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How Long To Water Lawn

Discussion in 'Homeowners Corner' started by mikec, Apr 16, 2010.

  1. mikec

    mikec New Member

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    Hi,

    I just got a water sprinkler system put in and was wondering how long and how many days a week I should water the lawn. I think the lawn is supposed to get 1.5 - 2 inches of water per week so I was thinking of watering 2 days per week but not sure how long to water each zone to get the deep soaking the lawn needs.

    Thanks.
     
  2. JLC

    JLC Member

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    Each system is going to be different. It all depends on your heads and zones. I've seen it suggested that you place an empty tuna can in each zone and then time how long it takes to get the amount of water you need. Take that number and divide by two and that's how long you water twice a week.
     
  3. lilpea

    lilpea Member

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    We've had a system for a few years and this the routine our sprinkler company programmed for us

    Spring Months (April-early June):
    twice a week, each sprinkler zone 5 minutes but each drip line zone 15 minutes.

    Summer Months (mid-June to early-Sept)
    early AM - 3 times a week 8-10 minutes for sprinklers and 20 for drip line zones.
    late PM (around 8PM) 2 times a week 5 minutes each zone

    If you have a Rain Gage it will determine if the system needs to be dormant.
     
  4. Villager

    Villager Ashburn Village Resident

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    It's also recommended that you water for one short period of time, give it a while to soak in, and then run it for another short time. This helps everything get enough water without flooding the grass.
     
  5. Mr. Linux

    Mr. Linux Senior Member & Moderator Forum Staff

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    Just a word of caution to everyone. Loudoun Water has increased their rates this year and if you happen to end up using over 25,000 gallons it's going to cost you A LOT. This is especially true for pool owners. So, keep your water usage in mind this year and try to avoid hitting the Tier 2 level at all cost. You might not want to turn on those sprinklers as often as you thought you would...

    http://www.loudouni.com/business/20...r-prepares-rate-increase-one-user-asking-less
     
  6. JLC

    JLC Member

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    I'm going to try that this year. My front yard has a slope and I think it'll help decrease runoff.
     
  7. wahoogeek

    wahoogeek New Member

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    one watering per week is highly recommended over two shorter waterings for lawns.
     
  8. flynnibus

    flynnibus Well-Known Member Forum Staff

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    I love people quoted in articles that only think of themselves.

    Did they ever consider prices are also set taking into account targeted total revenue? Prices aren't set purely a 'cost by consumption' model.

    If you need to make a million dollars... do you charge all your customers the same equal amount, or do you charge less in one area or more in another based on volume.

    People that go 'well I only use X' don't take into account that if everyone were charged a flat price for everything... and you are in the high volume segment, you costs would likely go UP under such a model.

    Yes, in this case the water company also has incentives built into the pricing model. And without such incentives, overall consumption could go up, driving up EVERYONE's costs if you were in a 'one price fits all' model. So I really wish these people would think outside of their own little world sometimes.
     
  9. Villager

    Villager Ashburn Village Resident

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    In this case what I mean is to water for a short time, wait a few hours, then water it again to help decrease runoff. That way half of your once a week watering doesn't just run down the sidewalk or street. :)
     
  10. Winston

    Winston Junior Mint

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    That doesn't allow for the grass roots to grow a deep root system.
     
  11. JLC

    JLC Member

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    I've tried doing it just once a week but it was hard, emotionally, for me to run the sprinkler that long each time! I usually end up splitting it up and doing it twice a week.
     
  12. JLC

    JLC Member

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    I wouldn't wait a few hours. Water the zone that has runoff problems first, for half it's time, then hit it again after the other zones are done. This allows the water to be absorbed and the ground is ready to absorb more by the time it gets watered again but it's hasn't dried out. Or so I'm hoping.
     
  13. wahoogeek

    wahoogeek New Member

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    LOL, I understand but your grass (roots) will thank you for the longer less frequent waterings versus the more frequent shorter waterings.

    If the water is running off before soaking in, the volume needs to be turned down. Can you do that with your system?
     
  14. JLC

    JLC Member

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    Yes, I can - what does that do? I thought by decreasing the volume of water, it was basically just decreasing the amount of watering time.
     
  15. wahoogeek

    wahoogeek New Member

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    I should have stated flow rate, not volume. Lower flow rate = less pooling and runoff but longer overall watering time (to reach the same 1-2" total).
     

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