When it comes to irrigation system design, all irrigation and landscape professionals truly believe they know what they are doing. Unfortunately, there are gaps in the irrigation knowledge and training for many of these alleged experts. Others never learned the proper way to do things from the beginning. Turf Rain Irrigation Systems has been called in to fix a variety of botched jobs. Here are some of the most common errors we see.

1. Installing the Wrong Spray Nozzle Patterns for a Specific Area

Irrigation and landscape experts who are truly knowledgeable will only use the correct distance spray nozzles and nozzle pattern they need for an area. You can easily waste more money in water within the year using the incorrect throwing distance or pattern for just one spray head than it would cost to replace the spray nozzle and body.

2. Putting Rotor or Spray Heads on PVC Vertical Risers near High Traffic Areas

This irrigation system design error is more of a liability issue. If a person impales himself on one of these risers after a fall, it will cost you much more in legal expenses than the money saved by putting rotors and spray heads on PVC risers next to pools, sidewalks, backyard play areas, driveways, or other busy spots. You should consult with your insurance company if you think these types of lawsuits or accidents are rare.

3. Not Adhering to the Maximum Throwing Distances

The maximum distance you should have between heads should be equal to or less than the maximum throwing distance for that nozzle as specified by the manufacturer (typically three to twelve meters or more). To save on operation, design, maintenance, and installation costs, you really cannot get away with using greater distances.

4. Excessive Overspraying

In a very short time, you can easily waste massive amounts of water by going with an irrigation system design that includes overspray outside of the landscaped areas, such as driveways, neighbor's property, or sidewalks. Both rotor and spray nozzles need to be positioned and designed for the efficient use of water.

5. Irrigating Grassed Areas and Planter and Shrub Beds together

Local water management officials are always trying to get homeowners to irrigate their planter and shrub beds separate from their grass areas. This is because your local grass does not have the vast root systems that are found in all of the most common local landscape plant materials. This means your grass typically needs about twice the amount of water of your plant materials.

6. Not Including a Rain Shut off Device

To prevent an irrigation system from running after adequate amounts of rainfall or during a rainstorm, you should have this affordable device properly installed, set, and retrofitted. In under a year, this device will pay for itself by saving you up to fifteen percent on your annual irrigation operating expenses. In fact, they are so helpful that they are required by law in some areas.