Spray Irrigation

There’s no best type of sprinkler, just better sprinklers for different applications. Gear Drives are better for large areas, over 5m. Pop-Ups are ideal for 1.5-5m & Micro sprays are excellent for anything under that.

The type of nozzle all depends on how far you need to spray, each nozzle is specified by the radius it sprays & the spray arc it provides (0-360 degrees). Aim to spray to the base of the next closest sprinkler for even watering. For more information on planning, check out our Product Guides.

Each sprinkler & nozzle will push out water at different rates, but the key factor is the flow rate of your water supply. Work that out with a simple timed bucket test. From there, you can work out how much water each sprinkler you’re looking at uses & work within your flow limit. For more information, check our Product Guides.

As you install a system, it’s almost inevitable that small fragments of dirt will get into the pipe, for this reason you should always flush out the system before running it the first time. This can be done by leaving an open end at the farthest point of each irrigation zone & operating the zone for 15 or so seconds to flush it out. Then plug it up & you’re good to go! This can also be said for any other times dirt may have gotten into the system (eg: further irrigation repairs or a mains water supply fault).

We definitely don’t recommend it. Typically, drip tube will deliver the water at a far slower rate that sprays. Because of this, if you were to have both on the same zone, the areas with drip would be left far drier than the areas with sprinkler coverage. If you do want to water some areas with drip & some with sprinklers, it can be done, but each will just need to be run on their own separate irrigation zones.

Firstly, each sprinkler &/or nozzle has a specified spray radius. Secondly, sprinklers are typically designed to deliver more water at their base & progressively less the further away you get. For this reason, you want to position sprinklers so they spray to hit the base of the next sprinkler. Of course this isn’t possible all the time so in those cases, aim to spray at least 80% of the way. By doing this you will guarantee even water across your lawn or garden.

Even on a typical domestic system running on mains water a filter is still a good idea. In the event of a water main fault where rubbish does find it’s way down the line, a filter will protect the system from blockage and or failure. On systems operating off recycled water, like from a tank, a screen filter is mandatory. Debris like silt & dirt from recycled water is the most common cause of blockages of failures in irrigation systems.

Spray irrigation mimics natural rainfall by distributing water through a system of sprinklers and pipes. A pressurised water source – either mains supply, or from a pump – forces water through pipework and out of the water sprinkler nozzles, creating a spray that falls onto the landscape. This method efficiently delivers water to a wide area, ensuring even coverage and promoting healthy plant growth.

Spray irrigation systems, or sprinkler systems, distribute water through above-ground sprinklers, creating a wide spray pattern covering a larger area. This makes it efficient for watering lawns and large garden beds where uniform coverage is desired. However, this setup can lead to water loss through evaporation and wind drift, especially in hot or windy conditions.

Drip irrigation, on the other hand, delivers water directly to the plant roots through a grid of tubes with embedded emitters. This direct delivery approach is ideal for watering specific plants, rows of vegetables or areas with irregular shapes. By delivering water slowly and directly to the root zone, drip irrigation promotes deeper root growth and reduces weed germination. Please keep in mind that this system may not be suitable for large lawns, overly sandy areas or areas that require overhead watering.

Regular maintenance ensures your spray irrigation system operates efficiently and provides optimal watering for years to come. Start by periodically inspecting your system for leaks, clogged nozzles and damaged heads. Clear any debris obstructing the spray heads and adjust sprinkler heads to ensure proper coverage. It’s also important to flush your system occasionally to remove any sediment buildup. And although not typical for the Australian climate, some people may need to winterise their system in colder climates by draining the water to prevent pipes from freezing and cracking.

While many maintenance tasks can be performed by homeowners, consider scheduling professional maintenance at least once a year. A qualified technician can thoroughly inspect your system, identify potential problems and perform necessary repairs or adjustments to optimise performance and water efficiency.