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Types of Sprinkler System Heads, Nozzles, Emitters and Their Advantages

Planning on adding a sprinkler system to your landscape? This guide will help you become familiar with the different types of sprinkler heads and learn their advantages and disadvantages. You won't regret it!




Sprinkler heads are one of the most important components of any irrigation system, helping to deliver water to your lawn quickly and efficiently. From pop-ups and rotors to sprayers and bubblers, get to know the different types of sprinkler heads, their advantages and disadvantages, and how they can help keep your lawn looking its best.


Pop-up Sprinkler Heads

Opened by an irrigation controller. These sprinklers can be adjusted to direct water in different directions and trajectories, allowing for more

coverage with fewer heads. Pop-up sprinklers are great for smaller areas,

since they’re easy to install and maintain.






Impact sprinkler heads

Impact sprinkler heads offer better coverage of large areas since they’re able to spray water over a larger distance than pop-up heads. This type of head is highly durable, commonly used for commercial landscapes and sport fields due to its heavy-duty construction.

However, this type of head tends to waste more water than other varieties which isn’t ideal for areas prone to drought.




Gear-Driven Sprinklers


Gear-driven sprinklers are similar to impact sprinklers but use a series of gears to rotate the nozzle as it moves. They’re ideal for large lawns and provide excellent coverage due to the high flow rate, and they’re great at covering corners

and edges that other sprinkler head type may miss.






Rotary Sprinkler Heads


Rotary sprinkler heads are great for small spaced landscapes and evenly multiplying

water without any overspray. They use a turbine-style mechanism within the nozzle to rotate it and deliver water spray. These sprinklers are perfect for curved areas and require less water than others too!






Drip Irrigation


Drip irrigation sprinklers are more commonly used for trees, shrubs, flower beds, and hanging baskets. Instead of producing a spray of water, this type of sprinkler slowly releases water directly to the root system at a steady rate. This helps reduce runoff and conserve water use; making it better for the environment. They are also very low maintenance since they rarely clog or require frequent adjustments. They also currently have no watering restrictions.


If you would like to learn more or have any questions please reach out to Smart Irrigation Systems LLC in San Antonio, TX.



Schedule your FREE On-Site Sprinkler System Audit Online Today!

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