Big Irrigation Tricks

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Water Hammer in Irrigation: Causes, Fixes, and Component Selection

What You Are Hearing Water hammer is a pressure spike when moving water stops suddenly. Plastic and copper mains both transmit the shock. Common Irrigation Triggers Fast-closing solenoids, long pipe runs, and high velocity combine to amplify spikes. Mitigations Slow valve opening when possible, add air relief where trapped air exists, and consider surge arrestors […]

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Tree Uplighting Techniques: Beam Spread, Glare, and Fixture Choice

Define the Goal Accent trunks, reveal branching structure, or graze bark texture. Each goal picks a different beam and mounting height. Beam Spread and Distance Narrow beams punch canopy holes; wide floods soften silhouettes. Combine layers for large specimens. Glare Control Shrouds and glare guards keep light out of bedroom windows and driver sight lines. […]

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Path Light Spacing: Even Walkway Illumination Without Glare

Start With the Walking Path Measure the usable path width and note grade changes. Light transitions and tripping hazards first. Spacing Rules of Thumb Many residential paths look best with staggered fixtures every 8–12 feet depending on lumen output and optics—tune with mockups. Glare Control Shield lamps from direct line of sight. Lower fixtures slightly […]

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LED Retrofits for Halogen Landscape Fixtures: What Actually Works

Beyond Screw-in Bulbs Quality LED retrofits match beam angles and CRI expectations. Cheap discs often create hot spots and odd color fringes. Transformer Compatibility Magnetic transformers may need minimum load; electronic units often handle low LED wattage better. Color and Glare Warmer 2700–3000K is typical for residential paths; cooler temps suit modern architecture when glare […]

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Landscape Lighting Transformer Sizing: Watts, Tap Voltage, and Load Planning

Load Math That Survives Summer Add fixture wattages (or VA) and multiply by manufacturer minimum headroom—often 20–25%. LED loads are lower but inrush still matters on some transformers. Voltage Drop Planning Long homeruns need thicker gauge or multi-tap transformers. Sketch zones so no leg runs near max length for its gauge. Tap Strategy Distribute load […]

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Master Valves: When to Install and How They Protect the System

What a Master Valve Does A master valve sits upstream of zone valves and closes whenever no station runs. It can stop catastrophic leaks downstream if the controller commands it closed. When to Add One Sloped sites, high static pressure, and systems with history of stuck zone valves benefit most. Pair with flow sensing for […]

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Pump Start Relays for Irrigation: Wiring and Safety Checklist

Why a Relay Exists Controllers output low-voltage signals; pumps need high-voltage contactors. A pump start relay bridges that gap safely. Wiring Discipline Follow the pump and controller manuals exactly. Label commons, MV, and pump terminals to avoid cross-talk during service. Safety Hardware Lockable disconnects, proper grounding, and strain relief on flex protect technicians and homeowners. […]

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PLEASE READ THIS DOCUMENT CAREFULLY. IT CONTAINS VERY IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING YOUR RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS, INCLUDING LIMITATIONS AND EXCLUSIONS THAT MIGHT APPLY TO YOU.1. Agreement Scope: When you order products from the Big Irrigation Supply website, you agree to these terms. The supplier can change these terms without notice, and the most current version will be on the website.2. Order Acceptance and Cancellation: The supplier may accept, decline, or limit your order for any reason after receiving it. If your order is canceled after your card is charged, you will be refunded. Minimum order amounts apply and can change without notice. Customer cancellations will incur a credit card charge up to 4%.3. Pricing: Prices are subject to change and do not include taxes. Any taxes applicable will be added to the price, and you must either pay them or provide a tax exemption certificate.4. Payment Terms: Full payment is required before shipping, and you can pay online via credit card.5. Shipping and Risk: Ownership of the products transfers to you either when the products leave the supplier’s location or when they are delivered to your address, depending on the delivery method. You are responsible for shipping costs and must inspect deliveries for damage or discrepancies upon receipt.6. Warranties and Returns: Products are generally covered by the manufacturer’s warranty, details of which are provided in the product description or manufacturer’s website. Returns require prior authorization and must be made within specific time frames. A restocking fee may apply of up to 35%. Non-returnable items from Big Irrigation Supply specifically include all landscape lighting fixtures and transformers, as well as irrigation commercial controllers like MC-E and ACC2 models. Additionally, any items that are not regularly stocked or are special order items cannot be returned.7. Intellectual Property: The supplier owns any content, inventions, or intellectual property developed during the term of your agreement with them.8. Advertising and Liability: The supplier is not responsible for inaccuracies in product descriptions provided by their suppliers, nor for typographical or pricing errors. They also disclaim all implied warranties and limit their liability for any damages arising from the use of their site to the amount you paid for the products.9. Indemnification: You must defend and indemnify the supplier against any claims or damages arising from your use of the products, or any breach of these terms.10. Legal: The agreement is governed by the laws of Texas, and any disputes will be handled in Collin County, Texas, without a jury trial.11. Force Majeure: The supplier is not liable for delays or failures in delivery caused by circumstances beyond their control, such as natural disasters or labor strikes.12. Miscellaneous: If part of these terms is found to be unenforceable, the rest still applies. Provisions that by their nature should survive the termination of the agreement will do so.