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Introduction To Irrigation and Lawn Sprinklers

4.5 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Half star
Based on 1,374 ratings
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Michael Haynes

Introduction To Irrigation and Lawn Sprinkler Systems is the first course in our series. New hires in the irrigation or landscaping business will want to take our "Irrigation and Sprinkler System 101" courses to get a proper fundamental education of the concepts and components that make up a sprinkler system. Homeowners or gardeners will also benefit from an understanding of their own sprinkler systems. All measurements used are Imperial or American Standard, that is; inches, feet, gallons, etc. 

Read more

Introduction To Irrigation and Lawn Sprinkler Systems is the first course in our series. New hires in the irrigation or landscaping business will want to take our "Irrigation and Sprinkler System 101" courses to get a proper fundamental education of the concepts and components that make up a sprinkler system. Homeowners or gardeners will also benefit from an understanding of their own sprinkler systems. All measurements used are Imperial or American Standard, that is; inches, feet, gallons, etc. 

Start at the beginning with irrigation concepts, system design basics and water hydraulics. These concepts are universal to everyone in the business. We wrap up this free course with some real-world skills that you'll use frequently in the field; using a 5 gallon bucket test to measure flow, and measuring elevation change and slope percentage. 

An hour and a half of video instruction also includes a 22 page PDF download of all material covered. Lifetime access to all the course videos and downloads insures that you can revisit any info in the field from your smartphone. Begin a program of professional development in green industry with courses from Pro Irrigation Training. You'll learn the basics of irrigation and start a proper education that will get you started earning money. 

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Learn the history and modern uses of irrigation.
  • Understand the basic concepts and definitions of the industry.
  • Learn to pick the proper type of system and valve configurations.
  • Understand water hydraulics, the most important lessons in this course.

Syllabus

Understand the type of education that we offer and the role of this introductory course in our training program.
Introduction To The Course
Know the history and modern uses of irrigation, understand the reasons why we irrigate, and the benefits and downsides.
Read more

We'll consider the ancient methods and the importance of irrigation to civilization.

Advances in the last century have led to amazing new developments in landscaping and agriculture.

Understand the benefits of using sprinkler systems as well as the potential for waste.

We'll cover the ways that we assist nature while striving to conserve our resources.

Questions about The history, modern uses, environmental impact and goals of irrigation.

Know the difference in two terms that are the foundational goals of an irrigation technician or end-user.

Identify the 3 basic soil types

The rate at which water soaks into a property's soil informs us of the type of equipment to install.

Understanding this concept is crucial to scheduling a sprinkler system.

Understanding and having a target precipitation rate helps select the proper sprinklers and nozzles.

Quiz Description

A quick discussion of residential, commercial, and agricultural systems.

Using a dedicated meter to supply the sprinklers.

Tapping into the main water line from the street to the house.

Many systems are supplied by tapping into a house's plumbing system.

Centrifugal or jet pumps can pull water from a lake or pond and pressurize it for use in a sprinkler system.

Wells can be used for supplying sprinkler systems.

Grouping valves together can be advantageous for some systems.

Another method places the valves in the area that they are going to supply.

There is a proper order for all of the components that can be installed on a system.

Quiz Description

We'll examine how pumps and elevation change affect pressure in a closed system.

Learn how to measure and calculate Flow, and it's relation to pressure and velocity.

The speed of water flowing through a pipe can have an affect on it's pressure and flow.

We'll consider the 4 factors that affect Friction Loss in pipes.

The example of water flowing through a garden hose is used to help explain Water Hydraulics.

Use a combo gauge or 5 gallon bucket test to determine available water flow.

A quick introduction to Pro Irrigation Training's resources.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides a fundamental education on the concepts and components of sprinkler systems, which is essential for new hires in the irrigation or landscaping business
Offers insights into system design basics and water hydraulics, which can help homeowners and gardeners understand and manage their own sprinkler systems effectively
Explores the foundational goals of an irrigation technician, such as understanding soil types and their impact on equipment selection and system scheduling
Uses imperial measurements, which are common in the United States, making it easier for learners familiar with this standard to understand the concepts
Includes real-world skills such as performing a 5-gallon bucket test and measuring elevation change, which are frequently used in the field
Requires learners to understand the role of this introductory course in a larger training program, which may necessitate further courses to gain expertise

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Reviews summary

Introduction to irrigation and sprinkler systems

According to learners, this course is a highly effective introduction (positive) to irrigation and lawn sprinkler systems, particularly for beginners (neutral) and those new to the field. Students praise its ability to provide a solid foundational understanding (positive) of key concepts. The sections on water hydraulics (positive) and practical skills like the 5-gallon bucket test (positive) are frequently highlighted as valuable. The accompanying PDF download (positive) is also seen as a helpful resource. While covering foundational material, reviewers generally agree it delivers on its promise as an introductory course, using Imperial measurements (neutral) relevant to its target audience.
Course uses Imperial units consistently.
"All measurements used in the course are Imperial (inches, feet, gallons)."
"The course strictly uses American Standard measurements."
"If you need metric, this course uses Imperial only."
PDF document is a useful supplement.
"The downloadable PDF summary is a great resource to keep."
"Having the course material in a PDF makes it easy to reference later."
"I found the 22-page PDF very helpful for reviewing."
Includes useful real-world demonstrations.
"The demonstration of the 5-gallon bucket test was very practical."
"I appreciated the focus on skills I can use in the field right away."
"Seeing the practical examples helped solidify the concepts learned."
Key hydraulics concepts are clear and helpful.
"The section on water hydraulics was incredibly clear and easy to understand."
"Learning about flow, pressure, and friction loss was made simple."
"This course helped clarify water hydraulics which I struggled with before."
"The most important lessons were delivered effectively."
Provides a great starting point for beginners.
"This course is an excellent starting point for anyone interested in irrigation."
"It gave me a really good foundation on the basics of sprinkler systems."
"Perfect for a beginner, covers the fundamental concepts well."
"I gained a solid understanding of the principles from this course."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Introduction To Irrigation and Lawn Sprinklers with these activities:
Review Basic Hydraulics Principles
Refresh your understanding of basic hydraulics principles to better grasp the concepts of pressure, flow, and friction loss covered in the course.
Show steps
  • Review definitions of pressure, flow, and velocity.
  • Study the relationship between pressure and flow.
  • Practice calculating friction loss in pipes.
Skim 'Landscape Irrigation'
Supplement your learning with a practical guide to landscape irrigation design, installation, and management.
View Alter Ego: A Novel on Amazon
Show steps
  • Acquire a copy of 'Landscape Irrigation'.
  • Focus on chapters related to design and installation.
  • Note practical tips and industry best practices.
Read 'Irrigation: Theory and Practice'
Expand your knowledge of irrigation theory and practice by reading a comprehensive textbook on the subject.
View Irrigation Theory And Practice - 2Nd Edn... on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Irrigation: Theory and Practice'.
  • Read chapters related to system design and hydraulics.
  • Take notes on key concepts and formulas.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Calculate Precipitation Rates
Practice calculating precipitation rates for different sprinkler configurations to improve your ability to select the proper sprinklers and nozzles.
Show steps
  • Find example sprinkler layouts and specifications.
  • Calculate the precipitation rate for each layout.
  • Compare your results with expected values.
Follow Online Tutorials on Sprinkler System Installation
Follow online tutorials to learn practical tips and techniques for installing sprinkler systems.
Show steps
  • Search for reputable online tutorials.
  • Watch videos and read articles on installation techniques.
  • Take notes on key steps and best practices.
Design a Simple Sprinkler System Layout
Create a simple sprinkler system layout for a residential lawn to apply the concepts learned in the course.
Show steps
  • Measure the dimensions of a lawn area.
  • Select appropriate sprinkler heads and nozzles.
  • Draw a layout showing sprinkler placement and pipe routing.
  • Calculate the required water flow and pressure.
Assist with a Community Garden Irrigation Project
Volunteer to help install or maintain an irrigation system at a community garden to gain hands-on experience.
Show steps
  • Find a local community garden with irrigation needs.
  • Contact the garden organizers to offer your assistance.
  • Participate in irrigation-related tasks under supervision.

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction To Irrigation and Lawn Sprinklers will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Irrigation Technician
An irrigation technician installs, maintains, and repairs irrigation systems. This course provides a fundamental education of the concepts and components that make up a sprinkler system, which is crucial for any irrigation technician. You'll learn about irrigation concepts, system design basics, and water hydraulics, providing a solid foundation for understanding how irrigation systems work. The course also covers practical skills like using a 5 gallon bucket test to measure flow and measuring elevation change and slope percentage, skills that an irrigation technician will use frequently in the field. This course helps individuals who want to begin a program of professional development in this field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Irrigation Technician
Sprinkler System Installer
A sprinkler system installer specializes in the installation of irrigation systems. This course directly relates to the work of a sprinkler system installer by providing a fundamental education of the concepts and components that make up a sprinkler system. It will introduce system design basics, valve configurations, and water hydraulics, all directly applicable to the practical aspects of installing a system. Furthermore system installers will learn to use a five gallon bucket test to measure flow. This is a practical skill used in the field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Sprinkler System Installer
Horticultural Technician
A horticultural technician works in plant cultivation, frequently using irrigation systems. This course directly benefits a horticultural technician by covering the fundamental concepts and components of sprinkler systems. It introduces irrigation concepts, system design basics, and water hydraulics. A horticultural technician will gain a greater understanding of how to optimize irrigation for healthy plant growth. This course also reviews common industry lingo and concepts.
See salaries and explore the career path for Horticultural Technician
Irrigation Consultant
An irrigation consultant assesses and designs irrigation systems for various clients. This course teaches the fundamentals of irrigation systems, providing context for a consultant. The discussion of system design basics, valve configurations, and water hydraulics is directly applicable to the design process. By understanding these concepts, an irrigation consultant can create effective, water-efficient systems tailored to each client's needs. This course provides a starting point for professional development and education.
See salaries and explore the career path for Irrigation Consultant
Golf Course Superintendent
A golf course superintendent oversees the maintenance of a golf course, including its irrigation system. This course is highly relevant to a golf course superintendent, as it provides a fundamental education of the concepts and components that make up a sprinkler system. It covers system design basics, valve configurations, and water hydraulics, all critical for maintaining a golf course's irrigation infrastructure. By learning about these topics, a golf course superintendent can optimize their irrigation system for course health and resource efficiency. This course helps one to begin developing skills for a professional career.
See salaries and explore the career path for Golf Course Superintendent
Grounds Maintenance Worker
A grounds maintenance worker maintains outdoor areas, often including irrigation systems. This course provides an understanding of sprinkler systems, which groundskeepers often encounter. Learning about irrigation concepts, system design basics, and water hydraulics helps a maintenance worker troubleshoot and maintain these systems effectively. With added knowledge of valve configurations, a grounds maintenance worker will be able to identify the components of an irrigation system. This introductory course can enhance the grounds maintenance worker's ability to manage irrigation systems effectively.
See salaries and explore the career path for Grounds Maintenance Worker
Nursery Worker
A nursery worker cares for plants in a nursery setting, often using irrigation systems. This course is useful for a nursery worker because it provides a fundamental education of the concepts and components that make up a sprinkler system. It will teach about irrigation concepts, system design basics, and water hydraulics. After taking this course, a nursery worker will better understand how to keep the plants watered.
See salaries and explore the career path for Nursery Worker
Groundskeeper
A groundskeeper maintains the grounds of various properties, including irrigation systems. This course covers sprinkler systems, which groundskeepers often encounter. Learning about irrigation concepts, system design basics, and water hydraulics helps a groundskeeper maintain these systems effectively. The course also covers using a 5 gallon bucket test to measure flow, a skill that may be useful. This course enhances the groundskeeper's ability to manage these systems.
See salaries and explore the career path for Groundskeeper
Park Maintenance Supervisor
A park maintenance supervisor oversees the upkeep of park grounds, including irrigation systems. This course provides an understanding of sprinkler systems, which are commonly found in parks. Learning about irrigation concepts, system design basics, and valve configurations helps them troubleshoot and maintain these systems effectively. With knowledge of water hydraulics, a park maintenance supervisor can ensure efficient water use in park irrigation. The course can make it easier for supervisors to oversee irrigation system maintenance.
See salaries and explore the career path for Park Maintenance Supervisor
Agricultural Technician
An agricultural technician supports agricultural operations, which may include managing irrigation systems. This course provides a foundation in irrigation concepts, system design basics, and water hydraulics which are all relevant to agricultural irrigation. The course emphasizes the modern uses of irrigation; this is important in agriculture. An agricultural technician can use this knowledge to optimize irrigation practices and conserve water resources. This course can provide an individual a chance to begin a program of professional development and develop knowledge for a career in agriculture.
See salaries and explore the career path for Agricultural Technician
Water Conservation Specialist
A water conservation specialist promotes efficient water use, often focusing on irrigation. This course may be useful for a water conservation specialist because it covers irrigation concepts, system design basics, and water hydraulics. The course also discusses the benefits and downsides of using sprinkler systems, as well as methods to assist nature while conserving resources. With this knowledge, a specialist can develop and implement effective irrigation strategies that minimize water waste. Water conservation specialists can use this course to help understand how irrigation systems can be optimized for water conservation.
See salaries and explore the career path for Water Conservation Specialist
Landscape Architect
A landscape architect designs outdoor spaces, including irrigation systems. This course may be useful for a landscape architect because it covers irrigation concepts, system design basics, and water hydraulics. An understanding of these topics can assist a landscape architect in designing effective and efficient irrigation systems for their projects. The course also covers different valve configurations, which is especially relevant when planning a system. With a proper foundation, a landscape architect can integrate irrigation seamlessly, ensuring plant health and water conservation.
See salaries and explore the career path for Landscape Architect
Sustainability Coordinator
A sustainability coordinator promotes environmentally friendly practices, including water conservation through efficient irrigation. This course covers the basic concepts of irrigation systems, including their potential for water waste. The course also discusses methods of assisting nature while conserving resources. Someone working as a sustainability coordinator can use this information to promote efficient irrigation practices. A sustainability coordinator promotes environmentally conscious behavior.
See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Coordinator
Environmental Engineer
An environmental engineer develops solutions to environmental problems, sometimes dealing with water management and irrigation. This course may provide useful context for evaluating and improving the water efficiency of irrigation systems. The course covers irrigation concepts, system design basics, and water hydraulics. Environmental engineers work to protect the environment. To become an environmental engineer, one generally needs to pursue at least a master's degree.
See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Engineer
Civil Engineer
A civil engineer designs and oversees the construction of infrastructure projects, which may include irrigation systems. This course may be useful for a civil engineer because it provides an introduction to irrigation concepts, system design basics, and water hydraulics. This can be helpful in understanding the principles behind irrigation system design and implementation. This course can allow a civil engineer to add irrigation to their skill set. A civil engineer generally needs a bachelor's degree.
See salaries and explore the career path for Civil Engineer

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Introduction To Irrigation and Lawn Sprinklers.
Cover image
Irrigation Theory And Practice - 2Nd Edn
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of irrigation principles, methods, and practices. It covers topics such as soil-water relationships, crop water requirements, irrigation system design, and water management. It valuable resource for understanding the theoretical and practical aspects of irrigation, making it a good supplement for those seeking a deeper understanding beyond the introductory level.
Irrigation Theory And Practice - 2Nd Edn...
Paperback
$$
Cover image
Alter Ego
Save
Practical guide to landscape irrigation, covering design, installation, and management. It provides detailed information on selecting appropriate irrigation equipment, designing efficient systems, and managing water use. This book is commonly used by industry professionals and valuable resource for anyone involved in landscape irrigation.
Alter Ego: A Novel
Paperback
$$

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Rating
4.5 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Half star
Effort
2 total hours
Via
Udemy
Instructor
Michael Haynes
Language
English
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides a fundamental education on the concepts and components of sprinkler systems, which is essential for new hires in the irrigation or landscaping business
Offers insights into system design basics and water hydraulics, which can help homeowners and gardeners understand and manage their own sprinkler systems effectively
Explores the foundational goals of an irrigation technician, such as understanding soil types and their impact on equipment selection and system scheduling
Uses imperial measurements, which are common in the United States, making it easier for learners familiar with this standard to understand the concepts
Includes real-world skills such as performing a 5-gallon bucket test and measuring elevation change, which are frequently used in the field
Requires learners to understand the role of this introductory course in a larger training program, which may necessitate further courses to gain expertise
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