Frequently asked questions about your Rain Bird design package.
This is your complete irrigation design package, created specifically for your property by a Rain Bird certified designer. It includes technical drawings, sprinkler specifications, a bill of materials, watering schedules, and a step-by-step installation guide. This document replaces a traditional paper blueprint and is designed to give you or your contractor everything needed to install a professional-grade irrigation system.
Your design was created using the property information, measurements, and water supply details you provided during the Rain Bird Design wizard. A Rain Bird certified designer reviewed the data, selected appropriate head types and nozzles for each zone, and laid out pipe routing to ensure proper coverage, flow balance, and code compliance. The design follows Rain Bird engineering standards for matched precipitation, head-to-head coverage, and pipe velocity limits.
This design is based on the information provided and is intended as a professional recommendation. Actual field conditions may require minor adjustments during installation. If your property dimensions, water pressure, or landscaping differ from what was described, head placement or pipe routing may need to change. Any significant deviations should be reviewed by a qualified irrigation professional.
If you discover that measurements, water pressure, or other property details differ from what you entered, please contact us for a design revision. Small differences (a few feet, a few PSI) typically won't affect the design. Larger differences — especially in available water flow (GPM) or pressure — can require zone changes or different head selections. One revision is included with your Rain Bird Design Service purchase.
Your design accounts for the structures and obstacles you identified during the design process (house, garage, driveway, patio, shed, trees, etc.). If there are underground utilities, drainage systems, septic tanks, or other obstacles not indicated during the design process, you must adjust head and pipe placement accordingly. Always call 811 before digging to locate underground utilities.
The zone map uses color-coded areas to show which sprinkler heads are connected to each valve (zone). Each zone operates independently and runs one at a time. The colors match throughout this document — in the zone layout, the coverage map, the head schedule, and the watering schedule. Pipe routing is shown with colored lines, and head symbols indicate the type of sprinkler at each location. See the legend on each drawing for symbol definitions.
Filled circles represent rotor heads (5000 Series) — these have a larger throw radius and are used for open lawn areas. Filled squares represent spray heads (1800 Series) — these have a shorter range and are used for narrower areas and side yards. Triangles represent drip emitters or dripline — used for garden beds, planters, and areas where spray would be wasted. The valve manifold is shown as a labeled box near the water source. Pipe routing uses blue lines for mainline and green lines for lateral pipes.
One design revision is included with your Rain Bird Design Service purchase. If you need to change the design — for example, adding or removing a zone, adjusting for a new patio or garden bed, or changing head types — contact Rain Bird Design Services with your order number. Additional revisions beyond the first are available for a small fee. Revisions are typically completed within 2-3 business days.
This design does not expire. However, Rain Bird product availability and part numbers may change over time. If you plan to install more than 12 months after receiving this design, we recommend verifying product availability at rainbird.com or contacting us for an updated parts list. The design layout itself remains valid as long as your property conditions haven't changed significantly.
For questions about your design, contact Rain Bird Design Services at 1-800-RAINBIRD or email design@rainbird.com. For general irrigation questions, visit rainbird.com/resources for guides, videos, and product information.
Section 3
Typical Residential Irrigation System — Reference Schematic
This is a general reference diagram showing a standard residential irrigation system layout. Your specific system is detailed in the following sections.
Note: This is a general reference diagram showing the components and layout of a typical residential irrigation system. It is provided for educational purposes and applies to all Rain Bird Design Service customers. Your specific system layout, zone configuration, and head placement are shown in Section 4 (Zone Layout) and Section 5 (Coverage Map).
Section 4
Zone & Piping Layout
Custom technical drawing showing zone boundaries, pipe routing, head placement, and system connections.
Zone 1
Section 5
Sprinkler Coverage Map
Spray and throw radius coverage for each head. Head-to-head coverage ensures uniform water distribution.
Section 6
Head Schedule & Design Specifications
Complete sprinkler head specifications by zone, including model, nozzle, flow, pressure, and precipitation rate.
Area
Zone
Type
Qty
Head Model
Nozzle
Arc
Radius
GPM/Head
Total GPM
PSI
Precip Rate
System designed for maximum zone flow — see design data
Design Notes
Section 7
Bill of Materials & Shopping List
Complete parts list organized by category. All parts available at rainbird.com or authorized retailers.
Your Project Kit — Everything in One Order
All Rain Bird parts from this design, bundled and shipped together. Skip the multiple trips to the hardware store.