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From the garden valve to the sprinkler

From the garden valve to the sprinkler

The increasing global warming requires garden owners to provide plants with more water while also focusing on its efficient use. Therefore, the water cycle at every stage of its transport to plants should be watertight. The water circuit in a garden generally looks like this:

  • Drop valve
  • Water consumption meter
  • Garden hose
  • Garden hose connectors
  • Sprinklers

Of course, every "gardener" can configure their garden's water system according to their own preferences.

Garden valves

A garden valve  (also known as a tap valve) is an external water intake used for watering plants and various other household chores. When installing it, remember to select the correct tap diameter for the installation or, if necessary, use a reducer. A suitable tap connection using quick connectors allows for the rapid installation of necessary equipment (garden hoses, pressure washers, and more).

Garden Water Intakes - What's Most Important?

  • Material - Garden water intakes are most often made of brass, but steel, cast iron, or plastic taps are also available. The latter are terminated with a grooved connector (nipple), to which the garden hose is attached using a clamp. The smooth operation of such a tap depends, among other things, on the quality of the mounting.
  • Location - a water intake can be installed anywhere on the property, as long as there is access to the plumbing. For this reason, the tap is most often mounted directly on the house wall or right next to it. A freestanding post with a garden tap can be an interesting and practical solution for large gardens, which can not only serve as a water intake but also as a decorative element. It's worth planning this type of intake during the construction phase to prepare the installation in advance. The tap can also draw water from a rainwater tank. It is mounted and securely fastened to the ground anywhere on the property: in the center of the garden, along a path, near outbuildings. It can be simple or decorative, made of marble, granite, or in the form of a decorative sculpture.
  • Activation method - taps with a butterfly valve or lever are most commonly used, but so-called draw-off taps equipped with a mushroom valve are also available.

Types of Garden Valves

Most garden valves are mounted a few dozen centimeters above the ground. High enough to conveniently connect a garden hose or fill a container, such as a bucket, with water.

Drop taps are most often installed in gardens. A garden valve allows you to regulate water pressure. It can supply water to several places simultaneously (for example, a combination tap has a spout for washing tools and hands and another for connecting a garden hose quick connector). A gasket and a garden hose connector are usually included. This type of tap can only be connected to the water supply (it cannot be connected to a rainwater tank).

In addition, garden taps are available in various shapes. They can easily be adapted to the surroundings. For example, granite or sandstone casings will look good regardless of the installation location. The same goes for simple, universal models. Decorative ones, such as stone sculptures that conceal the water intake, are the domain of classic and palace gardens. Cast iron and brass taps, on the other hand, are very durable and resistant, and come in many shapes and colors (gold, shades of green imitating natural patina, browns, grays, black, etc.).

Water Consumption Meter

Installing a garden water meter (garden water meter) isn't common on most plots in Poland. Therefore, it's worth researching the topic further and deciding whether a meter might actually be useful.

For years, the lack of water availability in Poland has been discussed, which is why plants are watered at specific times, such as mornings or evenings. Additionally, technologies are being installed to reduce water consumption (e.g., drip irrigation). However, watering a garden still uses enormous amounts of water. On average, watering 1m² of garden requires as much as 1,200 liters of water per year! This is, of course, a speculative figure, depending on many factors – from weather patterns to the type of garden. Despite this, water consumption is still high, and bills are charged in the same way as for sewage water.

Garden Hoses

Garden plants should be watered regularly from late spring to the end of summer, and occasionally during the cooler months. Lawns and hedges require even more attention. Therefore, it's worth investing in tools and accessories that make maintenance easier and more effective. When it comes to irrigation, garden hoses are the most versatile and common. Garden hoses are versatile in that they can water almost all crops. They can be used to water lawns, flower beds, trees and shrubs, and other plantings. It's just necessary to choose the right spray nozzle or spray gun.

Garden Hoses  are basic irrigation tools. They only require access to a water source (preferably external). What are their advantages?

  • They allow you to water various corners of your garden, even the furthest ones. Simply choose a garden hose of the appropriate length or use a connector to connect two shorter hoses. Some are extensible – when extended, they can even double or triple their length.
  • They are durable and last for years.
  • When used with spray guns or nozzles, they help save water.
  • They can be easily stored in a tool shed or outbuilding (special hose hangers are available).
  • Garden hoses have many other uses – they can be used to clean the floor, car, fill a garden pool, or pond.

Traditional and extensible hoses are available. Hoses differ in many parameters that affect their functionality and durability. What should you consider when buying?

  • Length  - This is the most important parameter that determines the comfort of using a hose. Therefore, it is important to consider the optimal length. Available hoses range from 7.5 to even 70 m in length. Short hoses are suitable for gardens with multiple water sources to which they can be connected. It is also worth using connectors to connect two shorter hoses.
  • Garden hose diameter  - The longer the hose, the larger its diameter should be. This will prevent the pressure from dropping, especially when the water has a longer distance to travel. Our store offers hoses with diameters of 1/2, 3/4, and 1 inch.
  • Number of layers  - garden hoses are made, among other things, using made of synthetic rubber and PVC. However, their resistance to damage is determined by the number of layers (usually 1 to 5). The more layers, the stronger the hose. Additional layers also increase flexibility.
  • Tendency to kink  - kink-resistant hoses are more comfortable to use and less susceptible to damage.

You should choose the right connectors and tips for your garden hose, such as sprinklers, to make work quick, efficient, and convenient.

Garden Hose Connectors

Garden Hose Connectors perform several basic functions, including connecting the hose to a water supply or extending it. They can also be used to attach a spray gun or portable sprinkler to the hose. Which connectors are most useful?

  • Faucet Connectors  - mounted on the end of a tap, they allow you to quickly connect a garden hose to a water supply. When purchasing a connector, pay attention to the diameter of the tap or choose a universal connector, which fits most taps. Typically, single or double connectors are used, allowing the connection of two independent hoses (keep in mind that using them simultaneously will lower the water pressure in each hose). Quick connectors - mounted on the end of the hose, they allow you to connect it to a tap. They are also used to attach necessary accessories (e.g., spray guns or garden sprinklers). Various types are available: - Quick connectors with an on/off valve - which shuts off the water flow when disconnected - the quick connector has a valve that you simply turn to stop the water flow. Thanks to these quick connectors, there's no need to constantly turn the tap on and off;
    - Quick connector with stop  - a mechanism hidden inside the connector stops the water when a spray head, lance, or other accessory is disconnected from the hose end;
    - Reparator  - allows you to quickly connect two sections of hose of the same diameter;
    - Nipple - a connector that extends the hose or branches it as needed. Nipples also allow you to connect two hoses of different diameters;
    - T-pieces, cross-pieces  - allow for efficient hose separation, enabling simultaneous watering of several different areas.

Garden hose connectors  are usually made of resistant plastics or brass. They are relatively durable, although if the hose is under high pressure, it is worth choosing the latter option - brass connectors. Before purchasing the appropriate accessories, make sure that the diameter of the connector and the hose are the same. It's usually 1/2" or 3/4".

Garden Sprinklers

Effective watering of plants and grass supports their healthy development and appearance. Garden Sprinklers are components of an irrigation system that will provide your crops with the right amount of water. This type of watering is optimal – for flowers, herbs, vegetables, and shrubs.

Garden Sprinklers - Types

The simplest garden sprinkler is a handheld sprinkler attached to the end of a hose: straight or pistol-grip.

Depending on the size of the garden you want to water with the sprinkler, choose the right model. There are both short-range and long-range models available, and you can also combine several of these types of sprinklers to create a complete plant irrigation system. The type of sprinkler is also equally important. You can decide how you want it to work. In this category, you'll find beater, swinging, pop-up, rotating, static, and several other types.

First and foremost, start by matching the sprinklers to the shape of your garden. Remember that their range must cover the entire area. So, if you have a semi-circular end to your plot, choose a rotating sprinkler. Its coverage area is circular. You can also use it to gently water garden plants, for example, arranged in a circle. Among these models, you can choose a pop-up sprinkler, which will make mowing easier. These products retract into the ground after use. Another type is the non-pop-up garden sprinkler – cheaper but also requires caution when mowing.


An oscillating garden sprinkler  will be useful if your garden is square or rectangular. This type also works well as a lawn sprinkler, as it often has a large reach. However, remember that an oscillating sprinkler is always a non-pop-up model, but also mobile – you can freely move it. Like an oscillating model, an oscillating sprinkler works well as a sprinkler for ornamental flowers, as it waters evenly and gently. A pulsating sprinkler is a combination of an oscillating and rotating model. Its range of operation ranges from 30 to 360 degrees. You can therefore set the area around it to be watered. A beater sprinkler works similarly, also allowing you to select the area of the watered section. With these accessories, you can complement your irrigation system.

When should you choose a static garden sprinkler? Especially when you need more precise irrigation with larger volumes. In such situations, a static model will be an indispensable element of your irrigation system.

Static Surface Sprinklers

Short-range irrigation devices are static surface sprinklers. They are especially effective in small gardens. Their characteristic feature is a stationary head with a seal. Typical mains pressure (1-5 bar) is sufficient to operate these sprinklers. Static sprinklers generate a water stream with a shape and range dependent on the sprinkler head, allowing for the irrigation of a specific area. The most versatile nozzles create a full circle. Those that generate a water stream that is a smaller or larger segment of a circle are designed for irrigating areas with irregular contours. Static sprinklers with rectangular nozzles, on the other hand, are suitable for irrigating extremely narrow areas, 1 to 1.5 m wide (e.g., along buildings, sidewalks, or streets).

One of the most commonly used static sprinklers is the oscillating sprinkler. It shoots a stream of water at a distance of 14-20 m. Such sprinklers are usually used for watering lawns, vegetable gardens, or flower beds with delicate plants.

Surface Rotating Sprinklers

Unlike static sprinklers, surface rotating sprinklers have a movable head. Most models water a circular area, while some can irrigate irregularly shaped areas. There are two main types of rotating sprinklers: pulsating and rotating.

  • Pulsating (beater) surface sprinklers are inserted into the ground using a spike. They are equipped with a special mechanism that incrementally adjusts the direction of the water stream. They efficiently water larger areas, but due to the excessively strong water flow, they are not suitable for watering delicate plants. They could damage leaves and flower heads. They typically have a range of 3 to 35 m.
  • Rotating surface sprinklers - these are equipped with a spike that facilitates nozzle insertion into the ground and a rotating nozzle (one or more, in the case of more advanced models). They offer a wide range of spray angle adjustment and reach, ranging from several to as much as 30 m. They are highly effective on sloped areas and on flat playing fields, lawns, golf courses, etc. Rotating sprinklers typically throw water a distance of 3.5 to 9 m.

Surface Micro Sprinklers

Micro sprinklers are divided into static and turbine sprinklers. They are used for watering small areas, such as under tree canopies, in tunnels, greenhouses, or home gardens. These sprinklers are not used very often, but in some cases they perform excellently and are almost irreplaceable. They can be combined with drip lines.