Why Sprinkler Systems Should Use Check Valve Heads
If you’re investing in a high-performing, water-efficient sprinkler system, there’s one simple upgrade you shouldn’t overlook: check valve sprinkler heads. While they might seem like a minor detail, these heads play a major role in reducing water waste, improving system efficiency, and protecting your landscape—especially in Seattle’s hilly neighborhoods and varied soil types.
In this article, we’ll break down what check valve heads are, why they matter, and how they support both sustainable practices and system performance. Plus, we’ll cover why working with an experienced irrigation professional ensures these components are used correctly and effectively.
What Are Check Valve Heads?
Check valve heads are sprinkler heads that include a built-in check valve—a one-way valve that prevents water from draining out of the system after the zone shuts off.
Without a check valve, any elevation change in your yard can cause water to drain out of the lowest heads in the zone, wasting water and creating puddles or erosion.
Why Check Valve Heads Matter
1. Eliminate Low-Head Drainage
Have you ever noticed a soggy spot at the bottom of a slope after your sprinklers run? That’s low-head drainage. It happens when gravity pulls water out of the pipes through the lowest sprinkler heads after the system turns off.
Check valve heads stop this from happening, holding water in the lateral lines until the system starts again.
2. Reduce Water Waste
Every time your system shuts off and the lines drain, gallons of water are lost—not during irrigation, but afterward. Over a season, this adds up significantly. According to the Irrigation Association, check valves can reduce water waste by up to 20% per zone, especially in sloped or uneven areas.
In a city like Seattle, where both water conservation and stormwater runoff are top concerns, reducing this kind of unnecessary loss is a win for your wallet and the environment.
3. Prevent Erosion and Landscape Damage
In sloped yards, drained water can collect at low points, leading to:
- Soil erosion
- Plant stress or root rot
- Damage to mulch or landscape features
Check valve heads keep water where it belongs—in the pipes, not your planting beds or pathways.
4. Improve System Performance
When pipes stay full between irrigation cycles, water pressure is more consistent and systems run more smoothly. This results in:
- More even coverage
- Shorter run times
- Lower strain on your valves and system components
Where Should Check Valve Heads Be Used?
While it’s ideal to use check valves throughout the entire system, they’re especially important in:
- Sloped yards or terraced landscapes
- Zones with elevation changes
- Areas with sensitive or erosion-prone soil
- Zones near hardscapes or structures that shouldn’t get wet after shutdown
Most modern spray and rotor heads are available with built-in check valves, and many can be retrofitted if your system already exists.
Why Work with a Sustainable Irrigation Professional
A skilled irrigation professional will:
- Identify the zones and heads that benefit most from check valves
- Ensure compatibility with your system’s pressure and flow
- Use high-quality components built for Seattle’s climate and soil types
- Evaluate your system for other sustainable upgrades like drip irrigation, master valves, or smart controllers
Because check valves work within your larger system, correct placement and head selection are key for maximizing their benefits. This is where expert knowledge really pays off.
Final Thoughts
Sprinkler heads with built-in check valves may seem like a small upgrade—but they have a big impact. By preventing water waste, protecting your landscape, and supporting efficient irrigation, they’re a smart, sustainable choice for any Seattle homeowner looking to get the most out of their system.
Whether you’re building a new system or retrofitting an existing one, make check valve heads part of your irrigation strategy—and work with a professional who shares your commitment to sustainability and long-term performance. Contact your local irrigation professional committed to sustainability.
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