Landscape Irrigation - Flow Meter
About Flow Meter
Definition
| A flow meter is defined as a computerized element which is able to measure the flow rate of water, air and gas. Flow meters also measure the movement of water running through a drainage pipe. Flow meters are commonly used as part of complete landscape irrigation systems. They are mainly used to ensure enough water is being given to designated areas without unwanted toxins and gases contained in the water. If the water throughout the irrigation system is running slowly throughout the drainage pipes the flow meter will detect this and if there is a problem it can be resolved simply. |
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The Advantages of a Flow Meter
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Your residential landscape irrigation system keeps your plants and gardens healthy and thriving. The irrigation system is connected to a single water source and a single flow meter with a pulse output. Having the knowledge of water flow reading available is regarded as an initial benefit to homeowners and their properties and significant benefits can be realized. |
Advantage 1: sprinkler zones usually relying on designed flow rates will work efficiently as they are designed to. Sprinkler zones also work on cycles where some times of their watering cycle they may only let off small bursts of water. Having a flow meter installed as part of your irrigation system is a great advantage because the sprinkler zones will be controlled and less water wastage will occur.
Advantage 2: if the landscape irrigation system you have consists of small sprinkler heads, then you may face a problem of them being mowed off when the lawns are being trimmed. Most people will not notice this occurrence. When the sprinkler is switched on the missing sprinkler head will waste water constantly until you have realized what is going on and replace the sprinkler head. A flow meter will detect this occurrence straight away and send off an alarm signal and direct you to the problem area. This is highly beneficial because water should not be wasted as it our worlds most precious source of life.
| Advantage 3: a flow meter can be programmed to each square foot of your landscape. Flow meters can determine the sufficient amount of water in which the landscape needs per day. The flow meter will signal the control valves when watering has been completed and the entire system will shut off because watering is complete. Flow meters can also detect sufficient rainfall and automatically switch off and not water the landscaping until it is completely necessary. |
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Types of Flow Meters
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There are many different types of flow meters which range from basic water reading meters to electronic computerized meters. The type that you choose will depend on your landscape irrigation system. There are flow meters which can be installed into the ground as part of your irrigation and sprinkler system. These types of flow meters are generally computerized and run off electricity. Homeowners will still need access to them so that they are able to change settings and flow rates. But in most cases these electronic devices generally run by themselves. |
| There are hand held flow meters which can be hand held or designed to be part of your internal computer system as nowadays there are special programs which enable you to run your irrigation system off your home PC. These flow meters are also computerized and they provide an excellent source of keeping your landscaping watered properly. |
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