Sprinkler System Design Capacity

When planning an efficient automatic irrigation system, you must first determine the
correct Sprinkler System Design Capacity—how much water is available for residential
irrigation. If the system will be installed using city water, follow the steps below. If the
water will be drawn from a lake or well, your Hunter dealer or the pump installer will
have the specifications for pressure and volume.

1. Water pressure (PSI)

To check the PSI or water pressure
Definition: 
"Unit of measure for pressure. Number of pounds of pressure per square inch."
, attach a pressure gauge to the outside faucet closest to the water meter. Make sure
that no other water is flowing at the residence. Turn on the faucet and record the
number in the area provided to the right. This is the static water pressure in pounds per
square inch or PSI.
2. Water volume (GPM)
To determine the volume of water available for the system, you need two pieces of
information:

A. What size is the water meter?

Water meters will generally have the size stamped on the meter body. The most
common sizes for residential meters are 5/8", 3/4", and 1". In some areas the water
supply hooks directly into the city main without the use of the water meter. In these
cases, simply enter the size of the service line in the space provided.

B. What size is the service line?

Measure the outside circumference of the pipe that runs from the city main to the
house. An easy way to do that is to wrap a piece of string round the pipe, measure
the string, and use the table to the right to convert the string length to pipe size.

3. System Design Capacity

 Using the System Design Capacity Chart on this page,
locate the three numbers you just recorded to determine the Sprinkler System Design
Capacity in gallons per minute (GPM). Record this number in the GPM box. Next, locate
your system’s static pressure and move down that column and find the system’s
working pressure; record it in the PSI box. Working pressure will be used when
choosing sprinkler heads and designing the system.

You have now established the maximum GPM and the approximate working pressure
available for the sprinkler system. Exceeding these maximums may result in inefficient
watering or a condition referred to as water hammer, which could cause serious
damage to the system. These two numbers will be used in the design process.
Service lines are based on 100’ of Sch 40 PVC. Deduct 2 GPM for copper pipe. Deduct 5 GPM for new
galvanized pipe. 

Working pressure is the approximate working pressure at the head, and should be used only as a guide
when choosing the proper sprinkler heads and designing the system. The numbers in the Design
Capacity Chart are based on generally accepted flow rates (velocity). In some cases, designers increase
the velocity in copper pipe only from the accepted 7 ½ feet per second (fps) to 9 feet per second (fps). If
you do not deduct the 2 GPM for copper pipe, the rate is approximately 9 feet per second (fps). The
friction loss is substantially increased at this speed, and the working pressure will be affected. In order to
use the numbers in the chart, the length of copper service line should not exceed 50’ if you decide not to
deduct the 2 GPM.

Select Sprinkler Heads

There are two basic types of sprinklers for residential use: large area rotors and small
area sprinklers. Large area rotors should never be installed on the same zone as small
area sprinklers.

1. Large area rotors will cover areas that measure 25' by 25' and larger.

2. Small area sprinklers are typically used in areas smaller than 25' by 25'.

Within both of these groups are pop-up sprinklers which are installed even with the
grade, and riser-mounted shrub heads, which are installed above grade.

This 25' by 25' measurement is not a hard rule, rather it is a guideline. The only
consideration restricting the size of the area in which spray heads (small area
sprinklers) can be used is economics. If a large area rotor can be used, it usually means
less pipe, fewer valves, and a smaller controller will be required to complete the job.

Lo
cating Sprinkler Heads
Decide where you will be installing large area sprinklers and where you will be installing
small area sprinklers. Large area sprinklers should be 25' to 40' apart. Small area
sprinklers should be 8' to 17' apart. This spacing will allow sprinklers to overlap their
throw to assure even water distribution. Do not mix sprinkler types within one area.

Do not place sprinkler heads too far apart; stay within specifications listed on the
Sprinkler Performance Charts which may be found in the Hunter Product Catalog.
Spacing is determined by the size of the area the sprinkler is serving. Additionally, a
sprinkler should be spaced so that it will spray both the head next to it and the head
across from it. Working with one area at a time, start placing sprinkler heads:

Step 1. The critical points on a plan are the corners. Draw a quarter pattern sprinkler
in each corner. Using a compass, draw an arc showing the sprinkler's watering
pattern.

Step 2. If the quarter heads will not spray each other (head-to-head spacing), place
heads along the perimeters. Draw these sprinkler's watering patterns.

Step 3. Now look to see if the perimeter heads will be spraying across the area to the
heads on the other side. If they do not, add full circle heads in the middle. An easy
way to locate these heads is to draw perpendicular grid lines from one perimeter
head to another. Again, using the compass, draw an arc showing this sprinkler's
watering pattern to make sure there is complete coverage.

Step 1 Step 2
Corners are critical points. Start by Add sprinklers along the sides if
placing sprinklers in each corner. necessary.
Step 3 Total head-to-head coverage.
Larger areas may require sprinklers
in the middle, in addition to the
sides, in order to provide head-tohead
or overlapping coverage.

Curved Areas Adjustable arc nozzles on spray 

heads work very well in curved areas.
Convert curved areas to a series of
straight lines; place sprinklers the
same as you would in square or
rectangular areas.

Check with local agencies:

• To find out if a permit is required before installing a sprinkler system. 

• To determine where gas, telephone and other utility lines are buried. 

• To find out which type of backflow preventer is required in your area.

Divide Sprinklers Into Zones

Unless you have a very small yard, you probably do not have enough water capacity to
irrigate the entire yard at once. Many areas will require more water than the residence
has available (system design capacity).
You will need to section the yard into "zones". Dividing the area into zones is an easy
process. Beginning with area A:
1. Refer back to the working pressure entered on page 2. This is the pressure you will
need to use when determining sprinkler spacing and GPM requirements listed in the
Sprinkler Performance Charts.

2. Write the individual sprinkler's GPM next to each

sprinkler head in the area. Use the Sprinkler Performance Charts in the Hunter Product
Catalog.

3. Add up all of those numbers and divide the sum by the total GPM (system design
capacity) available.

4. If the total number of zones is not a whole number, round the number up to establish
how many zones there will be (1.2 zones becomes 2 zones). This is the total number of
valves needed for the sprinklers in that area.
5. Now that you know how many zones the area will have, divide up the sprinklers so
that each zone in the area will have approximately the same GPM. Do not place too
many heads on the same zone; stay within the system's design capacity.

6. Draw and label the zone valves for this area, i.e. Zone 1, Zone 2, etc.

7. Repeat steps D and E for all areas.

Locate Valves and Size Pipes

Every zone on the plot plan must have its own valve. The valve controls the on-off flow
of water to a sprinkler zone. Indicate one control valve for each zone and then group the
valves together in an assembly called a valve manifold.
Determine where you want the valve manifold for each area. You may want a manifold
in the front yard and one in the back yard, or you may want more locations. Manifold
placement is entirely up to you. We recommend placing the manifold in an accessible
spot for easy maintenance. Place the manifold close to the area the valves will serve,
but where you will not be sprayed when activating the system manually.
Lateral Line
The two most common types of pipe used in sprinkler systems are polyvinyl chloride
(PVC) and polyethylene (Poly) Check with your local Hunter dealer to find out which
type of pipe is used in your area.

1. Draw a line connecting all of the sprinkler heads in each separate zone. Follow the
example in the illustration on this page and draw the most direct route with the fewest
turns or changes of direction as possible.

2. Draw a line from the sprinkler line to the zone valve. This should be the most direct
line possible.

3. Begin sizing the pipe. Start at the head farthest from the zone valve. The pipe
connecting the last head to the second to last head should be 3/4" (See Pipe Sizing
Chart.)

4. Add the GPM requirements of those two heads together to size the next pipe.

5. Add the GPM requirements of the next head to the previous total.

6. Continue to do this until you get to the zone valve. Be sure not to size a pipe smaller
than the chart indicates.

7. Repeat Steps 1 through 6 for each zone.

Main Line
1. Determine the location for the system point of connection (P.O.C.). It should be near
the water meter.
2. Draw a line connecting all the manifolds together, and then draw a line connecting
this line to the P.O.C.

3. The main line should be one pipe size larger than the largest lateral line.

Point of Connection
Non-Freezing Climates
Use a brass compression tee to hook your sprinkler system to the household water supply line.
You may hook up to copper, PVC, or galvanized iron service lines without having to solder or
thread any pipe.
Most areas require some type of backflow preventer to protect drinking water. Copper pipe may
be required between the P.O.C. and the backflow preventer. Always check the local building code
or with the local permitting agency for the requirements in your area.
Freezing Climates
If the installation is in a freezing climate and the P.O.C. is in the basement, install a boiler drain
immediately after the gate valve to drain the water in the pipe between the P.O.C. and the
backflow preventer in the winter.
Install a slip x slip x 1 inch threaded tee with a riser and a threaded cap after the backflow
preventer. This will be used when blowing out the system before the first deep freeze of winter.

Review Design
The design process is now complete. Check to make sure you have placed sprinklers in
all areas. Also, review the pipe layout to be sure you have sized the pipe correctly. You
are now ready to begin installing the system.
Most professional installers recommend PVC pipe for the constant pressure line
from the backflow preventer to the zone control valves. Some communities
require copper, however. Check local ordinances before laying out your system.

Sprinkler System Overview

Click on the image to the left to view a detailed illustration showing the overall parts of a
residential system and how they all work together.

Courtesy of Hunter Industries Inc.

Watering Guidelines
Application Rates
Watering application rates will vary with different types of plants, soils and climates.
New lawn must be kept moist, and newly-transplanted shrubs must be watered every
day or two. Established plants will need deeper, less frequent watering. The following
guidelines will get you started.
Watering Guidelines
1. Do not operate more than one valve at a time.

2. Water early in the morning when it is least windy and pressure is the greatest. Early
morning watering will also reduce water evaporation. Watering in the early evening is
not recommended. A lawn is more likely to get diseases when wet for a long duration,
especially overnight during the summer. Watering on a hot summer day may also burn
the plants.

3. In most areas, lawns require 1½" to 2" of water per week in the hottest months. Hot
and arid areas may require more.

4. Manually activate your system every week or so to make sure everything is

operating correctly. Check and clean sprinklers to ensure proper functioning.

Freezing Areas
In freezing climates, turn off the controller, close the main sprinkler shut-off valve, drain
all the water from the system, and blow any remaining water out of the system before
the first freeze. If you are unfamiliar with the correct procedure for blowing out a
sprinkler system, contact your local Hunter dealer for assistance or a referral.

Choosing Sprinkler Nozzles

When designing an irrigation system, it is important to ensure that the precipitation (rate
at which water is applied) is even over each zone of coverage. “Matched precipitation”
is accomplished by selecting the appropriate nozzles, or zoning together sprinklers with
the same precipitation rate. The two criteria to consider are a sprinkler’s flow rate and
arc of coverage. The illustration (right) depicts three different sprinkler heads with
matched precipitation rates. In each case, one gallon per minute (GPM) is applied to
each quarter circle and precipitation is therefore matched.