How to Upgrade a Sprinkler System

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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Stop wasting money with an outdated sprinkler system. Old sprinkler systems continue to operate even if it rains, wasting valuable resources. Upgrade your sprinkler system with a few essential parts and your sprinkler system will give you years of use and save money, too.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Step1

Select a new controller or timer for your sprinkler system. There are many to choose from and can be as simple as setting a timer or as complex as setting zones and times to water. The controller can water certain plants or areas more frequently if needed, and can be reset to different needs throughout the year.

Step2

Install a rain sensor in your sprinkler system. Many old sprinklers water the lawn even during a rainstorm. A rain sensor is installed away from the reach of the sprinkler. The system is then set to turn off during a rainstorm if a certain amount of rain is sensed. A rain sensor is especially important if you live in an area that gets a lot of rain during the growing season.

Step3

Change the sprinkler heads to water more efficiently. A spray head waters the landscape in a circular pattern and can be adjusted as needed. The spray heads shouldn't be placed more than 15 feet apart for the best coverage and are best for smaller lawns or lawns that need water in hard to reach areas. A rotary head sprinkler can be either impact rotary heads or gear driven rotary heads and also water in a circular pattern. The rotary head sprinkler comes in a semi-circle head that can be used along sidewalks and in corners. The semi-circle design saves water by watering only the plants and not the sidewalk.