Choosing the right sprinkler head can mean the difference between a lovely green lawn and a lawn that’s covered in brown patches and dead spots. Traditionally, sprinkler heads have been divided into two primary types: fixed spray heads and rotor heads. Recently, a third subtype was introduced called “rotators” or “rotary heads,” which have been growing in popularity. Below we will explain, in detail, the uses of each type of sprinkler head.
- Fixed spray heads. Just as the name implies, these sprinkler heads are fixed to spray in one general direction, much as a showerhead in a bath. These small heads emit a fan-shaped spray of water in a specific pattern that can usually be changed based on the nozzle you use, for example, a ½ circle or full circle. These nozzles allow you to change the radius of the spray to reach larger or smaller areas. Specialty heads can even allow you to water long, narrow spaces without overspray. Typically, fixed heads can be spaced up to about 18 feet apart.
- Rotor heads. In a rotor head, the spray of water rotates either in a circle or in a back-and-forth pattern over your lawn or garden. Rotor heads that move in a back-and-forth motion are often identified by their distinct “ticking” sound pattern – one sound while the head moves in one direction and another while it moves back to its initial position to “reset.” (It’s worth noting that thanks to changes in technology, most new rotor sprinklers use a different type of mechanism that eliminates these noises.) While rotors were initially developed to send one stream of water across a landscape, today there are multi-stream rotors that send several streams of water over a lawn or garden, one stream following another. Rotors can be spaced up to 65 feet apart; however, it’s important to note that as spacing increases beyond about 25 feet, the amount of pressure required to operate properly increases significantly.
- Rotators (rotary heads, rotary nozzles). Akin to small rotors, these products may also be classified by some companies as spray heads. In fact, they’re more like a hybrid of the two. Using a small rotor about the size of a standard spray-type nozzle, these rotor-type heads are designed to fit onto a standard spray head fitting, which means they can be used on less costly and very popular pop-up sprinkler bodies. Rotators use multiple streams of water and produce less of that fine mist that is often associated with traditional spray heads – thus, less water is lost to evaporation, making them more efficient overall. The spray radius caries by model and manufacturer, typically extending from 15 feet to 35 feet.
So, back to the original question: Which sprinkler head is right for you? Here are a few guidelines to help in your selection:
- If your static water pressure is less than 40 PSI or you need to water a narrow space, spray or rotator heads are probably the best choice.
- If the space features tight curves and overspray could be problematic, such as around a well-traveled, winding walkway, choose a rotator head.
- If the area you need to water is large with a fairly uniform edge or border, rotors are probably the best bet.
Your irrigation system is an investment in your property’s value. When it’s time to select sprinkler heads, ask your irrigation or garden specialist for advice. He or she can look at the size and shape of your space, your water pressure and other issues to help you make sure the system components you choose are the best ones for your needs.
Author Bio: Rick Jarrell is a blogger for Truex, Inc and writes on a variety of topics related to metal fabrication and their various applications in our daily lives. He welcomes comments below.
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