Conserve Water - 6 Tips For Proper Sprinkler Setup

Recently Southern Californians have been asked to reduce water consumption due to an extremely dry season. Surely there are many parts of the world in similar conditions. In order to avoid a potential future drought, action needs to be taken to conserve water. One of the most effective ways to conserve water is to properly setup your sprinkler systems.

Here are 6 tips to proper sprinkler setup:

1. Fix sprinkler heads that overshoot onto the sidewalk or you neighbors driveway. This is usually an easy fix by simply turning the sprinkler head to face the proper direction. You may also need to change the head to the proper shape to avoid over spray.
2. Don't water during heat of the day. The main reason for this is that water will vaporize and evaporate much more in heat.
3. Water in early morning hours. This reduces evaporation and is a healthy time to water for lawn and plants.
4. Reduce runoff by setting timer for two shorter periods. set periods 15 or 20 minutes apart. For example, if you currently water each of your timer zones for 10 minutes, you can reduce runoff by setting a 5 minute time, wait 15 minutes then set another 5 minute time. This allows water penetration into the soil.
5. Turn timer off on a rainy day and leave it off for two or three days after rain or set the "rain delay" feature on timer.
6. Convert some of your spray heads to a bubbler or drip system. In areas where most of the water is hitting bare dirt, a bubbler or drip is a direct hit on the plants that need water.

Do your part in water conservation by giving your sprinkler system a tune up.

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IBC Should Look Closer at Schools' Sprinkler Requirements

The current International Building Code states that a new school or addition can be up to 20,000 sq. ft. without meeting a fire sprinkler requirement, however a 12,000 sq. ft. warehouse/storage building must meet sprinkler requirements. Despite proposals to lower the sq. ft. requirement for schools, the past code changes were defeated and there have been new proposed changes.

At a state level, Illinois has amended its sprinkler law to require new school buildings or additions 7,200 or more sq. ft., affecting one or more area, to install a fire sprinkler system. Automatic fire detection or manual alarm systems are required in areas not requiring sprinklers. Regardless, attention/action to reform the existing IBC in relation to schools is needed.

I differ with the argument no hazard exists. Loss suffered by a community as a result of a school fire, the danger faced by children, and the devastation shared by children and adults should incite lowering of the 20,000 sq. ft. mandate.

It is disturbing that we must install fire sprinklers to protect warehoused lettuce but we are not required to do the same for our children.

The industry should lower sq. ft. requirements for fire sprinklers in schools. It is time for change. Unless we act there will be no progress. Our children deserve the protection.

Richard A. Piccolo is president of B & F Technical Code Services, Inc. With more than 30 years in the building code and fire industry, Mr. Piccolo is a Master Code Professional, a Certified Building Official, a Certified Fire Official, a Certified Property Maintenance Inspector, a Certified Building Inspector, a Certified Plans Examiner, an Illinois Certified Fire Inspector and a Certified Firefighter III. He has helped write building and fire codes for the state of Illinois as well as a number of municipalities.

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Installing A Lawn Sprinkler System For Dummies

Are you thinking about installing a lawn sprinkler system, and just not sure if you can do it? Well, you're certainly not alone as sprinkler systems are more popular than ever these days. Regardless of whether you're considering a Rainbird sprinkler system, Hunter sprinkler system, or any other lawn sprinkler, being able to do-it-yourself can seem like a daunting task. Here is a quick rundown on installing a lawn sprinkler system.

To get started you're going to need to know the measurements of your yard and the area where you plan on watering. Layout where you would like to place your sprinkler heads. You'll also want to think about where you're going to locate the valve boxes.

Don't think your plan needs to be drawn up like a professional landscaper would do, but you'll want to write in as many details as you can. You'll need to know this in order to buy your lawn sprinkler supplies. You need to know the answers to questions like; how many sprinkler heads do I need? How much pipe will I need? By sketching out a plan you'll have the answers you need.

Next, you will need to have your utility companies come out and locate underground utility lines. I can't stress the importance of this step enough. If you don't do this and you dig up a line, you're responsible for all damages that occur. It doesn't cost a dime to have this done, and it could easily prevent you from rupturing a gas line or other utility. Be smart and have this done for you when installing a lawn sprinkler system.

Your next step after knowing where your utility lines are laid out is to begin digging for your sprinkler water lines. You can use a can of spray paint to mark out the grid system and help you know where to dig. When it comes to digging, you can either dig out the lines by hand with a shovel, or you can use a trenching machine. I don't think I need to tell you how much hard work it will be to dig out the lines by hand. You can easily rent out a trencher at your local rental store on a per day basis. It's relatively inexpensive, and the time and labor it will save you is well worth the extra expense. Unless you're just wanting to get a good workout in, go the trenching route.

Once you've laid out the pipe you can begin connecting it all together. Attach the sprinkler heads and connect the pipe to your various valve boxes and you're basically ready to go.

When looking at how to install a lawn sprinkler system, the biggest issues are time and patience. It will probably take the average do it yourselfer about a week to accomplish, unless you have a crew of family and friends helping you. It will also depend on your landscape. How big is your yard? What type of soil do you have? If it's clay then things will take a little longer, especially if digging by hand.

Installing a lawn sprinkler system is not that difficult, and you'll enjoy the results of your efforts for many years to come.

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You can find much more information on Installing A Lawn Sprinkler System as well as more information on all types of sprinklers at http://www.SprinklersA-z.com