Observe the system after rain to be sure it is functioning properly. Pressure Regulator Figure 3. Proper system pressure is critical to peak irrigation system performance. Your irrigation system may have a pressure reducing valve. This is true for both sprinkler and drip irrigation systems.
Excessive pressure results in fogging, misting and even the physical bursting of system components.
Misting creates very fine droplets and distorts spray patterns causing non-uniform water distribution and water waste. On the other hand, insufficient pressure causes inadequate break-up of sprinkler spray patterns and uneven discharge rates from sprinklers or emitters. You should have at least two pressure regulators if your system uses a sprinkler system for turf and a drip system for shrubs and flower borders. Two regulators may be required if a combination of impact or other rotating spray-type sprinklers are used. Pressure regulator function can be evaluated by checking the pressure at various locations within the system.