Skip to main content

Property Management Blog

RESOURCES FOR OWNERS & INVESTORS


Lawn Pumps and Sprinkler Systems

Lawn Pumps and Sprinkler Systems

Being in the rental management business has made us aware of the many people moving to this area that are not familiar with lawn pumps and sprinkler systems.  This article is not meant to be a complete course on the subject but should provide basic information.

Not all properties have pumps and sprinkler systems. Some small yards or planting areas are not large enough to justify the cost. Some local areas are not able to have a well due to rock or deep water tables or other physical restrictions. The type of well and pump can be determined by these restrictions also. Although it is preferable to have a well and pump (saving the cost of water), some sprinkler systems run off of municipal water sources requiring paying for the water on the monthly water bill.

Lawn pumps are usually found near the house and are wired to a control panel with a timer. Depending on the size of the area to be watered, there are usually several zones or sections of the yard that are on a valve system allowing each section to be watered independently. This allows maximum water pressure to the sprinkler heads in each zone and explains why there is usually several PVC pipes connected to the lawn pump. Timers can be programmed to water on specific days and times. They also control how long the sprinklers will run on each zone and are programmed to operate automatically but can be operated manually if extra watering is required.

There are many types of sprinkler heads depending on the area to be watered. Most heads are pop-up that extend up from the ground when water pressure is applied.  This keeps the sprinkler system out of sight unless it is operating. Once up they spray in patterns depending on the type.  Some heads rotate to cover larger areas and can be adjusted to run from 5 to 360 degrees. Most of these heads are made of plastic and can easily be damaged if run over by a vehicle or lawn mower. They also can get clogged by sand or debris from time to time and have screens that need to be removed and cleaned to allow proper operation.

Northwest Florida can experience freezing temperatures in winter requiring many lawn pumps to be shut down and drained in November. Pumps that have motors horizontal to the ground are connected to cast-iron housings that hold water. These housings will break if allowed to freeze. They have a drain plug or valve on the lower front used to drain the water. The pump will require priming when it’s time to start watering again in April.  This can be done by running water back through the pump with a hose. Once the system is primed and the timer is programmed to operate the system, manually operate all zones and visually check heads for proper operation and coverage.

Lawn pumps and sprinkler systems are common in our area because the sandy soil does not hold water and the warm often dry weather requires lawns and plants have additional watering to what Mother Nature provides. Additional information is available on-line or through the many lawn care specialists in our area. An understanding of the operation and maintenance of your sprinkler system will help maintain a healthy and beautiful yard.

-J. Matthew Scheel | Owner of Sundance Rental Management, Inc.

back