - Means "schedule 40, 80". Sometimes abbreviated "SCHED". A set of standards for pipe diameter and wall thickness used for both plastic and steel pipe. SCH 40 pipe is the standard type used for water pipes sized 1 1/2 and smaller. SCH 80 is a similar standard having thicker walls than SCH 40 but the same Outside Diameter.
Shrub Sprinkler Head - A sprinkler head mounted above ground level on a pipe, usually used for watering shrubs.
Slip - Slip is the term used to describe a solvent welded connection on a fitting.
Socket - A socket is a female connection on a fitting. It can be threaded, or glued, but most of the time the term is used for glued fittings.
Spigot - A spigot is a male connection on a fitting. A spigot fits inside a socket. It can be threaded, or glued, but most of the time the term is used for glued fittings.
Spring - A place where the water flows from the ground. In most cases springs are the points at which the underground water table intercepts the earths surface, and thus, water flows from the ground. Some springs are the outlets of underground streams or rivers that flow through channels in the ground.
Also, the coiled metal device that retracts a sprinkler head or helps a hydraulic valve close.
Spray Head - A spray head is a sprinkler that emits a fan-type spray of small droplets of water. These heads have a radius of 17' and less. Spray heads fit into the category of "small area sprinklers."
Sprinkler - Sprinkler heads are devices which distribute water over a given area for irrigation (or to put out fires).
Square Spacing - The term given to a sprinkler head layout pattern where the sprinklers, when viewed from above, appear as more or less a square with one sprinkler in each corner. See also the more efficient "triangle spacing".
Static Water Pressure - The water pressure as measured when the water is not moving. The "not moving" part is critical, if the water is moving it isn't "static". When measuring static water pressure all the water outlets on the pipe must be closed. So if you're measuring the static pressure at a house you connect the pressure gauge, then take the reading while all the faucets, the ice maker, etc., are turned off. Static water pressure is a measure of the water's energy potential.
Station - A station is a term used when discussing controllers. Sprinklers in a watering zone are connected by pipe to a valve, which is wired to a station on the controller. A 6-station controller (also called a timer) can control from one to six valves.
Swing Joint - The pipe and fittings between the lateral irrigation pipe and the sprinkler head. Provides flexibility when positioning the sprinkler head to the correct heights and location.
T
Take-Off - The building industry term for an itemized list of materials used to build something such as a home, deck, or, even an irrigation system. Derived from "taking the list off the plan". Usage; "Hand me that take-off so I can price out the materials".
Tee - A fitting used to branch a side pipe off of a pipeline.
Timer - See Controller. Generally used to describe a controller attached to a hose or temporary system that requires less inputs than a traditional permanently installed controller.
Total Pressure Head - The sum of all the factors which increase or decrease the available water pressure.
Triangle Spacing - The term given to a sprinkler head layout pattern where the sprinklers, when viewed from above, appear as a more or less equilateral triangle with one sprinkler in each corner. Triangular spacing results in the most uniform and efficient water application using sprinklers.
Trickle Irrigation - Another name for drip irrigation. Probably a more accurate name since for most drip irrigation systems the water flow is more of a trickle than a drip.
Trench - Lateral line trenches should be at least 6" to 8" deep. When digging in the yard most people will dig without concern to about a 4" depth. At 6" they begin to dig more carefully, as they know there are utilities buried in their yard. Installing the lateral pipes at 6" to 8" helps to avoid broken pipes due to freezing. The main line is usually installed before the lateral line and should be deeper, allowing the lateral lines to be installed at the stated depth. As an added note, install the low-voltage wires in the same trench below the main line pipe to help protect the wires.
Tubing - Flexible irrigation tubing designed for basic watering needs and utility applications. Great for simple projects, but may not provide the tight tolerances needed for advanced push-to-connect systems. Think of it as the budget option when precision isn't critical. See also pipe.
V
VAC - Volts Alternating Current. Most electric control valves operate on 24 VAC. That's "alternating current", like household electricity, not "direct current" like batteries. However, most valves can be activated using direct current also.
Valve - In a sprinkler system, there are many types of valves, but really only two families of valves: sprinkler valves and shut-off valves. Within those two families are a variety of valves. When discussing a sprinkler system, the term "valve" usually refers to an automatic control valve. A device used to control the flow of water. Isolation valves are used to shut-off water for repairs. Control valves turn on and off the water to the individual circuits of sprinklers or drip emitters. Check valves allow the water to flow in only one direction. Master valves are located at the water source and turn on and off the water for the entire irrigation system when not in use.
Valve Zone - An area where the irrigation is all controlled by a single control valve. Each valve zone must be within only one hydro zone.
Volume - Expressed in GPM (gallons per minute), volume is used to describe either the amount of water available or the amount of water used.
W
Water Budget - A water budget is a water management tool used to estimate the amount of water a landscape will require. It can be calculated for a single irrigation event, on a weekly or monthly basis, or even annually.
Most Orbit underground controllers have a water budget feature. that allows you to adjust the percentage of water applied. This feature, based on the controller model, will adjust the run-time, interval, or both to meet the water percentage you specify. It is a global setting on the controller that adjusts the watering time for all zones by a percentage. This allows you to easily increase or decrease watering duration across all zones simultaneously as the seasons change and weather conditions vary.
Also known as seasonal adjust.
Water Company - A private or public entity which provides water, in most cases to properties by means of pipelines. Some water companies sell water in containers of various sizes.
Water Hammer - Water hammer is caused by the surging of pressure which occurs when a valve is suddenly closed. In extreme conditions, this surging will cause the pipes to vibrate or create a pounding noise. Water hammer is most commonly caused by fast-closing valves or pipes that have been sized too small causing high velocity water flow.
An easier way to understand water hammer, picture a train (water) running head on into a wall (fast-closing valve). After the train hits the wall the cars behind it keep moving and slam into the cars in front of them creating the hammer noise.
The only things that can be done to alleviate water hammer would be to install a slower-closing valve or install a water hammer arrestor.
Water hammer arrestors should be installed as close to the source of shock as possible. The arrestor works similar to a shock absorber. It just supplies a place for the water to go when the valve closes to alleviate the hammer.
Water Meter - A device used to measure the quantity of water that flows through a pipe.
Water Table - The top of an underground aquifer or the "groundwater" level. Below the water table the ground is saturated with water.
Water - An odorless, tasteless liquid necessary for keeping your garden alive.
Well - A ground-water source, usually a hole dug in the ground down to the water table. Some "wells" such as artesian wells are probably better classified as "springs".
WeatherSense - A smart irrigation technology that automatically adjusts watering schedules based on local weather data. The system monitors rain forecasts, wind speeds, and temperature conditions to pause irrigation during adverse weather, protecting plants while conserving water. Users can customize weather thresholds through the B-hyve app, allowing for personalized irrigation management based on specific garden needs. All B-hyve WeatherSense products are EPA WaterSense Certified, helping users save billions of gallons of water through intelligent, weather-responsive irrigation control.
Wire - In an automatic sprinkler system, low voltage direct burial wire is used to connect the automatic control valves to the controller. The most frequently used wire for the home sprinkler system is multi-strand. Color-coded, multi-strand sprinkler wire has several coated wires together in one protective jacket. It is a good idea to install extra wires for future expansion of the system.
X
Xeriscape - A landscaping method developed especially for arid and semiarid climates that utilizes water-conserving techniques (such as the use of drought-tolerant plants, mulch, and efficient irrigation).
Z
Zone - A zone is an area to be watered by one sprinkler valve.
