Sprinklers, Accessories and Other Watering Tools

by DoItYourself Staff

Watering Can

Stationary Sprinkler

Lowest cost sprinkler available.
Effective for small lawn or garden areas.
Sprays water in a fixed pattern of holes in the top of the sprinkler.
Size, shape and pattern of these holes, as well as water pressure, determine the area covered.
Available in a variety of designs and hole patterns.

Oscillating Sprinkler

Sprays multiple streams of water out of openings in a spray tube that oscillates back and forth, watering a rectangular pattern.
Used for watering medium to large areas.
Traditional designs use curved aluminum tubes.
Other designs use corrosion-free, molded straight tubes with jets set at progressive angles.
Pattern adjustments are usually full sweep, left, right or center.
Place more water at the end of the spray pattern than in the middle.
Some models have built-in timers for automatic shutoff.

Impulse Sprinkler

Also called pulsating sprinkler.
Will discharge more water in a given period and cover a greater area than other sprinklers.
A spring-loaded arm provides a strong spray that is close to the ground, making it more wind resistant.
A large orifice prevents clogging.
A baffle plate controls the height of the stream to allow sprinkling under low tree branches.
A diffuser pin adjusts water stream from full jet to fine mist.
Also offers part- or full-circle operation.

Rotary Sprinkler

Delivers water from the tips of two or three spray arms that spin like a pinwheel.
Spray arms may have fixed or adjustable tips.
For watering small- to medium-sized areas.

Traveling Sprinkler

Self-propelled sprinkler designed to cover large, irregular areas, some as large as 20,00 square feet.
One style is the wind-up type. It follows a cord laid out by a user, has two speeds and large hose capacities.
Another style is the tractor type. It drags the hose behind as it follows the hose pattern. Better units are heavier, allowing a larger range, and have two speeds.
Better models also have a shut-off valve.
Delivers water by two arms similar to a rotary sprinkler. Adjusting these arms can change width of coverage.

Sprinkler Timer

Attaches to a hose to control sprinkling.
Can be either electronic or mechanical.
User sets timer for the number of inches of water needed and turns off the sprinkler when the pre-set amount is reached.
Some timers can be pre-set to operate for a certain amount of time, regardless of the amount of water discharged.

Backflow Protector

An anti-siphoning device.
Prevents reverse flow of water and contaminants back into plumbing pipes through unprotected hoses.
Can be plastic or brass.
Fits between the threaded faucet and hose.
Most plumbing codes require that non-removable breakers be used.
Drain in winter to avoid freezing.

Underground Sprinkler

Offers timed and pre-measured watering without hoses running through the yard.
A basic kit includes pipe and control tubing, valve assembly, sprinklers and electric control center.
The safest and most convenient type is the automatic pop-up sprinkler. It can have adjustable spray, bubbler and fixed spray heads for specific watering tasks.
Offers water savings as the sprinkler heads apply water at the rate of a gentle rain.
Reduces water loss from erosive run-off. System is freeze-proof and can be winterized quickly.
Sprinkler heads are mounted flush with the ground and out of the way of mowing equipment and children.
Control center runs from any 110V outlet.

Drip Irrigation System

Placed close to plant roots to water slowly and evenly.
Installed on top of the soil.
The key fitting is the emitter or dripper head. It has a small orifice and fits on the end of the hose.
Systems are easy to install and come with all of the necessary accessories such as hose adapters, couplings, emitters, spikes and clamps.