Irrigation Notebook: April 2001, Picking Proper Components

Decisions on what to use for residential and small commercial sprinkler systems help determine profitability down the road. While the right decisions can pave the way for a company to grow and prosper, the wrong decisions can create tremendous costs.

EQUIPMENT ISSUES. Reliability is the most important factor when considering valves or heads to use. You need to determine which ones will hold up over the long haul. This can be difficult without historical data, but there are other ways to help make this decision.

One simple way to choose components is to model other successful contractors, particularly if they’re more experienced than you. Otherwise, start by disassembling each component and comparing it to similar components. Is it rugged or flimsy? Is it easy or difficult to assemble? Are there numerous parts? Are the parts high quality? Compare the positives and negatives of each.

The next step is to simulate the component’s function. You can do this by building a valve manifold with three or four different valves. Pressurize with water, activate each solenoid and watch how they react under both high and low pressure. Also watch how fast or slow they operate. Fast-closing solenoids can create water hammer.

You can test your sprinkler heads similarly. Fabricate a multiple head stand so you can test two or three heads at once. This way you can actually compare them "head-to-head." Check out how each head reacts under different water pressures and watch how well the wiper seals work. Next, check water distribution by setting up catch cans (Dixie cups work well) in a grid pattern and firing up one head at a time. Run the water 10 minutes for spray heads and 20 minutes for rotary heads. Then, measure the amount of water in each can and compare.

Do the same for each head and compare. This information will show which heads have the best water distribution. Another easier but less accurate way to check out distribution is to set up your test on a dry, dirt area. As you run the water, watch which areas stay dry. Consistent moisture means you’ve got even distribution.

CONTROLLER CONSIDERATIONS. When choosing controllers, reliability is just as important as the customer’s ability to use and understand it. Most residential controllers are programmed and operated by the homeowner, so if they are afraid to touch it, then they might under- or over-water. Many controllers on the market today offer bells and whistles, so you need to consider your customers’ needs. For example, if a remote control is not important for customers in your market, then don’t push a controller with this feature.

Tracking historical data is crucial after choosing components. Track and record failed valves, heads and controllers. A small percentage of failure can be expected (about ½ percent), but if there are high failure rates then you need to look at changing that component.

The component choices you make today will effect your profitability tomorrow and years down the road. Valves that don’t open or close properly and heads that don’t rotate, rise and retract properly require service calls. Controllers that people can’t understand cost you time clarifying usage. When these things happen within the warrantee period (all quality contractors offer one year minimum), it takes money right off your bottom line.

In addition, problem components yield irritated customers, who can create negative word-of-mouth advertising. This will cost you as your company grows and develops a reputation with clients. Picking the proper system components ensures a reputation you and your employees can be proud of.