Rain Bird R-VAN Starter Kits

Consider the size and shape of the area you need to water, your water pressure, and the type of plants you’re irrigating. Nozzles come in various spray patterns (full, half, quarter, strip) and flow rates to match different landscape needs, and ate suitebl for different sprinkler types. If you’re starting from scratch, it can seem a little complex, so visit our Help Centre, Design Department, or contact our team & can help you select the best option.

Yes, most pop-up sprinkler nozzles are interchangeable and can be easily replaced to adjust coverage or fix performance issues. For gear-drive sprinklers, you will need to match the nozzles with the model, so do confirm compatibility with your sprinkler model before purchasing.

If a nozzle is suddenly underperforming, uneven spray can be caused by dirt or debris clogging the nozzle. Remove the nozzle and rinse it with clean water. If the problem persists, check for cracks or damage and replace the nozzle if needed.

Many sprinkler nozzles are adjustable. Typically, you can twist the nozzle or use a small screwdriver to change the arc or spray distance. Consult your nozzle’s instructions or chat with us for specific guidance.

Yes, there are specialty nozzles with adjustable or unique spray patterns (such as strip, corner, or side nozzles) designed for odd-shaped areas or narrow garden beds. These help ensure complete and efficient coverage in challenging spaces.

Irrigation nozzles are designed to spray from head-to-head, so you’ll want to space spray bodies so that their spray just reaches the next closest one. And you want to spray from outside in, specifically in the corners first, then fill the gaps. Yes, that means more sprinklers than simply positioning one unit in the middle, but positioning that way that means the compromise of either overspray or dry patches on lawn edges!

If your sprinklers aren’t performing as expected, it’s likely that they’re not getting sufficient water flow. So swapping in larger nozzle likely won’t solve your problem! You’ll need to troubleshoot if it’s due to a break or blockage, or you have too many sprinklers on a zone. If it’s too many sprinklers, consider splitting the zone into 2. If seems a little too hard, book a contractor here

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.

Fully installed by a professional, a domestic irrigation system will come out to about $1000 per zone. And as a DIY project, it can look more like $300 per zone! But of course that’s a very rough estimate, each system is different and there are a lot of factors to consider. Thankfully, we have the only tool around that INSTANTLY give an accurate estimate for your. Try our INSTANT Irrigation Quote Tool here!

To choose the right irrigation system, consider the size and layout of your garden or lawn, the types of plants you’re watering and your water source. Spray systems are ideal for most applications like lawns and gardens, while drip irrigation works well for mulched garden beds and areas exposed to wind and evaporation. For expert advice tailored to your needs, request a quote from us.

To set up an irrigation system, start by planning the layout, then install the mainline pipes, valves and fittings. Attach the sprinklers, drip emitters or other irrigation devices, and connect the system to a controller. Finally, test and adjust the system to check for proper coverage and efficiency. For a more precise and tailored setup, visit our Design Department. Our experts can design and quote a customised irrigation system that perfectly fits your landscape.

At SunshowerOnline, we offer a wide range of irrigation systems perfect for home gardens, including spray irrigation, drip irrigation, pop-up sprinklers, micro irrigation. Just getting started? Our DIY kits make installation simple for beginners, while our expert team is available to help you design the ideal setup for your garden’s unique needs.

Our experienced Design Department can create a custom irrigation plan tailored to your property, whether you’re a homeowner, landscaper, or commercial manager. Simply provide your site details and requirements, and we’ll recommend the best products and layout for efficient, reliable watering. Need an instant quote? Try our INSTANT Quote tool!

Absolutely. We stock a comprehensive range of contractor-grade irrigation supplies, including control systems, valves, fittings, and commercial sprinklers, trusted by professionals across Australia. Bulk order discounts and trade support are available for our trade and commercial customers.

Yes, we offer step-by-step installation guides, video tutorials, and our service doesn’t stop once we a purchase is made. Expert advice over phone, chat or in-store is here to help! Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or a professional installer, our resources make setting up your irrigation system straightforward and stress-free.

Yes, many of our irrigation products are designed for easy upgrades and retrofits. Whether you’re replacing old sprinklers, adding drip lines, or automating your watering schedule, our team can recommend compatible products and provide installation support.

To maximise the lifespan of your irrigation system, choose high-quality components, follow correct installation procedures, and perform regular maintenance such as flushing lines and checking for leaks. Our products are built to withstand Australian conditions, and our team is always here to offer ongoing support.

Yes, SunshowerOnline delivers irrigation supplies across Australia with fast, reliable shipping. Our customer service team is available to answer your questions, offer technical support, and ensure you find the right products for your project—no matter where you are located.