Published: 30 July 2020
Getting Started: What You Need to Know About Your Home
For an irrigation system to be successful, it must include proper design, correct installation, the right component selection, the proper layout, and equally important, appropriate maintenance.
Learn the terms:
- Rain Bird’s Irrigation glossary
You’ll also need to gather some information about your water system:
What is your water pressure?
Water pressure is measured in pounds per square inch or psi. An average water pressure is around 30-50 psi but pressure can vary widely. It is important to know your home’s specific pressure before designing an irrigation plan. Too much or too little pressure can prevent your system from working properly. Most sprinkler systems work at an optimal pressure of 30-50 psi, and most drip systems work best in the range of 20-40 psi.
How to measure your water pressure
Purchase a pressure gauge and screw it onto an unregulated outdoor faucet. Make sure no water is running anywhere inside or outside your house. Turn on the faucet with the gauge attached. The gauge will show your pressure as measured in psi.
How to determine the size of your water meter
Often, the meter size is printed on the outside of the meter. If you don’t see it, give your water provider a call and ask for that information.
How to measure your service line
Locate the pipe that runs from the water meter to your home. Measure it by wrapping a piece of string around the pipe and then measure string. Find your service line size on the table below.