Aqua~Flo Supply of Southern California

This page best viewed on any browser on Macintosh OS 10.3 or higher, or on Internet Explorer for Windows.

Store Hours - all Locations
Monday - Friday	7:00am - 5:00pm
Saturday	8:00am - 12:00pm
Sunday	Closed

Why worry about pipe size in a residential irrigation system?

Correct pipe sizing leads to a more efficient distribution of water throughout the irrigated area, by sizing pipe correctly you will have less runoff, and even application of water (less swampy wet spots). In addition the likelyhood of water hammer is greatly reduced when operating at 5 FPS or less IE: less broken sprinkler lines and fittings, greater life expectancy on valves & other components.

Return to top

Doesn’t reducing pipe size build pressure?

NO! This is a quite common misconception. Friction loss and Elevation Changes are what cause pressure loss in piping systems, factors which contribute to friction loss are:

#1 Inside diameter
#2 Pipe Material (IE: PVC, Galvanized, Copper, Polyethylene)
#3 Flow in Gallons Per Minute
#4 Length of pipeline
#5 Changes in flow direction (Fittings)

A good rule of thumb for elevation is 1/2 psi loss (or gain) for every foot of elevation. Gaining elevation you lose pressure, losing elevation you gain pressure. (actual loss is .433 psi)

When sizing pipe always remember BIGGER IS BETTER!

Return to top

My sprinklers don't spray as far as they should. My sprinklers don't pop-up.

If a sprinkler does not spray its rated distance, it is usually due to a lack of pressure. Sprinklers have an optimum pressure range at which they perform as specified. If the pressure at the sprinkler is too low, then the sprinkler does not spray as far as it should. The common remedies are to put bigger nozzles on the sprinklers or to add more sprinklers. Both of these "remedies" further lower the pressure and compound the problem. One needs to do is ask the question.

Did the system perform correctly when it was originally installed?

Yes? Then something has changed - usually something is worn or broken

Broken riser, pipeline or sprinkler
Worn out seals on pop-up sprinklers
Other possibilities are worn out automatic valves or debris plugging the sprinkler screens
Occasionally the problem is on the supply side of the system, possibly a pump that is not working correctly or a reduction in pressure from the water purveyor.

No? The source of water is not large enough to satisfy the demand of the system. Assuming there is enough pressure available to run a properly designed system, the system must be redesigned with lower flow rates. Either valves must be added or nozzle sizes can be reduced. Take care when reducing nozzle sizes that you still get the distance required to efficiently irrigate your area.

Return to top

Frequently asked Questions