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.

Get your fix at http://www.HowToFixYourStuff.com People Helping People Fix Stuff.

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.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_Piccolo

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.

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

Add a New Sprinkler Head to Enhance Your Site and Get More Hits!

ENABLING BUSINESS THROUGH TECHNOLOGY AND TEAMWORK

Add one more Sprinkler Head!

Several years ago, I wrote a piece called “one more sprinkler head” and I thought I would reprint it because what I am seeing on the Internet and the growth of the interactive options, this dated article will hopefully “spark” your call-to-action button to improve your web site.

“Last week before the rains started, our lack or rain was destroying my yard and the flowerbeds. And for those of us who are married, flowerbeds are very important to our spouse, so we (she) decided to have a watering system installed. The great day arrived where we could test the system and it started to rain. As I write this article, it is still raining but the weatherman told us that we would have clear and sunny tomorrow so we will wait. Finally, the new day began and it was a perfect day to test our new system and it worked beautifully except for one corner. My wife’s comment is “if we add one more sprinkler head we can be assured that our yard is fully covered and that we do not need rain to protect my flowerbeds. She probably is right and I told the watering guy to add another sprinkler head. What has this to do with the Internet? Well, in theory I has everything to do with it!

Think about it. You have a nice web site, you hired an Internet marketing company or you are marketing the site yourself and the site is starting to be found, but the expected results are not happening! The answer is to add “one or more INTERNET sprinkler heads” and here is what you do:

1. You must have a way to review what is happening on your site and that is called a web trends report. If your ISP does not provide this service, move your site or get a third party to provide it (bolt-it-on your site…your ISP can do this for you).
2. Re-think about what people will type in the search box on the top 4 or 5 search engines to find your site. I am always amazed that web site owners do not pay attention to this critical action and prepare their keywords or keyword phrases appropriately. People surfing the net are NOT to type in one word unless they are looking for IBM or MIRCOSOFT (Branded names). If they are planning a trip to Savannah, they will type in a phrase (their interest) such as: “Savannah lodging” “Savannah golf courses” or something that provides the specific answer (web site_ that answers their search request. As one real example, I was sent an email from our one of our popular Savannah Travel web sites asking for information on housing for her daughter. The lady resides in Venezuela. For all of you real estate agents reading this article, why have not added an appropriate phrase (student housing or SCAD (local art college) apartments or?) to your web site that addresses this “sprinkler head”?
3. Always add more value to your site. For those of you, who sell a product; add a coupon or special offer. It has been my experience that offering something of value gets attention. Many of you use a direct mailing service to send your coupons to a targeted address. Why not offer the visitors to your site the same advantage? Obviously, if your are selling cement blocks this is not a good tactic but for those who get in-store traffic or have a product that allows your to provide an incentive, why not put the offer on the web? It works!
4. I am becoming a great believer in adding the ability to gather email addresses from visitors who want to be told of a new product offering or to receive more information on your product or service via a newsletter. Look, if I can write a column, you can compose a newsletter for your service. This is a powerful marketing tool and you can get repeat visitors to your site, which is the best tool you can employ. Consider, you’re a tour company and you want to increase the number of people who sign-up for your tour. This is what you do: (1) Add a coupon (2) Write a newsletter about your city or tour and (3) Capture email addresses from people who are planning to visit your city and found your site and (4) Follow-up emails to all. In the minds of the readers, you are an expert on your community and therefore, a logic choice for a tour booking. These are “sprinkler heads”.

Marketing on the Internet is not “brain surgery” work but it is hard work. The Internet allows all business sizes to compete equally and the only limitation is you mind and creativity. It is “thinking-outside-the-box”. If you add “one or more sprinkler heads” you will be the right road to gain positive results from planting your product or service on the Web…Just add water!

Chuck St. Arnaud is the Chairman of Systems Connect, inc., a leading ISP in Coastal Georgia. Chuck is also a featured writer on the Internet for a local business publication and a frequent speaker on the Internet to business groups, associations and for the University of Georgia Small Business Program. He is also an adjunct professor at the local business university and teaches marketing.

Visit his blog at http://www.sysconn.com

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