Sprinkler Irrigation System Heads

Most irrigation system contractors  or landscapers will utilize either a “pop up” or a “gear driven rotor” irrigation heads on most residential and commercial sprinkler irrigation system projects.  The type, as well as the size, will vary depending upon the areas being irrigated.  A qualified irrigation system contractor will utilize the most effective irrigation head depending upon the design of the irrigation system.

As one would expect “pop up” heads emerge from a stationary body when the irrigation timer sends water to the system.  Ranging in height from 2” to 20” and are used to water both plant areas as well as turf areas.  A typical “pop up” can distribute anywhere from 1” to 2.5” of water per hour in either a full arc, half circle or quarter circle depending upon the type of nozzle installed.  The effective distance of a “pop up” head is between 3 and 15 feet, depending upon the water pressure.

Irrigation system contractors will also use “gear-driven rotors” on larger turf areas where they have an effective distance of 18 to 55 feet depending upon the water pressure.  Depending upon the nozzle installed the arc rotation of the head can range from 40 to 360 degrees, depending upon the needs.  In general the amount of water distributed is between 0.2 and 0.8 inches of water per hour.

A landscape professionalwill utilize a combination of “pop up” and “gear driven rotor” heads on most residential and commercial irrigation projects.  The exact type will depend upon the sprinkler design and the water needs of the turf and plants being irrigated.  Both heads are very economical and will provide years of service when installed and maintained by a qualified irrigation contractor or experienced lanscaper!