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Irrigation terms, defined

Plain definitions of the irrigation words that come up on estimates, inspections and supplier calls, written for irrigation contractors. Each term says where it matters on the job and links the Koira calculator, cost guide or template that goes with it.

B

Shared with PlumbingBackflow preventerA backflow preventer is a valve assembly that stops water from flowing backward from a hose, irrigation system or boiler into the drinking water supply.

D

IrrigationDrip irrigationDrip irrigation delivers water slowly through emitters or tubing right at the plant roots, instead of spraying it through the air.

G

Shared with PlumbingGPMGPM means gallons per minute, the flow rate of water through a pipe, fixture, pump or nozzle.

H

IrrigationHead-to-head coverageHead-to-head coverage means spacing sprinkler heads so the spray from each one reaches the next head, which waters a lawn evenly.Shared with PlumbingHose bibbA hose bibb is an outdoor faucet with a hose thread.

I

IrrigationIrrigation zoneAn irrigation zone is a group of sprinkler heads or drip lines run by one valve and watered at the same time.

R

IrrigationRain sensorA rain sensor is a small device that tells the irrigation controller to skip watering after rain.IrrigationRotor headA rotor is a sprinkler head that throws one or more streams of water and rotates slowly across its arc, used for larger lawn areas.

S

IrrigationSmart irrigation controllerA smart irrigation controller adjusts watering from local weather data or soil moisture sensors instead of a fixed timer schedule.IrrigationSpray headA spray head is a pop up sprinkler that sprays a fixed fan of water, used for smaller lawns and beds.IrrigationSprinkler winterizationWinterization is clearing water out of irrigation pipes, valves and the backflow device before freezing weather, usually by blowing compressed air through each zone.

V

IrrigationValve boxA valve box is the buried plastic box with a lid that holds irrigation zone valves and keeps them reachable.

X

Shared with LandscapingXeriscapeXeriscape is landscaping designed to need little or no irrigation, using drought tolerant plants, mulch and efficient watering.

Y

Shared with PlumbingYard hydrantA yard hydrant is a freeze proof standpipe faucet out in a yard or barnyard.

More for irrigation contractors: free irrigation tools, templates and guides and how the trade runs on Koira. Or browse the whole glossary.

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Irrigation Glossary: Terms and Definitions | Koira