Irrigation Sprinkler - Sprinkler Use

Sprinkler Use

Most irrigation sprinklers are used as part of a sprinkler system, consisting of various plumbing parts, piping and control equipment. Piping is connected to the water source via plumbing fittings and the control system opens and closes valves to provide water on a schedule. The control provided varies depending on the equipment used; some systems are fully automated and even compensate for rain, runoff and evaporation, while others require much more user attention for the same effectiveness.

Outdoor sprinkler systems are sometimes used as a deterrent against homeless people. For example, the city of Los Angeles installed an elaborate overhead sprinkler system in a downtown park along lower Fifth Street. This sprinkler system was programmed to drench unsuspecting sleepers at random times during the night. Local businessmen soon copied this system in an effort to drive homeless people away from public sidewalks adjacent to their businesses.