Choosing a Spray Head

When it comes to watering your lawn or garden, the right spray head can make all the difference. Spray heads aren’t one-size-fits-all, as each type offers unique benefits that may or may not be valuable to your lawn or garden. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each type of sprinkler head, you can choose a spray head that keeps your plants healthy while using water more efficiently.

Common Types of Spray Heads

There are many different types of sprinkler heads, each designed to suit specific watering needs. Choosing the right one usually depends on the size of your yard, your water pressure, and the type of plants you’re irrigating. Let’s review some of the most common varieties:

• Sprays – Also called fixed spray heads, these provide a consistent fan of water that works well for small to mid-sized lawns and garden beds. They’re best for areas that need even coverage in a set pattern.
• Rotors – Rotors shoot out a strong stream that rotates back and forth, making them ideal for covering large areas like wide lawns or sports fields with fewer sprinkler heads.
• Rotary Nozzles – These are add-on nozzles for spray heads that deliver multiple rotating streams of water. Their strong streams reduce runoff and are great for sloped areas.
• Impulse and Impact Heads – Recognizable by their clicking sound, these durable heads shoot powerful streams in adjustable arcs. They’re often used for large, open areas and can handle higher water pressure.

Sprays

Spray heads are best known for delivering quick, even watering in smaller spaces. Unlike rotors, which cover large areas with sweeping streams, spray heads distribute water in a steady fan pattern that’s ideal for lawns, flower beds, and tight corners. Spray heads are especially useful when working with low water pressure, since they only need about 20–30 PSI to perform well. Paired with a range of nozzle options, spray heads can also adapt to different shapes and sizes of landscapes. So, if you need dependable, uniform coverage for compact areas, spray heads often outperform other sprinkler types.

Rotors

Rotors sprinkler heads are designed to cover large areas with a steady, rotating stream of water. Unlike spray heads, which release a mist, rotors deliver a strong stream that sweeps across the lawn, reducing water loss from evaporation and wind drift. They can throw water from 15 to 50 feet, making them ideal for wide lawns, sports fields, or big open landscapes where fewer sprinkler heads can do the job. Rotors work best with moderate to high water pressure, usually between 30 and 70 PSI, and they distribute water more slowly than sprays, which helps prevent runoff on clay or sloped soils. If your yard is too big for sprays or rotary nozzles, rotors are often the most effective choice.

Rotary Nozzles

While rotors are a type of standalone sprinkler head, rotary nozzles are add-ons for traditional spray heads. Rotary nozzles are designed to deliver water more efficiently than spray heads. Instead of a fine mist, they release multiple rotating streams. They maintain strong performance even in windy conditions, as the streams are less likely to drift or evaporate compared to a mist. This helps reduce runoff, making rotary nozzles especially effective on slopes, clay soils, or other areas where water tends to pool. Choose rotary nozzles if you want to replace your spray heads with more efficient, uniform watering that doesn’t sacrifice coverage.

Impulse & Impact Heads

Impulse, or impact, sprinkler heads shoot out a strong, pulsing stream of water in an adjustable arc. They can cover a very large range (sometimes 50 to 100 feet), making them a top choice for fields and open landscapes where other sprinklers would require multiple heads to achieve the same coverage. Because impact sprinklers operate well at higher water pressures and deliver water in a slower, heavier stream, they’re less affected by wind and evaporation compared to misting sprays. Ultimately, we recommend impact sprinkler heads when you need maximum coverage in wide-open spaces.

Order Spray Heads Online

Now that we’ve discussed some of the most common types of spray heads for lawn irrigation, it’s time to order a set for your lawn. Luckily, Sprinkler Warehouse has everything you’ll need for your irrigation system. You can shop for all of the sprinkler heads listed above and many more from their website. So, next time you’re working on your lawns, flowerbeds, and gardens, be sure to start at Sprinkler Warehouse for a variety of premium sprinkler products, ready to be shipped to your door.