Ball valve - A valve that stops the flow of water. This valve will have a handle that will turn 45 degrees.

Boiler drain valve - (bdv) A brass valve with a hose connection. On most sprinkler systems the bdv in on the backflow prevention device. It is used for draining the system in the winter. It can also be used for a water source during the watering season.

Backflow prevention device - A brass device that is usually installed outside the house that keep contaminated water from entering your drinking water.

Solenoid valve - The on/off valve that is activated by your controller. This valve turns zones of heads on and off.

Control wire - The wire that runs from the controller to the solenoid valves. Usually this is a multi conductor wire with a black coating.

 Start time - The time a zone or group of zones will begin.

Runtime - The length of time a zone will run for.

Program - two meanings
1. Zones that have been grouped together that will operate in sequence thus allowing for different parts of the yard to be watered at different times.
2. The term “program” is also used as a verb (I will program my controller).

Rain sensor - A device that will delay watering after a period of rainfall. The sensor is usually located on the roof.

Rain sensor bypass - A switch on your controller that will allow you to  override the rain sensor to allow for watering if the sensor is activated. Sensors can be both wired and wireless.

Seasonal adjust - A setting on your controller that will allow you to increase and decrease watering run times to compensate for sudden weather changes. This is a quick adjustment and should not be used for long term programming. Consult your manual for specific information about your seasonal adjust setting and how it will effect your current program settings.

Master valve - An optional valve that keeps water from going to the solenoid valves  and main line, unless the controller is calling for system operation. The master valve is usually located close to the original water source. The master valve will prevent wasted water in the event of valve failure or a damaged main line.

Well recovery - Also called yield, it refers to how much water your well produces. On average a well will produce 5 gallons of water per minute.

Test port - A part of a backflow prevention device used for testing the unit.

Main line - (pressure line) The pipe that runs from the backflow prevention device to the solenoid valves. The main line delivers water to a central location on your yard. On smaller jobs the main line will be not much longer than the width of the house or shorter. This pipe is usually PVC (white pipe) and, unless a master valve is installed, usually contains constant water pressure. Connected by solvent welding.

Lateral - (poly line) This is the black pipe that runs from the valve to the heads. It is only under pressure while that zone is in operation. Connected with clamps.

Zone - Also called circuit or stations, a grouping of heads that run at the same time. Zones are necessary to separate different watering requirements and because the water source rarely meets the requirement to operate all of the heads at the same time. The more zones that you have, the better control you will have over your system.

Rotor head - Rotor heads are gear driven heads that spray a single stream. The heads rotate by means of  internal gears. Rotor heads cover large turf areas and are spaced about 35 feet apart. On residential systems these heads usually put out 1 to 3 gallons per minute and usually run for about 30 minutes.

Drip tube - Subsurface irrigation. Usually used in beds and strips of grass. Drip tubing is the most efficient means of irrigation.

Valve box - A green box located in a central area of your yard that contains solenoid valves.