Spray-Type Sprinkler Reviews

It is my opinion that any spray sprinkler worth spending money on should have the following features:

• Pop-up at least 3 inches (stream height above top of the case).
• Not be a discontinued or test-run product (generally that means at least one year on the market).
• Positive spring retraction for the riser piston. Gravity retraction results in mowed-off nozzles.
• A wiper seal on the riser piston.
• A filter screen.
• Matched precipitation rate nozzles.

Without the above features a sprinkler is not a bargain at any price, maintenance and repairs will cost you more than it would have to just buy a good-quality sprinkler.

Note:

I have not reviewed sprinklers and nozzles separately. It is assumed the sprinkler body will be used with the standard nozzle recommended by the manufacturer. In other words, if you use an ABC brand model ZZZ series body, I assume you will use it with a nozzle supplied by ABC brand for use with their ZZZ series body. The reason I point this out is that the nozzles for many spray-type sprinklers are interchangeable with those made by other manufacturers. They tend to have either "Toro style" nozzles with male threads on the nozzle, or "Rainbird style" nozzles with female threads on the nozzle. In general, I don't recommend mixing different brands of nozzles and bodies.

The following abbreviations are used in the reference chart below for various features of the spray sprinkler models:

• WS = Wiper seal. A wiper seal around the pop-up riser keeps dirt out of the sprinkler and reduces water waste.
• SR = Spring retraction. A spring pulls the pop-up riser back into the body after irrigation.
• FS = Filter screen. A screen installed inside the sprinkler helps protect the nozzle from debris in the water which might get caught in the nozzle. This is not a substitute for cleaning out the pipe when installing! Most screens are only partially effective.
• RM = Ratchet mechanism. Ratcheting allows the riser to be turned independent of the body. To realign the spray direction you don't need to turn the entire sprinkler, just the riser. The ratcheting mechanism holds it in the new position. Sometimes called a "friction collar" or "adjustable stem position".
• MP = Matched precipitation rate nozzles. You can mix various nozzles made by the manufacturer on the same valve zone. For example you could use a 10' radius quarter circle, 15' radius full circle, and a 4'x15' strip spray nozzle all on the same valve zone and the water application uniformity remains constant. Without this feature you get wet and dry areas and lots of wasted water.
• UM = Universal male thread nozzle. This sprinkler uses universal male thread pattern nozzles. That means the nozzle will fit on any brand or model spray sprinkler that also uses universal male nozzles. I strongly recommend that all the spray-type nozzles on a valve zone be made by the same manufacturer. The matched precipitation rates of Brand A nozzles will probably not match those of Brand B.
• UF = Universal female thread nozzle. This sprinkler uses universal female thread pattern nozzles. That means the nozzle will fit on any brand or model spray sprinkler that also uses universal female nozzles. I strongly recommend that all the nozzles on a valve zone be made by the same manufacturer. The matched precipitation rates of Brand A nozzles will probably not match those of Brand B.
• Sediment basin or trap. A sediment basin is a recessed area at the bottom of the sprinkler body where sediment can settle and become trapped. When the sprinkler is turned off, small grains of sand and other particles (sediment) that were caught on the nozzle screen often drop off the screen and settle down to the bottom of the sprinkler. Then the next time the sprinkler is turned on the swirling water rushing through the sprinkler body and riser pushes this sediment back up and eventually it again gets stopped by the nozzle screen. This process repeats each time the sprinkler is run. A settlement basin or trap is a deep recessed area in the bottom of the sprinkler body where this sediment can settle out away from the turbulent flow and it will not be repeatedly blown up into the nozzle screen. This helps the screen stay cleaner and also reduces abrasive wear on the internal parts of the sprinkler that result from sediment repeatedly being swirled up against them.
• CV = Check valve. The check valve keeps water from draining out of the pipes through the sprinkler head when the system stops running. A "must have" feature if your irrigation is installed on a slope or hillside. Without this feature the water in the pipes will drain out every time the valve is closed. This creates puddles or mud pits around the lowest heads where the water drains out. It also causes excessive air discharge the next time the sprinklers are turned on (the sprinklers spit, burp, and cough, which is not good for them or the pipes.) This feature may be optional, that is, it is available but you will only get it with the sprinkler if you request it (and probably pay extra). Most check valves can be easily added as a retrofit item after the sprinkler is installed. You just unscrew the top, pull out the guts, snap in the check valve, then reassemble. No need to dig up the sprinkler. Retrofit check valves can be difficult to find, you may need to special order them from the factory.
• PCD = Pressure Control Discs. These small disks fit into the bottom of the nozzle or are built into the screen. They are essentially a rubber disk with a small hole in it that restricts the water flow. They control the water pressure and flow into the nozzle. They are very handy for reducing the radius of a spray-type sprinkler and they work much, much better than the radius reduction screws on the nozzles. The sprinkler manufacturer will have a chart showing which disc to use with each nozzle to give the exact radius you need. I use PCDs to adjust the radius on all my spray sprinkler systems. If you adjust the radius of a sprinkler using the screw on top of the nozzle, and then the next time you turn it on the sprinkler no longer sprays water, installing a PCD will cure the problem. PCDs are not generic, you must get the specific one made for your brand and model of spray head.
• PR = Pressure regulation. An built-in pressure regulator maintains uniform pattern under varying pressures. These are basically for correcting problems with existing sprinkler systems. Unless installed on a hillside, a well-designed system shouldn't have pressure variations in it that would require a regulator at the sprinkler. It is generally less expensive to utilize a single pressure regulator at the valve or at the water source. Exception: this pressure regulation feature is helpful when you have sprinklers installed on a steep hillside where the sprinklers at the bottom of the hill will have much more pressure than those at the top. This feature may be optional, that is, it is available but you will only get it with the sprinkler if you request it (and probably pay extra).
• SI = Side inlet. An optional side inlet allows the pipe to be installed into either the side or bottom of the sprinkler. This allows the use of a shallower trench. Warning: If you use the side inlet it is very difficult to replace the sprinkler if it breaks! On many brands the pressure regulation and check valve features will not work if you use the side inlet. In general I do not advise using the side inlets. All sprinklers that have a side inlet also have a bottom inlet, so having a side inlet isn't something to avoid when selecting a sprinkler. It is something to avoid using when you install them! Many 6" pop-ups and most 12" pop-ups come with a side inlet whether you want it or not.
• NP = Non-potable water markings. Purple-colored markings are available for the sprinkler, generally with the label "Do Not Drink" on them. In most cases this is a replacement cap for the sprinkler, some are snap on covers that go over the standard cap. Purple is the universal color for identifying a water source that is unsafe for human contact. In many places treated sewage and "gray water" (untreated waste water from sinks or showers) are used for irrigation water, thus these warning labels are needed. This item may be optional, that is, you will only get it with the sprinkler if you request it (and probably pay extra).
• VR = Vandal Resistant. Has a feature that makes the sprinkler more vandal resistant. In most cases this is a lock screw that prevents easy removal of the sprinkler without a special tool, probably an Allen wrench. Sometimes a metal cap is also part of the package. This feature may be optional, that is, it is available but you will only get it with the sprinkler if you request it (and probably pay extra).