How Long Can You Run a Sprinkler on a Well

Rural people who live out of town often face scarcity of water. These people fulfill their water requirements through wells, however fulfilling irrigation requirements through wells is challenging for them. So, the use of a sprinkler eases this problem with the help of a well. Have you ever wondered how long can you run a sprinkler on a well? 

The answer is that you should not continuously run the sprinkler system for so long. This guide delves into the use of wells for watering lawns, and the optimal timing for running sprinklers. Let’s explore this topic more with the help of this article.

Can I Use Well to Water My Lawn

If you have a pump suitable for a well, you can use your well to water the lawn ideally. Then you can continue your irrigation system without a problem. If you have a well, you need to get a perfect-sized pump. Without a perfect pump, you will face many problems, such as water pressure and other flow problems.

It also depends on the capacity of your well because it varies for different wells. Before installing a well, you must also consider the recharge capacity and rate. Estimating and learning more about these two factors is essential as they help you determine the area you can cover within the water.

Your well capacity is insufficient if your pump can pump 20 GMP at 60 pounds per square inch. The well can only provide 10 gallons per minute, this will make the well dry after 10GPM. It can add load to the well along with the pump, which can result in problems such as flow and water pressure problems.

When the water is in a good finish, the pump only draws out air, which can burn the pump as well. That’s why it is essential to check the pump’s and the well’s capacities. You can also get help from an irrigation expert, who can help you install the well correctly. Furthermore, they tell you everything you need to know about its functions and needs.

Can You Run Sprinklers Off a Well

Yes, of course, you can run sprinklers off as well. Almost 50% of US rural citizens use well water to fulfill their water requirements. Some use wells to irrigate their crops and lawns. They need good water and a center pivot to do this work. A well can provide plenty of water to the fields and other growing crops. Usually, crops need a good quality of water for perfect growth and maintenance.

That is why most irrigation experts suggest using well water for lawns and crops, as they need a lot of water. You can easily use sprinklers to keep your lawn hydrated and connect the sprinkler well. However, running sprinkler systems off well requires well-planned execution, suitable sprinkler systems, and effective irrigation techniques.

How To Water Your Lawn with Well

If you decide to fulfill your water requirement with the help of a well, you need to set up a sprinkler system with well water. You need to carefully plan considering various factors as it is a complex process. These sprinklers are used everywhere on the field; so you can also do this by getting help from any professional. Setting up the sprinkler system is not easy, and you need to install it properly. 

Otherwise, it can lead to over-watering your lawn and many problems. Lawn maintenance is sometimes tricky, and your pump needs to function to keep your lawn carefully. Incorrectly setting the pump can lead to problems with the well as well. Pump failure is one of the most significant issues when sprinkling water into your lawn.

If you use more sprinklers than your pump can handle, You need to set the pump with the well and then the sprinklers. The pump will take out water from the well, and the well will transport water to the sprinklers. In this way, you can water your lawn into the well. Ensure that the sprinklers are at a distance from each other and that the water transfers evenly to the whole area.

(Expert Tip: You can take the idea about a suitable sprinkler system for your well by measuring the diameter and depth of your well. It can also help you determine the maximum running time for your sprinklers)

How Long Should You Leave a Sprinkler On

The lawn needs almost nine inches of water weekly to ensure proper growth. If the weather is hot in the summer, you need to increase this amount of water. On the other hand, when the temperature drops, the quantity of water can also decrease. Usually, when it is raining, you can skip the weekly watering. The average water a lawn needs is 1 inch per week, which is adequate to keep your lawn healthy.

If you want you can also break the watering schedule into several parts and sessions; in this way, water can reach every place easily. You need to open the water every week for half an hour, and this time will be enough to provide half inches of water in every session. You can also water a week thrice and reduce the time to 20 minutes. 

However, this timing varies in different situations and wells. This timing will also provide water for the crops quickly; the water you need will equal the once-in-a-week schedule. Most homeowners and gardeners use a 5/8-inch garden hose attached to a sprinkler to help water their lawns quickly and perfectly.

The time you should leave the sprinkler on varies in different situations. If you use a cistern or other holding tank, the sprinkler will consume it quickly. If you are using a pump and well system, it can provide water more deeply. The size of the pump and the cistern decide the time needed to keep the sprinkler on. If you take the water directly from the well into the sprinklers, the flow rate, pump size, and water recharge rate will decide the time. 

Several factors e.g., sprinkler efficiency and water measurement, etc make deciding the right amount to leave the sprinkler on challenging. If you are confused and don’t know anything about watering with a well, you can get expert advice from an irrigation professional. 

( Note: To calculate the exact run time of a water sprinkler, use this formula: Total Run Time (hours) = Well Capacity (GPM) ÷ Sprinkler Flow Rate (GPM) × 60 minutes/hour.)

Calculating Running Time for Sprinklers

Total Capacity of Well (GPM)	Sprinkler Water Flow Rate (GPM)	Maximum Running Time (Hours)
5	1 or 2	5 or 2.5
10	1 or 2	6 or 3
15	1 or 2	9 or 4.5

Conclusion

Using a sprinkler on the lawn is the best way to keep it hydrated all the time. You can also install this sprinkler and connect the water connection with different water stores. However, the process requires careful planning and consideration. Several factors like, well diameter and depth, efficiency of sprinkler, pump capacity, and total run time of a sprinkler. The article explores the basic ways to calculate the sprinkler running time and how to do irrigation with wells. Thus, read the complete article and be an informed gardener!

FAQs

1. What Happens If I Forget My Sprinkler On?

If you leave the sprinkler and forget about it, it can cause serious problems. If you turn on the water and have to do some critical task, you can set the timer and close it when it rings. The lawn will face severe damage as a result of excessive watering. There is also the chance of the pump burning due to excessive use. Furthermore, you also have to face the increased water bill and property damage.

2. Can I Use My Well to Water My Lawn?

Yes, you can use your well to water the lawn. However, you need careful planning and consideration of different factors. If you have the perfect-sized pump, you can quickly run water and solve all your irrigation problems with the help of this well water. If you have the perfect pump, you can use the well to water the lawn.

3. Can I Run My Well Dry Watering My Lawn?

If you are not careful when watering your lawn, it will dry quickly. You must keep checking the water you are taking out of the well at a time. There is a limit and capacity to the water you can take out from a well. You need to ask a professional and get a suitable pump to help you determine the amount of water you can take from a well at a time.