Sprinkler System Basics from Lee Engineering – Dallas, Fort Worth

Despite the recent erratic temperature fluctuations, Dallas area homeowners are beginning to plan for warmer weather. Before planting new landscaping this spring, it is wise to perform a check-up on your irrigation. Use the following information as a guideline to prep your irrigation system for summer’s increase in water demands.

Types of Sprinkler Heads

There are many variations of sprinkler head designs. Depending on your specific needs, your irrigation system may have a combination of the following sprinkler heads:

  • Fixed spray heads
  • Rotary spray heads
  • Pop-up sprinkler heads
  • Multiple stream spray heads

Fixed Sprinkler Spray Head


This type of nozzle produces a tight, constant fan of water. Fixed sprinkler heads can be stationary or pop-up and are typically used for smaller lawns, shrubs, and near ground cover.

Rotating Irrigation Head


Rotary heads generally have one powerful stream of water that rotates in a full or partial circle to irrigate the surrounding turf. These spray nozzles are commonly found in medium to large yards and are often used on side lawns. Most rotary heads are also pop-up heads.

Pop-up Sprinkler Head


Nowadays, most sprinkler systems are designed with pop-up heads that retract at the end of the watering cycle. Even so, spray heads are commonly damaged by lawnmower blades or other landscaping tools. These easily concealed heads provide a low, even distribution of water for all size lawns and gardens.

Multiple Stream Sprinkler Head


This spray head is similar to the old-school sprinklers that many of us(in the South) played in during our childhood on scorching hot summer days. The only difference is multiple stream sprinkler heads aren’t portable. Instead of hooking up to the water hose, these rotating sprays connect to underground irrigation pipes.

You may notice these types of sprinkler heads on sloping or uneven landscapes. Our Licensed Irrigators usually recommend replacing multiple stream heads with a more efficient, pressure-regulating head to reduce irrigation water waste.