Lawn sprinkler heads work by using water pressure to distribute water in a specific pattern, typically after a valve opens and allows water to flow through the pipes.
Here's a breakdown of how they operate:
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Water Source and Valves: The sprinkler system connects to a water source. Valves, often controlled by a timer or manually, regulate the flow of water into the sprinkler system's pipes.
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Piping Network: Underground pipes carry the water from the valves to the individual sprinkler heads.
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Sprinkler Head Activation: When the valve opens, water pressure builds in the pipes. This pressure forces the sprinkler head to activate.
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Types of Sprinkler Heads and Operation: There are different types of sprinkler heads, each with its own mechanism for distributing water:
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Spray Heads: These heads pop up from the ground and spray a fixed pattern of water. The water is forced through a nozzle to create the spray. The pattern is determined by the nozzle design (e.g., full circle, half circle, quarter circle).
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Rotary Heads (Rotors): These heads also pop up, but instead of a fixed spray, they rotate and distribute water in a stream or multiple streams over a larger area. The rotation is typically driven by a turbine or gear mechanism powered by the water pressure.
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Water Distribution Patterns: The design of the sprinkler head determines the water distribution pattern. This includes the distance the water is thrown (radius) and the shape of the watered area. Adjustable heads allow for customizing these parameters.
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Shut-Off: When the valve closes, the water pressure drops, and the sprinkler head retracts back into the ground, typically with the aid of a spring.
In summary, lawn sprinkler heads rely on water pressure to rise, then use specifically designed nozzles and mechanisms to distribute water efficiently across a lawn. The type of head determines the pattern and range of the watering.
