The Workings of Water Irrigation Controllers

A quality outdoor sprinkler system can be a great way to take care of your lawn and garden watering needs.

Sprinkler systems are made up of many moving parts. One of the most important parts is the sprinkler irrigation controller. This is a closer look at how the controller works:

An automatic water irrigation system is made up of tubing, valves, pipes, sprinkler heads and circuitry. Automatic valves control the flow of water to different parts of the landscape. These valves open and shut based on a signal from the controller. The controller determines the water that is sent to different valves in the system. Once the controller is programmed, it determines when, how often, and how long each valve is open. The controller controls how much water goes where and when, based on the programmed instructions. The controller can have a direct effect on how efficiently water can be supplied throughout the yard.

A water irrigation controller should be flexible and easy to use and program. It should also act as the "nerve center" for the irrigation system, controlling the water flow to different areas of the yard based on the water needs of that area.

There is a lot to choose from when it comes to selecting a controller for a water irrigation system. Different controllers have different capabilities. Electro-mechanical controllers are easy to program and have a high tolerance for electric surges. They can be a little less accurate than other types of controllers.

Digital controllers will have touch screens for simple set-up and used. Some of these controllers can be dual-programmed. They often are set up indoors.

Outdoor panel-control timers are controllers that are housed in a weatherproof cabinet to protect them from the elements.

It's worth considering timers that have memory back-up system and the ability to work with a pump-start relay.