Sprinkler FAQs

• Turn on water and fill system, check for leaks
• Turn on & adjust controller
• Check all zones with controller, flag any leaks, broken heads, etc.
• Adjust heads for direction, spray pattern, clean nozzles
• Inform customer of any problems, recommendations, etc.
• If desired by customer, set controller to agreed upon program
• Schedule needed repairs

Do I need to be home?
Generally, yes. We need to get in to turn the water on. We also need access to your controller. The same applies for winterizations.

Can I just turn my system on myself?
Sure you can! But remember, it’s a good idea to run it through its paces and look for leaks and any winter damage. We know what to look for and where, and our technicians are experts at setting controllers, which can often be confusing. We’re here to save you time and provide our expertise!

When should I turn my system on?
We recommend that you wait until after the danger of a hard freeze is passed. If you have had your sprinkler turned on before May 1, Panorama Coordinated Services recommends the following:

• To protect your sprinkler and home from freezing temperatures, wrap the vacuum breaker with an old blanket or several old towels and then cover these with a heavy duty plastic garbage bag.
• Leave this covering in place until at least the first of May. While it is no guarantee against freeze damage, you will lessen the possibility of an expensive repair.

Remember that while the average low temperature for April 15 is 34 degrees, as recently as the year 2000 we saw an overnight low of 23 degrees on May 13!

What is a rain sensor? Do I need one?
Rain sensors help to save water by interrupting the automatic watering cycle after enough accumulation of rain has occurred. This not only saves money, but can help to make sure that plants are not over watered and can keep you from the embarrassment of watering while it is raining.

What is included in a winterization and why do I need to do it?
Every year, preferably before the first freeze, irrigation systems that are in parts of the country where the frost level extends below the depth of the installed piping must be winterized.
Even if you have drained some water out of the system, the remaining water can freeze, expand and crack PVC (rigid, white pipe) or copper pipe. Polyethylene pipe (flexible, black pipe) is used in many freezing climates. Although “poly” pipe is more flexible and can expand under pressure, water left inside could freeze and rupture the pipe walls. Freezing water in the backflow assembly will damage the internal components and could possibly crack the brass body.

To minimize the risk of freeze damage to your irrigation system, it is important to have your irrigation system “winterized.”

• Turn off water to system and drain vacuum breaker
• Attach compressor and blow out all zones in system 1-3 minutes each
• Turn off controller
• Leave vacuum breaker in manufacturers recommended position
• Note any leaks and schedule needed repairs. Repairs will most likely be done in spring when the system is on so that we can check our work.

Why are buying parts through Panorama better than buying them at discount hardware stores?

• We know your system and we know the exact part you need and we guarantee what we install. Our vans are fully stocked with commercial grade components to save you the time and energy of figuring it out on your own.
• You get what you pay for. Some commercial sprinkler manufacturers don’t even sell retail and the ones that do almost always sell a less robust “residential” line of equipment that simply will not hold up in the long run like the equipment we install. While we prefer not to install parts that we don’t provide but will do so if need be although we would not be able to warrantee those items.

Glossary

Backflow preventer — a device that prevents water in the sprinkler system from being pulled backward into the drinking water supply — a legal requirement for all sprinkler systems.

Controller — Device that controls the automatic operation of the sprinkler system including the start time and the zone duration. Sometimes called the clock or timer, there are many different types and all seem to work just a bit differently. Our technicians are familiar with many of them and are happy to help you.

Drip emitter — low volume irrigation device designed to water a single plant

Micro-spray — low volume above-ground sprinkler used for flowers and shrubs

Nozzle — device that attaches to the sprinkler head to determine the pattern, distance of throw, and precipitation rate of the system.

Rotor head — large area head that sprays water in a single or multi stream in a full or partial circle of varying diameter.

Spray head — small area head that sprays water in a fan pattern in a full or partial circle of varying diameter. Spray heads use interchangeable nozzles to determine the pattern, diameter and precipitation rate.

Valve box — housing that contains the underground valves, usually a green plastic top with the words “irrigation valves” on it.

Tap — valve that isolates the sprinkler system from the source of water.

Types of tap valves

Gate Valve

Ball Valve (preferred)