How Many Sprinkler Heads Per Valve?

Lawn irrigation systems have a valve for each zone coverage area.

Lawn irrigation systems have a valve for each zone coverage area.

Underground sprinkler systems make it easy to water your lawn and keep it green. Knowing the number of sprinkler heads that each valve can handle ensures the setup is correct for adequate coverage. Each valve covers a zone. The number of sprinkler heads in each zone is determined based on the water pressure available.

Check Pressure

Check the water pressure in your home using a water-pressure gauge on the outdoor faucet for the sprinkler system. Make sure there is no water running anywhere in the house before checking the pressure to get an accurate reading. The needle gauge tells you the pounds per square inch, or psi.

Faucet Output

Calculate the gallons per minute for the faucet by measuring the time it takes for the faucet to fill a 5-gallon bucket. Divide the time measured by five to determine the gallons per minute, or GPM. This will let you know how much water each valve zone can handle for optimum output.

Sprinkler Heads

Calculate the number of sprinkler heads for a valve zone by dividing the GPM by your sprinklers' head output, which is listed on the packaging. Round the number down so you don't exceed the capacity of the zone. Sprinkler heads vary in water output depending if they provide a mist spray or stream of water.

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