Irrigation Buying Guides and Frequently Asked Questions

Choosing irrigation equipment starts with the site, available pressure and flow, required radius, water quality, control method and expected operating conditions. These guides explain the main buying decisions and link to relevant TMI collections.

Start with your application

Application Main considerations Guide
Residential gardens Small zones, overspray control, quiet operation and practical scheduling Residential buying guide
Golf courses Uniform coverage, serviceability, central control, decoder compatibility and high-capacity hydraulics Golf and sports-field guide
Agriculture Water source, filtration, crop demand, pressure regulation and emitter uniformity Agricultural buying guide
Sports fields Head-to-head coverage, player safety, high-flow rotors and short watering windows Golf and sports-field guide

Popular buying questions

Which rotor suits my required radius?

Select by the manufacturer's performance table at the pressure available at the rotor. Radius, flow and precipitation rate change with nozzle and pressure. Do not choose from the product name alone. Read the rotor and nozzle guide, then browse Rotors and Nozzles.

How do pressure and flow affect nozzle selection?

Pressure influences throw, droplet behaviour and distribution. Flow determines how many outlets can operate together. Measure both under operating conditions, add the flow demand for the proposed zone and allow for pipe, valve, filter and elevation losses.

Are Hunter and Rain Bird products interchangeable?

Some conventional 24 VAC components can work in a mixed-brand system, but compatibility must never be assumed. Threads, nozzles, decoder protocols, two-wire devices, sensors, modules, solenoids and communication accessories can be model-specific. Use the compatibility and sizing guide before ordering.

How do I size a valve, controller or pump?

Size hydraulic components from the zone flow and pressure requirement. Size the controller from the number and type of stations, required sensor inputs and future expansion. Size a pump at the required flow and total dynamic head, including static lift, operating pressure and system losses.

Shop by system component

For help with a design or uncertain product match, contact TMI Irrigation with the required radius, measured pressure, available flow, pipe size, water source and application.