Eight Facts About Residential Sprinkler Systems - Understand How They Work

The installation of domestic / residential sprinkler systems in homes will extinguish the risk - and prevent the spread - of fire with its fast response. Fire sprinkler systems are designed to protect you and your family from terrible injury or loss of life. Fire can also severely damage or completely destroy the building in which it started, and any neighbouring buildings in close proximity to it.

Residential sprinkler systems are designed to fight fires at the early stage in their development thereby controlling the fire and allowing you to get to safety. The cost of installing a domestic/residential sprinkler system is nothing compared to the safety of you and your family.

Here are eight important facts about residential sprinkler systems:

1. Water Supply - There are three different ways of supplying water to domestic / residential sprinkler systems:
   • A direct connection is a dedicated system supplying water only and directly to the sprinkler system from the mains water supply.
   • A direct and indirect connection that serves both the residential sprinkler system and the domestic water supplies within the building and is controlled by a 'priority demand valve'.
     • If the sprinkler system is activated the priority demand valve ensures that all available water from the mains supply goes to the sprinkler system by closing off the domestic/residential supply.
   • A direct and indirect connection that serves both the residential sprinkler system and the domestic water supplies in the building but without a demand valve.
     • If the sprinkler system is activated water will still be available to the domestic/residential services in the building. It is important therefore to ensure that there is adequate water supply capable of providing the necessary 'pressure and flow rate' for the sprinkler system alone plus an additional flow rate of 25 litres/min for domestic dwellings, and 50 litres/min for residential properties (eg. apartment blocks).
   • Note: If using water from a stored water supply for residential sprinkler systems then it is absolutely important that the storage capacity of the cistern/tank is calculated and installed correctly to provide the right pressure and flow rate to the sprinkler heads (minimum 10 minutes for domestic and 20 minutes for residential properties) according to the manufacturers recommendation. Water can also be automatically pumped to the sprinkler system from a stored supply, a pressure tank or vessel, or an automatic booster pump which can draw water from either the water main or storage cistern/tank. However, the direct connection to the water main where possible is the preferred method. All domestic / residential sprinkler systems rely upon a continuous water supply at the right pressure to operate

 

1. Sprinkler System - There are three types of residential sprinkler systems:
   • The Wet-Pipe system is when the sprinkler system is permanently charged (filled) with water.
     • In the wet-pipe system, water is immediately discharged when the sprinkler heads bursts
   • The Dry-Pipe system is where the sprinkler system is charged with compressed air. This type of system is used in unheated buildings where the temperature may fall below 0^oC and cause water to freeze.
     • In the dry-pipe system there is a time delay as the compressed air is discharged first from the sprinkler heads before the water
   • The Alternate system is when the sprinkler system is filled with water in the summer months and works like the 'wet-pipe system', and filled with compressed air in the winter so works like the 'dry-pipe system'.

    

    

2. Pipe material - Generally copper and stainless steel pipework is used for domestic/residential systems, however, chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) pipe is also suitable. The melting point of copper is around 1083^oC - this means copper pipework will not be adversely effected by the heat of a domestic fire.

    

    

3. System Control - A domestic/residential fire sprinkler system should have:
   • A stop-valve which should be locked in the open position to prevent accidental closure of the water supply to the sprinkler system.
   • Backflow protection to prevent contamination of the mains water supply, e.g, non-return/check valves, reduced pressure valve (RPZ), air gaps and ball floats.
   • A priority demand valve where appropriate.
   • A drain and test valve which should be fitted at the lowest point of the sprinkler pipework for testing and for draining the system. The outlet for the test valve should be equal to the smallest sprinkler in the system.
   • A bleed valve for purging air from the system should be fitted at the highest point(s) of the sprinkler system.
   • A water flow alarm that detects the flow of water in the sprinkler system and sounds an alarm. This can be a mechanically driven (water turbine) alarm, or an electrically operated flow switch which will operate an audio-visual alarm both inside and outside the building (these alarms must only be turned off by the fire brigade/department).

    

    

4. Sprinkler Head - Sprinkler heads are the water outlet points from a sprinkler system and they are designed to discharge water in a predetermined pattern. Different types of sprinkler heads produce different patterns.The sprinkler head operates when (depending on type) a predetermined critical temperature level has been reached. This critical temperature is known as the 'temperature rating' of the sprinkler.

    

   For example, in the UK the temperature rating for a sprinkler head under normal conditions will be 57^oC or 68^oC. However, the temperature rating should be at least 30^oC above the anticipated ambient room temperature and a rating within 79^oC to 100^oC if installed under glazed roofs where temperatures can be elevated in the summer months.

   There are two basic types of sprinkler heads:

   • Silica or Quartzoid Bulb, or
   • The Solder Strut type

    

   The silica or quartzoid type bulb is filled with liquid that expands at a predetermined temperature, this expansion breaks the bulb thereby opening the valve in the sprinkler head allowing the water to flow. With the solder strut type the valve is held shut by the solder strut, this solder melts at a predetermined temperature therefore allowing the valve to fall open and the water to flow.

    

5. Maintenance - The maintenance of residential sprinkler systems is the responsibility of the property owner. You must make arrangements for the system to be checked annually and tested by a qualified installer, and you should pay particular attention to the maintenance instructions provided to you by the installer.

    

    

6. General Concerns And Common Misconceptions: Domestic / residential sprinkler systems are not as common as they should be in households and as a result of this there are some misconceptions associated with sprinkler systems. For example:
   • Smoke alarms will provide enough protection - Although smoke alarms do save lives, they do nothing to extinguish a fire nor are they able to protect the young and elderly who may be unable to escape. A sprinkler system is by far the safer option
   • Sprinkler heads can accidentally go off - Sprinkler heads rarely go off accidentally. You have more chance of winning the lottery than having an accidental sprinkler discharge
   • In a fire all the sprinkler heads go off - No. Sprinkler heads go off individually as a direct response to a fire in that location, and almost all fires are controlled or put out by just one or two sprinkler heads. As a result of this quick response fire and water damage is significantly reduced as opposed to an unchecked fire that has to be dealt with by the Fire Brigade/Department
   • Sprinkler systems can cause a lot of water damage - Not as much as the Fire Brigade/Department. A typical residential sprinkler head will discharge 38 to 40 litres of water per minute compared to the 1000 litres per minute from the firefighter's hose. As a general figure a sprinkler system will use between 1/100th and 1/1000th of the water that is used by the Fire Brigade/Department. This is a big difference and in itself can turn a potential disaster into a less costly inconvenience

    

7. The Fire Triangle - A fire can only start and exist if three basic essential ingredients come together, and they are:
   • Fuel - something to burn
   • Air - oxygen for combustion
   • Heat - a naked flame, a chemical reaction, a spark, or radiant heat directly from the Sun

     This is sometimes referred to as the 'Fire Triangle'. If any one side is removed the fire will be extinguished as a result. All forms of fires are extinguished by using this basic principle.

     George Meates-Dennis is a heating engineer who provides easy-to-understand comprehensive information on home heating on his site Home Heating Systems and Solutions, including information on using green energy to heat your home.

Rain Shut Off Devices for Automatic Lawn Sprinkler Systems

Automatic sprinkler system controllers are programmed to go on and off on a certain day and at a certain time. The controller does not know if it is sunny and dry outside or raining. For this reason every lawn sprinkler system should have a rain sensor.

The rain sensor determines whether or not enough rainfall has occurred in order to skip an irrigation cycle. There are three basic types of rain sensors. They all serve the same purpose: keeping your system from over-watering the turf or your garden. How does it do that? The electrical connection between the sensor and your sprinkler system controller is interrupted when a certain amount of rain triggers the device. The sensor breaks the electrical connection so that electricity cannot flow to either the sprinkler valves or to a pump start (if your system is on a well without a pressure tank).

One type breaks the connection by weighing the water in a rainfall collection cup. The problem with this type is that leaves, sticks, or the occasional lizard will find its way into the collection cup and therefore turning off the system.

The next type uses electrodes to determine how much water is in the collection cup. This kind of rain sensor device also has a system problem of collecting things other than rainfall in the collection cup.

The most common type of rain sensor used by professionals is the expansion disk device. This kind of sensor does not use a collection cup; instead rainfall causes cork disks to expand. This device uses a pressure switch to break the electrical connection. These can be adjusted in increments of ¼” to the desired rain fall setting. This adjustment is usually set to turn off the sprinklers after ½” of rain has fallen.

The most important aspect of installing a rain sensor is where to place it. It should be installed in an area that is unobstructed by trees, roof over hangs, or anything else that might block rain from getting to the sensor. If it is a wired sensor, placement is generally near the sprinkler controller. The wires should be connected inside the controller’s valve wiring panel. This allows for easier electrical trouble-shooting of the system as the sensor can be easily disconnected.

In the last few years, FM wireless rain sensors have become very popular. Although they are more expensive than the wired devices, the ease of installation and increased placement options offset the cost. Most wireless units come with by-pass switches built into the device. Some digital controllers also offer by-pass options for both wired devices and wireless rain sensors.

No matter the type of rain sensor type that you choose, all rain sensors offer many advantages over not adding this detector to your automatic sprinkler system. Some of the immediate and long term benefits include:
• Saves Money. Whether you pay for city water or spend electricity running a pump, the money you save over time will more than pay for the rain sensor.
• Extends Sprinkler System Life Span. Irrigation systems are made up of moving parts. If the system parts are utilized less frequently (during the rainy season), they last longer.
• Protects Water Resources. By limiting the over use of your sprinkler system, rain sensors reduce excess water run-off that carries fertilizers and pest control chemicals into our shared water supply.
• Conserves Water. Less water is wasted when less supplemental water is needed for your turf and in your garden.

How much money can you save with a rain sensor device?

It will vary based on your water source (city, re-claim, or well) and where you live (water costs, electrical rate, climate). Here is one example that demonstrates the benefits listed above:
Seminole County, Florida.
System Description:
• Designed to irrigate a quarter acre of grass and programmed to apply ½” of water every time the system runs.
• This schedule would equal 6,788 gallons per irrigation cycle.
• This system (on City Water) pays $2.30 per thousand gallons.
• Every time the rains sensor interrupts a sprinkler cycle, you would save $15.61

According to a recent study in Florida, the use of a rain sensor device averaged a 45% savings in water for single-family residential water usage.

The next time you see a sprinkler system running in the rain, you now know it doesn’t have to be that way. Rain sensors are affordable solutions to conserving our water, protecting our water resources, and saving you money.

Craig Borglum CIC/CID/CLIA is a Certified and Licensed Irrigation Specialist in Central Florida. More information and articles on how-to irrigation solutions, click on sprinkler repair. A comprehensive Lawn Sprinkler Repair DVD is available at http://www.IrrigationRepair.com

The Motion Activated Lawn Sprinkler - Chase Away Those Critters

For any gardener or landscape lover, you know how difficult it can be to keep animals out of your garden or flowers. It can be a real pain, but now a company has designed a motion activated lawn sprinkler to solve this problem once and for all.

If you are like me, then you have had to deal with rabbits eating your carrots in the garden, or squirrels, dogs and other animals terrorizing your vegetation. Even deer can be a problem for some homeowners.

The motion activated lawn sprinkler uses infrared technology to detect movement around a 105 degree view. When an animal triggers it, water sprays out and scares off the animal.

The unit works day or night and does a great job I must say. As you can imagine it usually only takes one time of getting sprayed with water to keep the animal from returning.

The lawn sprinkler has a built-in stake that you simply stick into the ground and the unit attaches to any garden hose.

It also includes a dial that you can set to adjust the motion detector and another one that will allow you to adjust the force of the spray.

The sprinkler runs on a 6 month 9-volt battery and can keep everything from a small cat to a deer away from the area you have it set up in.

The motion activated lawn sprinkler is an ingenious idea that really works in keeping the animals away.

All Rights Reserved Worldwide. Reprint Rights: You may reprint this article as long as you leave all of the links active and do not edit the article in any way.

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

Simple Steps To Installing A Lawn Sprinkler System

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.

All Rights Reserved Worldwide. Reprint Rights: You may reprint this article as long as you leave all of the links active and do not edit the article in any way.

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

Lawn Sprinkler Valves and How To Locate Them

Irrigation solenoid valves are the gatekeepers to your sprinkler heads.

They are connected to the water source for your irrigation and control the flow of water to each sprinkler "zone" or section. If you have a five zone system you have five valves.

Quality solenoid valves are built to perform under adverse conditions. They lay quietly in the ground doing their job year after year, covered in dirt and water. As with any equipment that is made up of moving parts, they will eventually wear out and fail.

Sprinkler valves generally fail in one of three ways:
 

* They will stick open and run 24 hours a day until the water source is turned off.
 

*They will constantly leak a small amount of water, known as "weeping".
 

*Or they will not turn on at all.
 

The problem is that after 15-20 years of being out of site and out of mind, when they fail---how do you find them?

The best and easiest way to locate a valve is with a specialized tool called a valve locater. However, these devices are expensive to purchase and generally not for rent. So before you go to the expense of hiring an irrigation contractor to find your malfunctioning valve, here are some places to look:

First, check near your water source. Many homes have their irrigation system connected to their house water (versus connected to a pump). Most city water systems will have an above ground back flow preventer. This is a metal device with handles on it to turn off the sprinkler water without turning off the water to the house. It should be located near where the water from your city meter goes into your house.

After finding the back flow preventer, take a 12" screwdriver and GENTLY probe a six foot area around the back flow. Take care to probe slowly as to not puncture any pipes. If you hit something solid , probe around this spot six inches in diameter. If you hit anything smaller than that, keep looking.

The next place to look is where the sprinkler timer is located. Check this area in the same way as you probed the back flow area.

Another indicator to determine the location of the valve is to turn on the defective zone and determine which sprinklers pressurize first. The first heads to pressurize are the ones closest to the valve. Obviously, this will not work with valves that will not come on.

Quite often, the valves will not all be placed in a central location. They will be scattered throughout the yard. A very common location is on the corners of the house.

Because your system was probably installed with a walk-behind-trencher, the valves will be at about two feet off of the walls.

Although buried sprinkler valves can be difficult to find without a valve locator, with some patience and a little luck, they can be found.

valve locator

Craig Borglum CIC/CID/CLIA is a Certified and Licensed Irrigation Specialist in Central Florida. More information and articles on how-to irrigation solutions, click on sprinkler repair A comprehensive Lawn Sprinkler Repair DVD is available at http://www.IrrigationRepair.com

The Beauty Of The Rainbird Sprinkler System

There are sprinkler systems, and then there is the Rainbird Sprinkler System. The Rainbird Sprinkler System belongs in a class all to themselves. Does your lawn suffer the results of not getting the proper amounts of watering during the summer? Wouldn't you rather get rid of that old brown lawn and have a beautiful lush green landscape? Well, with a Rainbird Sprinkler System you can have just that.

If you already have a Rainbird Sprinkler System installed, then you probably already know what I'm talking about. But, if you've never had the benefits that a sprinkler system offers, then you should take some time and explore this landscaping area. A sprinkler system is a perfect home improvement addition for any home.

The sun is brutal on your grass during the hot summer months. Who has the time to play with an old garden hose connected to a lawn sprinkler? You constantly have to time it and move it across the yard all the time. It quickly becomes a huge hassle every week. Well, you can take some action and liven up that dead looking lawn. Before you know it a Rainbird Sprinkler System can have your yard the envy of the entire neighborhood. It will keep your grass looking its best all summer long.

It's not only your lawn that will benefit from a Rainbird Sprinkler System, but it's your entire landscape. Flowers, bushes, trees, plants and shrubs will also benefit from being on a watering schedule. All you have to do is set the timer up on the sprinkler system and it does all the work for you. It doesn't get any easier than that.

With a Rainbird Sprinkler System you can be assured that you're getting a top of the line sprinkler system. The company doesn't cut corners or produce some piece of junk that will need replaced in a year or two down the road. Rainbird is an industry leader in providing quality sprinkler systems. Everything they manufacture is built to last for years.

If you haven't sat down and taken a look at some of the great deals on Rainbird Sprinkler Systems, then I would encourage you to start today. Go online and take a look at what they have to offer. Their products will have any yard looking like a professionally landscaped masterpiece in a few shorts weeks. You can easily find a Rainbird Sprinkler System that will fit your budget and have your yard looking its best this next summer.

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