A manual sprinkler system operates by requiring a person to physically turn the water supply on and off to start and stop the irrigation process.
Unlike automatic sprinkler systems that use a timer or controller to manage watering schedules, a manual sprinkler system puts control directly in the hands of the user. You decide when to water, how long to water, and when to shut the system off.
Essentially, a manual system involves connecting sprinklers (which can be simple hose-end sprinklers or perhaps a fixed setup with manual valves) directly or indirectly to a water source, such as an outdoor spigot. To activate the system, you open the valve at the water source. To stop watering, you close the valve.
Key Characteristics
Based on the provided reference, a manual sprinkler system has several key characteristics:
- Easy to Install: The reference states this system is "very easy to install."
- Inexpensive: It is described as "inexpensive."
- Budget-Friendly: The reference notes it's "great if you're on a budget."
These systems are straightforward, relying on direct user action rather than automated technology.
Manual Operation vs. Automatic Systems
The primary difference between manual and automatic systems lies in their control mechanism. As the reference points out, an automatic sprinkler system operates on a timer. This means watering cycles are pre-set and managed automatically, even when no one is present.
In contrast, a manual system offers complete flexibility but requires presence and action from the user for every watering session.
