CURRICULUM - DAY 1 MORNING
Introduction
We'll cover the history, modern uses, environmental impact, and the goals of irrigation systems Definitions and Concepts Identify the proper type of sprinkler head, understand evapotranspiration, uniformity, efficiency, soil intake rates, and precipitation rates Basic System Construction Learn all the supply types, meter configurations, and valve setups that one will encounter in the field Water Hydraulics This is so very important. I'll teach your crew the difference between pressure, flow, friction loss, and velocity. We'll look at several real world situations and how to measure flow and pressure Friction Loss Charts Reading a friction loss chart is crucial to being able to select the proper pipe sizes for installation, head replacement, dripline calculation, and so much more PVC Pipe & Fittings We'll examine pipe sizes, all the fittings, and go outside for some hands-on gluing work. I'll also cover all the no-glue fittings, plus 15 years worth of tips & techniques Polyethylene There will also be instruction on Poly, the other common pipe type Pex, Copper & Steel We'll get real hands-on in this portion, learning how to use proper copper soldering techniques, as well as push-to-fit fittings. We'll also work with some old steel and compression fittings. Fun stuff! Threads Threaded fittings give some people real headaches. In this portion, we'll learn about the different thread types, and how to handle each one DAY 1 AFTERNOON
Water Meters
It's important to know how to read a water meter, and I'll also show you an old school technique for finding lost meters and pipes. Backflow Preventers I'll touch on backflow basics, proper installation, and how to use the backflow device to troubleshoot system issues, etc. This isn't a certification course! Sprinkler Heads - Rotors I'll cover just about every rotor that you could encounter in the field, and how to adjust them. We'll go outside for some hands-on with the sprinklers. I'll also cover the nozzle trees and how to select the right nozzle Sprinkler Heads - Sprays We'll look at all the different models and features of spray heads and all the different nozzle sets that one can select from Sprinkler Heads - Specialty Nozzles These nozzles break the conventional spray nozzle mold with rotary action and slower precipitation rates. We'll talk about how to use these varieties to correct installer mistakes and balance or unbalance zones where needed Note: We will travel outside of this map area for training and we can also provide training for more than 15 people. Call for pricing. |
LIVE TRAINING IN SOUTHEAST USA
We'll come to your location (see map) and train 1 - 15 people in basic irrigation / lawn sprinkler skills. A combination of lectures, live demonstration, and hands-on practical exercises will get your crew members up to speed on all of the basic tasks and problems that residential and light commercial systems involve. * Call For Pricing * *see map for basic area. Additional charges for outside of area or more than 15 students. CURRICULUM - DAY 2 MORNING
Electrical Basics
Learn all the electrical basics that apply to sprinkler low voltage systems. Volts, Amps, and Ohms will be your new friends after this course How to Use A Multi-Meter Being able to use an analog or digital multi-meter is an important skill and we'll walk through many real world measurements Sprinkler System Electrical Components We'll lay out several real irrigation circuits and timers and troubleshoot through each situation Irrigation Timers Learn how to set any timer correctly with 4 steps. We'll also cover all the features that a timer can have, program basics, and then look at several different timers Valve & Wire Trackers Get hands-on with a wire tracker for some real experience! Valves We'll continue with the instruction on solenoids that we cover in Electrical, and thoroughly examine the physical aspects of many different valves DAY 2 AFTERNOON
Drip Irrigation Basics
A brief introduction to drip, why and where to use it Dripline You'll learn all about the new type of drip, where the drippers are molded into the tubing. I'll teach you how to figure the flow and application rates, and the max length of tubing allowable per connection. Insert Drip The traditional style of drip is very customizable, with many options for drippers, bubblers, micro-sprays, etc. We'll go through it all. Filtering & Pressure Reduction The ultimate success of a drip system will also rely on the proper inlet pressure and a filter to keep the drip emitters clean. Installation Basics - Planning a system We'll walk through each step of planning an irrigation system. If possible, we'll use a real property to plan a system for. Then, we'll bring everything we've learned so far back together for system layout, precipitation rate homogenization, proper components selection, etc. I'll take you through a friction loss worksheet and discuss two methods of pipe size selection and the pros and cons of each method. Trenching & Boring I'll finish up this section with some tips on the mechanics of an installation job Scheduling an Irrigation System It's entirely possible to install a great sprinkler system, but use it in the worst ways. This discussion of soil types, precipitation rates, and run times will be absolutely critical to the success of your landscaping efforts on any property! Troubleshooting We'll finish the day by going through all the repair issues that a technician will face. You'll get a step by step troubleshooting guide to keep on your truck. 
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