Frequently Asked QuestionsGeneral
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I WATER MY LAWN AND FOR HOW LONG?
WHAT TIME OF DAY SHOULD I WATER?
WHAT SHOULD I DO WHEN IT RAINS?
WHAT SHOULD I DO TO SHUT DOWN MY SYSTEM IN THE WINTER?
WHAT SHOULD I DO TO RESTART MY PROGRAM IN THE SPRING?
WHAT MAINTENANCE DO I NEED TO DO ON MY IRRIGATION SYSTEM?
WHY DO I HAVE DIRTY WATER, AND IF I HAVE DIRTY WATER, WHAT SHOULD I DO?
HOW DO I DIG UNDER SIDEWALKS?
CAN YOU TELL ME MORE ABOUT TRENCHING FOR IRRIGATION PIPES?
HOW DEEP SHOULD I INSTALL MY SYSTEM?
DOES RAIN BIRD OFFER ANY TRAINING OR IRRIGATION DESIGN SEMINARS FOR PROFESSIONALS AND/OR HOMEOWNERS?
WHAT ARE GPM AND PSI AND HOW DO I FIGURE THEM OUT?
I WANT TO IRRIGATE USING WATER FROM A LAKE/STREAM. WHAT DO I NEED FOR THIS?
WHERE CAN I PURCHASE FERTILIZER AND/OR FERTILIZER PRODUCTS FOR USE IN RAIN BIRD SYSTEMS?
WHAT INFORMATION WILL I NEED TO PROVIDE RAIN BIRD FOR FAST AND ACCURATE TECHNICAL SERVICE?
HOW MANY UNITS DO I HAVE TO PURCHASE AT A TIME IN ORDER TO GET A QUANTITY DISCOUNT?
WHAT IS A DATE CODE AND WHERE CAN I FIND IT?
I AM A LANDSCAPING/PLUMBING PROFESSIONAL AND I AM INTERESTED IN INSTALLING RAIN BIRD SYSTEMS AND/OR RECEIVING TRAINING. WHERE CAN I GO?
WHERE CAN I GET A PRICE LIST FOR CONSUMER PRODUCTS?
WHERE CAN I GET A COMPLETE CATALOG OF CONSUMER PRODUCTS?
DO THE CONTRACTORS WHO PUT IN MY SPRINKLER SYSTEM WORK FOR RAIN BIRD?
Back to Frequently Asked Questions Index
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I WATER MY LAWN AND FOR HOW LONG?
Because each lawn is unique, the answer to this question can vary greatly. The best watering times and length of watering depends on your climate, the type of grass and soil conditions. It is generally preferable to water infrequently for a longer period of time than frequently for short periods. Watering infrequently provides deep water sources that roots search for. Frequent watering promotes surface root growth. For specific information, we suggest you contact your nearest nursery, garden center, or the local horticultural extension office and consult with them about a watering schedule best suited to your area.
Return to Top
WHAT TIME OF DAY SHOULD I WATER?
Rain Bird recommends watering early in the morning, followed by evening watering. Water in the middle of the day only if it is cool or if you have a new lawn requiring constant moisture. You only should water more than once per day if evaporation is extreme or if your soil won’t hold water because of the clay content or the slope of a hill causes too much runoff.
Return to Top
WHAT SHOULD I DO WHEN IT RAINS?
Most timers have a button for shutting down for rain. In addition, connecting to a Rain Shutoff Device allows automatic shutdown during rainy weather.
Return to Top
WHAT SHOULD I DO TO SHUT DOWN MY SYSTEM IN THE WINTER?
Please consult our Winterization Guide (PDF: 91 KB).
Return to Top
WHAT SHOULD I DO TO RESTART MY PROGRAM IN THE SPRING?
Please consult our Winterization Guide (PDF: 91 KB).
Return to Top
WHAT MAINTENANCE DO I NEED TO DO ON MY IRRIGATION SYSTEM?
Monthly you should: Adjust timer settings. 1. Check and adjust sprinkler sprays. 2. Clean mainline filter (if installed). 3. Once per season you should: Clean filters in all sprinkler heads. 1. Manually operate each valve. 2. Check wire and wirenuts for any damage. 3. As needed you should: Unclog sprinkler heads. 1. Adjust installation levels of heads to ground level.
Return to Top
WHY DO I HAVE DIRTY WATER, AND IF I HAVE DIRTY WATER, WHAT SHOULD I DO?
Some parts of the United States have secondary water systems, pump systems or backyard wells to supply water to sprinkler systems. Invariably, these water sources have a lot of debris, sand, moss, seashells and other contaminants in the water which are not trapped by the inlet screen. These particles act as miniature drills and damage valves, fittings and heads during sprinkler operation. To eliminate most of these problems, Rain Bird recommends installing a filter on the mainline. There are a variety of types, but we recommend a "wye" or "tee" filter that can be easily accessed and cleaned. Look for a stainless steel filter if your water is particularly grimy. Be sure to search for a filter that will handle enough water flow.
Return to Top
HOW DO I DIG UNDER SIDEWALKS?
By attaching a power nozzle to the pipe end and "jetting" under the walk.
Return to Top
CAN YOU TELL ME MORE ABOUT TRENCHING FOR IRRIGATION PIPES?
A trencher is a machine used to dig a trench in your lawn for irrigation pipes that is usually 6" wide and up to 18" deep. Of course, you only have to go about 8-12" deep to bury irrigation pipes. Always remove any existing sod with a sod cutter before using the trencher, or it will destroy your lawn. Here's another option. If you are using poly-type rolled tubing, you can use a pipe puller. This tool is similar to a trencher, but it pulls the pipe underground and leaves only a small slit in the lawn.
Return to Top
HOW DEEP SHOULD I INSTALL MY SYSTEM?
Sprinkler pipe should be installed 8 to 12 inches below the final surface grade to protect pipes from the elements and possible damage. You can use a pipe puller or trencher to bury your pipes. Pipes buried this deep will still need to be winterized to protect them from freezing conditions. For more information on winterizing call your local contractor or see the Winterization Guide (PDF: 91 KB).
Return to Top
DOES RAIN BIRD OFFER ANY TRAINING OR IRRIGATION DESIGN SEMINARS FOR PROFESSIONALS AND/OR HOMEOWNERS?
Rain Bird offers a wide variety of seminars and educational programs - ranging from basic to advanced design -- through many of our distributors and retailers. For the most accurate information on seminars near you, contact your local distributor or retailer.
Return to Top
WHAT ARE GPM AND PSI AND HOW DO I FIGURE THEM OUT?
GPM stands for Gallons Per Minute. This refers to the amount of water your irrigation system receives through the pipes. PSI stands for Pounds per Square Inch and refers to the pressure of water being supplied to your system. Both need to be figured out before you can design an effective irrigation system or submit for our design service. Many home centers, rental agencies or hardware and plumbing stores let you rent a pressure gauge to test your system pressure (or PSI). Your water company can also tell you the pressure of water being supplied to your residence. Of course, it is always best to take the water and pressure reading yourself in order to provide accurate design specifics. This is especially important in many areas where the water pressure delivered to a residence can be extreme and a pressure regulator must be installed to protect the equipment and ensure good irrigation coverage. To calculate the GPM, you simply need a bucket of any size (as long as you know exactly what size it is), a watch with a second hand, and some simple math. Go to the hose bib closest to the water feed coming into your home or building. Make sure there is no water running anywhere inside or outside while you do this test. Turn the hose bib on full blast and place the bucket under the bib. Time exactly how long it takes to fill the bucket. Then, take the size of the bucket and divide it by the time it took to fill it up. Multiply by 60 and round your answer to the nearest whole number. This is the GPM rate coming into your system.
Return to Top
I WANT TO IRRIGATE USING WATER FROM A LAKE/STREAM. WHAT DO I NEED FOR THIS?
Many sites today are successfully using untreated water from lakes or streams to irrigate. Of course, this does require special equipment. You will need a pump to move the water and to provide water pressure for your system. You will also need a dirty water filter to make sure that debris (even from the cleanest lake or stream water) does not clog your sprinklers. Rain Bird does not manufacture these filters, but your local distributor should be able to provide you with some choices. While Rain Bird does not manufacture pumps, our equipment is compatible with most pump choices.
Return to Top
WHERE CAN I PURCHASE FERTILIZER AND/OR FERTILIZER PRODUCTS FOR USE IN RAIN BIRD SYSTEMS?
Rain Bird does not manufacture fertigation systems for use on residential irrigation systems in the USA at this time. However, our equipment does work with the leading fertilizer injector systems. Your local distributor can give your more information on fertilization systems best for your needs.
Return to Top
WHAT INFORMATION WILL I NEED TO PROVIDE RAIN BIRD FOR FAST AND ACCURATE TECHNICAL SERVICE?
The more specifics you have prior to calling the Rain Bird Technical Help Line (800) 724-6247, the more quickly we'll be able to help you. Gather whatever product information you can. Sprinklers, valves, controllers and other Rain Bird products usually have a model designation or number visible on their brass or plastic surfaces. If a product was sold attached to cardboard or if you have an instruction manual, that's usually the easiest place to find the product model number. We do keep track of your phone number and name for our records so we can provide even faster service the next time you call. Our goal is to provide customer service that is constantly improving.
Return to Top
HOW MANY UNITS DO I HAVE TO PURCHASE AT A TIME IN ORDER TO GET A QUANTITY DISCOUNT?
Rather than offering discounts for quantity purchases, Rain Bird tries to deliver good value - strong products at a fair price - to all customers all of the time.
Return to Top
WHAT IS A DATE CODE AND WHERE CAN I FIND IT?
The date code indicates when a product was manufactured. It's another way we can track quality. A date code includes abbreviations of the day, month and year a product was made. It looks something like this: 17SE00. On sprinklers, you can usually find the date code on the sprinkler's top edge, though it may be difficult to see. If you are unable to see a date code on the sprinkler in question, take a piece of chalk and rub it around the edge. The code should then be highlighted. On controllers, the date code label may be in one of several areas. Check the back of the unit, inside the door, under the outside of the controller where the wires come into the timer, or on the front panel of the timer near the fuse.
Return to Top
I AM A LANDSCAPING/PLUMBING PROFESSIONAL AND I AM INTERESTED IN INSTALLING RAIN BIRD SYSTEMS AND/OR RECEIVING TRAINING. WHERE CAN I GO?
For complete information on training in your area or for information on becoming a Rain Bird Select Contractor, please contact your local Rain Bird distributor. We have many instructional videos and manuals available to order that will provide a background and basic understanding of how irrigation systems work and are designed.
Return to Top
WHERE CAN I GET A PRICE LIST FOR CONSUMER PRODUCTS?
Rain Bird does not publish a general price list for homeowner products because prices vary too much around the country among the various retailers. We can handle special orders by phone, but we do not undersell our retail distributors. For individual list prices or for the phone number of a distributor in your area, call (800) 724-6247.
Return to Top
WHERE CAN I GET A COMPLETE CATALOG OF CONSUMER PRODUCTS?
For your convenience, the most recent Do-It-Yourself Rain Bird catalog (PDF: 5,744 KB) is available on our website. The catalog is regularly updated to reflect the latest developments and product releases.
Return to Top
DO THE CONTRACTORS WHO PUT IN MY SPRINKLER SYSTEM WORK FOR RAIN BIRD?
No, the contractors who install systems are independent contractors. They may use Rain Bird products but DO NOT work for Rain Bird. Rain Bird does not have control of what any independent contractor does or what products they use. The only contractors to whom Rain Bird refers are Rain Bird Select Contractors. These independent contractors (do not work for Rain Bird) must meet several Rain Bird requirements before being recognized as a select contractor. Some of these include: being licensed and insured in accordance with state and local requirements, active in irrigation contracting business for at least three years, and have membership in at least one or more professional irrigation associations. They must respond to job leads within 24 hours and be prompt for all sale calls and site inspections. They will provide the customer with quality system design and installation while using professional grade products and give the customer a walk-through of a completed system.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I WATER MY LAWN AND FOR HOW LONG?
WHAT TIME OF DAY SHOULD I WATER?
WHAT SHOULD I DO WHEN IT RAINS?
WHAT SHOULD I DO TO SHUT DOWN MY SYSTEM IN THE WINTER?
WHAT SHOULD I DO TO RESTART MY PROGRAM IN THE SPRING?
WHAT MAINTENANCE DO I NEED TO DO ON MY IRRIGATION SYSTEM?
WHY DO I HAVE DIRTY WATER, AND IF I HAVE DIRTY WATER, WHAT SHOULD I DO?
HOW DO I DIG UNDER SIDEWALKS?
CAN YOU TELL ME MORE ABOUT TRENCHING FOR IRRIGATION PIPES?
HOW DEEP SHOULD I INSTALL MY SYSTEM?
DOES RAIN BIRD OFFER ANY TRAINING OR IRRIGATION DESIGN SEMINARS FOR PROFESSIONALS AND/OR HOMEOWNERS?
WHAT ARE GPM AND PSI AND HOW DO I FIGURE THEM OUT?
I WANT TO IRRIGATE USING WATER FROM A LAKE/STREAM. WHAT DO I NEED FOR THIS?
WHERE CAN I PURCHASE FERTILIZER AND/OR FERTILIZER PRODUCTS FOR USE IN RAIN BIRD SYSTEMS?
WHAT INFORMATION WILL I NEED TO PROVIDE RAIN BIRD FOR FAST AND ACCURATE TECHNICAL SERVICE?
HOW MANY UNITS DO I HAVE TO PURCHASE AT A TIME IN ORDER TO GET A QUANTITY DISCOUNT?
WHAT IS A DATE CODE AND WHERE CAN I FIND IT?
I AM A LANDSCAPING/PLUMBING PROFESSIONAL AND I AM INTERESTED IN INSTALLING RAIN BIRD SYSTEMS AND/OR RECEIVING TRAINING. WHERE CAN I GO?
WHERE CAN I GET A PRICE LIST FOR CONSUMER PRODUCTS?
WHERE CAN I GET A COMPLETE CATALOG OF CONSUMER PRODUCTS?
DO THE CONTRACTORS WHO PUT IN MY SPRINKLER SYSTEM WORK FOR RAIN BIRD?
Back to Frequently Asked Questions Index
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I WATER MY LAWN AND FOR HOW LONG?
Because each lawn is unique, the answer to this question can vary greatly. The best watering times and length of watering depends on your climate, the type of grass and soil conditions. It is generally preferable to water infrequently for a longer period of time than frequently for short periods. Watering infrequently provides deep water sources that roots search for. Frequent watering promotes surface root growth. For specific information, we suggest you contact your nearest nursery, garden center, or the local horticultural extension office and consult with them about a watering schedule best suited to your area.
Return to Top
WHAT TIME OF DAY SHOULD I WATER?
Rain Bird recommends watering early in the morning, followed by evening watering. Water in the middle of the day only if it is cool or if you have a new lawn requiring constant moisture. You only should water more than once per day if evaporation is extreme or if your soil won’t hold water because of the clay content or the slope of a hill causes too much runoff.
Return to Top
WHAT SHOULD I DO WHEN IT RAINS?
Most timers have a button for shutting down for rain. In addition, connecting to a Rain Shutoff Device allows automatic shutdown during rainy weather.
Return to Top
WHAT SHOULD I DO TO SHUT DOWN MY SYSTEM IN THE WINTER?
Please consult our Winterization Guide (PDF: 91 KB).
Return to Top
WHAT SHOULD I DO TO RESTART MY PROGRAM IN THE SPRING?
Please consult our Winterization Guide (PDF: 91 KB).
Return to Top
WHAT MAINTENANCE DO I NEED TO DO ON MY IRRIGATION SYSTEM?
Monthly you should: Adjust timer settings. 1. Check and adjust sprinkler sprays. 2. Clean mainline filter (if installed). 3. Once per season you should: Clean filters in all sprinkler heads. 1. Manually operate each valve. 2. Check wire and wirenuts for any damage. 3. As needed you should: Unclog sprinkler heads. 1. Adjust installation levels of heads to ground level.
Return to Top
WHY DO I HAVE DIRTY WATER, AND IF I HAVE DIRTY WATER, WHAT SHOULD I DO?
Some parts of the United States have secondary water systems, pump systems or backyard wells to supply water to sprinkler systems. Invariably, these water sources have a lot of debris, sand, moss, seashells and other contaminants in the water which are not trapped by the inlet screen. These particles act as miniature drills and damage valves, fittings and heads during sprinkler operation. To eliminate most of these problems, Rain Bird recommends installing a filter on the mainline. There are a variety of types, but we recommend a "wye" or "tee" filter that can be easily accessed and cleaned. Look for a stainless steel filter if your water is particularly grimy. Be sure to search for a filter that will handle enough water flow.
Return to Top
HOW DO I DIG UNDER SIDEWALKS?
By attaching a power nozzle to the pipe end and "jetting" under the walk.
Return to Top
CAN YOU TELL ME MORE ABOUT TRENCHING FOR IRRIGATION PIPES?
A trencher is a machine used to dig a trench in your lawn for irrigation pipes that is usually 6" wide and up to 18" deep. Of course, you only have to go about 8-12" deep to bury irrigation pipes. Always remove any existing sod with a sod cutter before using the trencher, or it will destroy your lawn. Here's another option. If you are using poly-type rolled tubing, you can use a pipe puller. This tool is similar to a trencher, but it pulls the pipe underground and leaves only a small slit in the lawn.
Return to Top
HOW DEEP SHOULD I INSTALL MY SYSTEM?
Sprinkler pipe should be installed 8 to 12 inches below the final surface grade to protect pipes from the elements and possible damage. You can use a pipe puller or trencher to bury your pipes. Pipes buried this deep will still need to be winterized to protect them from freezing conditions. For more information on winterizing call your local contractor or see the Winterization Guide (PDF: 91 KB).
Return to Top
DOES RAIN BIRD OFFER ANY TRAINING OR IRRIGATION DESIGN SEMINARS FOR PROFESSIONALS AND/OR HOMEOWNERS?
Rain Bird offers a wide variety of seminars and educational programs - ranging from basic to advanced design -- through many of our distributors and retailers. For the most accurate information on seminars near you, contact your local distributor or retailer.
Return to Top
WHAT ARE GPM AND PSI AND HOW DO I FIGURE THEM OUT?
GPM stands for Gallons Per Minute. This refers to the amount of water your irrigation system receives through the pipes. PSI stands for Pounds per Square Inch and refers to the pressure of water being supplied to your system. Both need to be figured out before you can design an effective irrigation system or submit for our design service. Many home centers, rental agencies or hardware and plumbing stores let you rent a pressure gauge to test your system pressure (or PSI). Your water company can also tell you the pressure of water being supplied to your residence. Of course, it is always best to take the water and pressure reading yourself in order to provide accurate design specifics. This is especially important in many areas where the water pressure delivered to a residence can be extreme and a pressure regulator must be installed to protect the equipment and ensure good irrigation coverage. To calculate the GPM, you simply need a bucket of any size (as long as you know exactly what size it is), a watch with a second hand, and some simple math. Go to the hose bib closest to the water feed coming into your home or building. Make sure there is no water running anywhere inside or outside while you do this test. Turn the hose bib on full blast and place the bucket under the bib. Time exactly how long it takes to fill the bucket. Then, take the size of the bucket and divide it by the time it took to fill it up. Multiply by 60 and round your answer to the nearest whole number. This is the GPM rate coming into your system.
Return to Top
I WANT TO IRRIGATE USING WATER FROM A LAKE/STREAM. WHAT DO I NEED FOR THIS?
Many sites today are successfully using untreated water from lakes or streams to irrigate. Of course, this does require special equipment. You will need a pump to move the water and to provide water pressure for your system. You will also need a dirty water filter to make sure that debris (even from the cleanest lake or stream water) does not clog your sprinklers. Rain Bird does not manufacture these filters, but your local distributor should be able to provide you with some choices. While Rain Bird does not manufacture pumps, our equipment is compatible with most pump choices.
Return to Top
WHERE CAN I PURCHASE FERTILIZER AND/OR FERTILIZER PRODUCTS FOR USE IN RAIN BIRD SYSTEMS?
Rain Bird does not manufacture fertigation systems for use on residential irrigation systems in the USA at this time. However, our equipment does work with the leading fertilizer injector systems. Your local distributor can give your more information on fertilization systems best for your needs.
Return to Top
WHAT INFORMATION WILL I NEED TO PROVIDE RAIN BIRD FOR FAST AND ACCURATE TECHNICAL SERVICE?
The more specifics you have prior to calling the Rain Bird Technical Help Line (800) 724-6247, the more quickly we'll be able to help you. Gather whatever product information you can. Sprinklers, valves, controllers and other Rain Bird products usually have a model designation or number visible on their brass or plastic surfaces. If a product was sold attached to cardboard or if you have an instruction manual, that's usually the easiest place to find the product model number. We do keep track of your phone number and name for our records so we can provide even faster service the next time you call. Our goal is to provide customer service that is constantly improving.
Return to Top
HOW MANY UNITS DO I HAVE TO PURCHASE AT A TIME IN ORDER TO GET A QUANTITY DISCOUNT?
Rather than offering discounts for quantity purchases, Rain Bird tries to deliver good value - strong products at a fair price - to all customers all of the time.
Return to Top
WHAT IS A DATE CODE AND WHERE CAN I FIND IT?
The date code indicates when a product was manufactured. It's another way we can track quality. A date code includes abbreviations of the day, month and year a product was made. It looks something like this: 17SE00. On sprinklers, you can usually find the date code on the sprinkler's top edge, though it may be difficult to see. If you are unable to see a date code on the sprinkler in question, take a piece of chalk and rub it around the edge. The code should then be highlighted. On controllers, the date code label may be in one of several areas. Check the back of the unit, inside the door, under the outside of the controller where the wires come into the timer, or on the front panel of the timer near the fuse.
Return to Top
I AM A LANDSCAPING/PLUMBING PROFESSIONAL AND I AM INTERESTED IN INSTALLING RAIN BIRD SYSTEMS AND/OR RECEIVING TRAINING. WHERE CAN I GO?
For complete information on training in your area or for information on becoming a Rain Bird Select Contractor, please contact your local Rain Bird distributor. We have many instructional videos and manuals available to order that will provide a background and basic understanding of how irrigation systems work and are designed.
Return to Top
WHERE CAN I GET A PRICE LIST FOR CONSUMER PRODUCTS?
Rain Bird does not publish a general price list for homeowner products because prices vary too much around the country among the various retailers. We can handle special orders by phone, but we do not undersell our retail distributors. For individual list prices or for the phone number of a distributor in your area, call (800) 724-6247.
Return to Top
WHERE CAN I GET A COMPLETE CATALOG OF CONSUMER PRODUCTS?
For your convenience, the most recent Do-It-Yourself Rain Bird catalog (PDF: 5,744 KB) is available on our website. The catalog is regularly updated to reflect the latest developments and product releases.
Return to Top
DO THE CONTRACTORS WHO PUT IN MY SPRINKLER SYSTEM WORK FOR RAIN BIRD?
No, the contractors who install systems are independent contractors. They may use Rain Bird products but DO NOT work for Rain Bird. Rain Bird does not have control of what any independent contractor does or what products they use. The only contractors to whom Rain Bird refers are Rain Bird Select Contractors. These independent contractors (do not work for Rain Bird) must meet several Rain Bird requirements before being recognized as a select contractor. Some of these include: being licensed and insured in accordance with state and local requirements, active in irrigation contracting business for at least three years, and have membership in at least one or more professional irrigation associations. They must respond to job leads within 24 hours and be prompt for all sale calls and site inspections. They will provide the customer with quality system design and installation while using professional grade products and give the customer a walk-through of a completed system.
