When it comes to selecting the right Rain Bird nozzle for your lawn or garden, there are a few key factors to consider. The type of plant material you need to water, the size of your watering zones, and your water pressure will all play a role in determining the best nozzle type and spray pattern for your needs. In this article, we’ll walk through the different types of Rain Bird nozzles, their spray patterns, and how to choose the right one for your irrigation system.
Rotary Nozzles vs Spray Nozzles
The first decision to make is whether you need rotary nozzles or spray nozzles. Rotary nozzles are designed to distribute water slowly and evenly, ideal for watering lawns and larger areas. The rotating streams provide increased uniformity and use less water compared to traditional spray nozzles. Spray nozzles put out a fan shaped, fixed spray pattern and are better suited for flower beds, shrubs and smaller spaces that need more concentrated watering.
Rotary Nozzle Types
Rain Bird offers several rotary nozzle models to handle various precipitation rates, flow rates, and radii. The R-VAN adjusts its arc and radius with pressure changes to maintain an efficient spray pattern. The Radius rotary nozzles are available in multiple fixed arcs and distances. The Rotor rotary nozzles also have fixed arc options but higher flow rates for increased coverage area.
Spray Nozzle Types
For spray nozzles, key choices include spray distance, spray angle/arc, and nozzle flow rate. Standard spray nozzles have preset distances up to 14 feet and arcs from 25 to 360 degrees. The Pro Spray Series provides enhanced adjustment of distance and arc settings. Variable arc nozzles allow easy adjustment of the spray pattern after installation. Rain Curtain nozzles produce a wide, low pressure spray for border areas. There are also specialty nozzles like root watering and micro-sprays for containers.
How Precipitation Rate Impacts Nozzle Selection
The amount of water applied per hour by the irrigation system is referred to as the precipitation rate and is measured in inches per hour. Rotary nozzles generally have lower precipitation rates than spray nozzles. To maximize efficiency, you want to select a nozzle that aligns with your landscape’s watering needs and soil infiltration rate. If too much water is applied too quickly, runoff can occur. On the flip side, a rate that is too low could lead to dry spots.
Plant Type | Recommended Precipitation Rate |
---|---|
Lawn | 0.5 – 1.0 inches/hour |
Shrubs | 0.5 – 1.5 inches/hour |
Flower Beds | 1.0 – 2.0 inches/hour |
Check the precipitation rate specifications on the Rain Bird nozzle packaging or spec sheet. Rotor rotary nozzles range from 0.4-1.6 inches/hour while spray nozzles are typically 1.5-2.5 inches/hour. Select the nozzle that best matches your landscape’s needs and infiltration rate.
Choosing the Right Spray Distance and Radius
For both rotary and spray nozzles, available spray distances range from as short as 2 feet up to 35 feet for some models. Choose the spray distance based on the size of the area being watered. Optimal irrigation design has head-to-head coverage, meaning the spray reaches from one sprinkler head to the adjacent one with a little overlap. Spray nozzles should be spaced 50% of the nozzle’s spray diameter. For example, an 8 foot nozzle would be spaced every 4 feet. Rotary nozzles have recommended spacing of 55-60% of the spray diameter.
For part-circle rotary nozzles, common adjustable arc options include 90, 180, 210, and 270 degrees. This allows tailoring the watering pattern to fit the zone. Spray nozzles are available in standard arcs from 25 to 360 degrees. Consider how the zone is shaped when selecting the arc.
Water Pressure Considerations
Nozzle spray distance and performance is also affected by water pressure. Check the product specifications for the required operating pressure range. Spray nozzles typically need at least 30 PSI while some rotary models require a minimum of 45-50 PSI. Pressure regulators on the sprinkler heads or valves can be used if pressure is too high. For low pressure, look for nozzles designed to operate at lower PSI. Consider adding a booster pump if pressure cannot be adequately increased.
Flow Rate Capacity
The nozzle’s flow rate, measured in GPM or gallons per minute, indicates how much water flow it allows. Flow rate ties to the precipitation rate, higher flow enables more water volume applied. Make sure the nozzle’s flow rate capacity meets the zone’s needs but isn’t exceeding the output capacity of the valves and water supply lines. This ensures optimal pressure and performance across the irrigation system.
Specialty Nozzle Features
Some other Rain Bird nozzle features to consider for specific situations:
- Pressure compensating nozzles adjust flow rate to maintain uniform distribution if pressure fluctuates
- Nozzles with built-in check valves prevent low head drainage
- Stainless steel nozzles for corrosion resistance
- MP Rotator nozzles for matched precipitation across arcs
- U-series nozzles for uphill terrain
Putting it All Together
As you can see, there are quite a few factors that go into selecting the ideal Rain Bird nozzle. Start by taking stock of your landscape’s specific needs. What type of plant material is being watered? What are the size, shape and terrain of the watering zones? Evaluate your water supply and irrigation system. What is your available water pressure? What are the flow rate capacities? With this information in mind, you can then zero in on the best nozzle type and features to optimize spray pattern, coverage, and efficiency for the zones.
For example, a rectangular front lawn zone might use 180 degree, 35 foot R-VAN rotary nozzles spaced at 20 feet for head-to-head coverage. A long, narrow side strip with shrubs and flowers could use a 180 degree variable arc nozzle at a 12 foot spray distance every 6 feet. For a small island garden bed, 360 degree 8 foot micro-sprays set at 3 foot spacing may be ideal. Take the time to match each zone’s specifications to the right nozzle model and configuration from Rain Bird’s extensive product line.
Conclusion
Choosing the ideal Rain Bird nozzle requires taking into account a variety of factors – plant watering needs, zone size and shape, terrain, water pressure, and flow rate capacity. Start by evaluating the landscape zone’s specific requirements. Then use Rain Bird’s extensive selection of rotary nozzles, spray nozzles and specialty products to dial in the best spray pattern, precipitation rate, flow rate, and features to deliver optimum coverage and irrigation efficiency. With the right nozzle matched to each zone, your Rain Bird irrigation system can distribute water evenly and effectively to keep landscapes thriving.