Irrigation equipment
A residential system has five equipment groups: a backflow prevention assembly protecting the drinking water supply, zone valves controlled by low-voltage wiring, distribution piping, emission devices (spray heads, rotors or drip emitters), and a controller with optional rain or soil moisture sensors. The controller is the cheapest component with the biggest effect on your water bill - EPA WaterSense estimates up to 15,000 gallons a year saved by moving from a clock timer to a WaterSense labeled weather- or soil-moisture-based controller.
Heads first. Spray heads throw a fixed fan of water over short distances at a high application rate; rotors and rotary nozzles turn and cover more area at a lower rate. The critical rule is that a single zone must use devices with matching precipitation rates - mixing sprays and rotors on one valve guarantees that part of the zone is drowned while part stays dry. If someone has done that in your yard, that's the dry-spot explanation.
Valves and wiring are the system's nervous system. Each zone has a solenoid valve that opens when the controller energizes it. Solenoids, wire splices and controller outputs are the most common failure points, and they're all inexpensive - which is why a dead zone is usually a small bill, not a redesign.
The backflow prevention assembly is not optional equipment. It's the device that stops water in your irrigation lines - which sit in soil, near fertilizer and pet waste - from being pulled back into the drinking water system if supply pressure drops. EPA's cross-connection guidance names lawn irrigation as a common risk, and the required device type is set by your state and water utility.
Sensors close the loop. A rain sensor stops a cycle that shouldn't run; a soil moisture sensor measures what's actually in the ground. WaterSense labels both weather-based and soil-moisture-based controllers, and many utilities rebate them - EPA's rebate finder lists programs, though EPA doesn't fund them and tells homeowners to contact their water provider directly.
Choosing irrigation equipment
The judgement calls that decide the bill, before anyone quotes you.
- Never mix head types in one zone Sprays and rotors apply water at very different rates. Mixed zones cannot be scheduled correctly, period.
- Spend on the controller It's the lowest-cost, highest-leverage component. EPA estimates up to 15,000 gallons a year saved versus a clock timer.
- Confirm the backflow assembly and its type Device type is set by your state and water utility based on hazard level. Ask what's installed and whether it's the type your utility requires.
- Ask about pressure regulation Pressure-regulating heads stop misting and drift. It's a small upcharge with a permanent efficiency return.
- Standardize on parts you can buy locally Obscure heads and controllers mean waiting for parts. Ask what the contractor stocks on the truck.
All irrigation equipment
Irrigation Controllers
Smart Irrigation Controllers
Rotary Sprinkler Heads
Spray Sprinkler Heads
Drip Emitters and Tubing
Irrigation Valves
Backflow Preventers
Rain Sensors
Soil Moisture Sensors
Pressure Regulators
Irrigation Pumps
Filter Assemblies Drip
Where these figures come from
Sources last checked
- EPA WaterSense - Irrigation Controllers · retrieved 2026-07-26
- EPA - Cross-Connection Control Fact Sheet · retrieved 2026-07-26
- EPA WaterSense - Rebate Finder · retrieved 2026-07-26
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