The best impact sprinkler for low pressure based on the value it provides is the Rain Bird 25PJDAC Brass Impact Sprinkler. 

Watering the lawn is hard enough.

But what makes it even worse is when you have a water supply with low pressure.

How the heck are you supposed to use a sprinkler that can help you water the lawn? You’re not crazy enough to water your lawn with a garden hose.

Thankfully you don’t have to. With the right impact sprinkler, you can water the lawn without worrying about the low-pressure situation in your house.

Let’s take a look at the best impact sprinkler for low pressure you can consider buying to make watering your lawn a bit easier.

Product Rating Price
Rain Bird 25PJDAC Brass Impact Sprinkler 1
Rain Bird P5R Plastic Impact Sprinkler 2
ikris Garden Impulse Impact Sprinkler 3
Orbit 55025 Satellite 2 Impact Sprinkler 4
Rain Bird 2045A Maxi-Paw Impact Sprinkler 5

What is an impact sprinkler?

Impact sprinklers are small rotating irrigation devices that consist of a small spring pin and rotating arm. They are driven by a pivoting ball bearing that sits on a threaded nut.

The device is propelled in a circular motion each time the arm strikes the pin. Meanwhile, the pin can be tuned to alter the distance and pattern of the spray.

Impact sprinklers are typically staked in the ground. Nevertheless, some models feature canister-shaped designs that allow them to retract below the surface when not in use. Both variations have their perks and are widely used.

Impact sprinklers provide a considerable amount of coverage and often feature varying patterns and angles of water projection. Most feature rudimentary pins and knobs for fine-tuning water coverage.

Many of them provide an adequate solution to low or varying water pressure systems, as they have pressure controlling nozzles built into the head.

What are the different types of sprinklers?

In-ground: These sprinklers tend to be more expensive than the ones you stake in the ground. The main advantage here is that they retract when they are not in use, preventing people, pets, and lawn tools from interfering with them. However, because of their mechanical design, they are more susceptible to clogs and jams.

Gear Driven Rotors: These irrigating heads are often incorporated into expansive sprinkler systems. They rely on gears to drive evenly distributed irrigation over a wide expanse of land. They lack the signature arm of impact sprinklers.

Oscillating Sprinklers: These horizontal bar-shaped sprinklers move back and forth at ground level to create a realistic rain-like stream of water. They are typically inexpensive and most commonly used to water modest-sized lawns or gardens. These are commonly found in lawn and garden stores.

Do you need an impact sprinkler for low pressure?

Water pressure varies between properties, with the average home having between 30 to 50 pounds per square inch of output. Often times, this much water pressure is needed to run a sprinkler at full capacity. 

But what if your home does not have this kind of water pressure?

That’s where you may find it useful to use an impact sprinkler for low pressure. They are able to work with low water pressure because they have integrated water regulation valves that steady the flow of water out of the system.

If you are unsure if you have low pressure, use this helpful YouTube video to identify common signs of low-pressure water systems.

How to choose an impact sprinkler for low pressure?

Let’s take a look at some key factors you should consider when choosing an impact sprinkler for low pressure.

Water Pressure Requirements

If you have a low-pressure home water system, it is essential that you cross-reference a sprinkler’s water pressure requirements with the output of your home system.

Look for your sprinkler’s PSI (pounds per square inch) requirement. Then ensure that it is compatible with your low-pressure water system.

Many impact sprinklers are divided into low and high-pressure categories to make your shopping experience all the easier.

Pattern Adjustability

Impact sprinklers sprinkle water in a circular fashion. The impact of the arm hitting the ball bearing is what causes this to happen.

Typically, you can adjust the arc, trajectory, and pattern of the water. Look for models that possess an easy-to-use diffuser pin, as this will allow you to control the distance of the water.

The sprinkler should also have a deflector shield, which can be used to adjust the arc of the water. A friction shield allows you to adjust the movement of the sprinkler head.

Flow Rate

The flow rate of an impact sprinkler is measured in PSI. The potential flow rate correlates directly with the water pressure of your home system and the water pressure potential of a sprinkler. This is particularly important if you intend to utilize more than one sprinkler head per water zone.

Distance

It is important to consider the radius as well as square footage of a sprinkler’s coverage. Keep in mind that you want an impact sprinkler with adjustable distance so that you are not forced to water a driveway or porch. Measure the area you wish to irrigate before shopping for a sprinkler.

What’s more, consider whether or not you will be using more than one sprinkler head. If you are, allow the radius to marginally overlap the other by a foot or two. This is important because water streams tend to become less dense at longer distances. As such, they are their strongest closest to the sprinkler head.

Timers and Automatic Shutoffs

While it is unusual to see an impact sprinkler with an integrated timer or automatic shutoff, these useful accessories are sold separately. If you are someone who desires a self-regulating system, combining aftermarket shut-off valves and impact sprinklers is an affordable and time-saving solution.

Durability

Since an impact sprinkler relies on the constant strike of one part against another, it is imperative that it be made out of a durable, long-lasting material such as metal and/or hard plastic. Common materials used in the manufacturing of impact sprinklers include zinc, brass, stainless steel, plastic, and aluminum.

Impact sprinklers should also be resistant to corrosion and rust. Needless to say, you want a sprinkler that can stand up against prolonged moisture. Beyond that, it is important that a sprinkler is durable enough to withstand inevitable interactions with feet, pets, and weather.

Price

Impact sprinklers shouldn’t break the bank. However, you can expect to spend a little bit of money for superior quality. Determine your budget before shopping for a low-pressure impact sprinkler. Keep in mind that you may need more than one sprinkler to effectively cover your entire lawn or garden.

Warranty

Sprinkler warranties vary between manufacturers. What’s more, some manufacturers offer varying warranties depending on the make and material of a specific sprinkler model. For example, Rain Bird offers a 5-year warranty on its brass models and a slightly shorter 2-year warranty on its plastic models.

Keep in mind that most warranties only cover manufacturing defects. So, keep some distance between lawn mowers, small children, bicycles, and other erratic things away from these irrigating devices.

Safety precautions when using an impact sprinkler

Always read the safety manual and/or instructions before utilizing a device. It is important to ensure that everything is installed properly. This will prevent future inconveniences, wasted resources, damage to the system, as well as potential injuries.

For all systems, it is important to leave a wide margin of room between powerlines, electrical equipment, buildings, and other items you do not wish to get wet. As we all know, electricity and water have the potential to become lethal when mixed.

Avoid running your impact sprinkler during adverse weather. Sprinklers do not irrigate properly in high wind conditions. And they are completely useless during periods of precipitation.

You should also avoid running your irrigation system when temperatures approach 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

You should use extreme caution when using your irrigation system after chemicals have been applied. Water can cause chemicals to disperse into the air.

How to use an impact sprinkler for low pressure

Make sure you have a sprinkler that is well-suited for low-pressure systems. Then, increase the flow of water at the source. Turn the faucet or valve counterclockwise as far as it will go to optimize the water pressure feeding into your irrigation system.

Keep in mind that low water pressure is suitable for some environments, such as delicate plants and flowers. If you receive water from a public resource company, contact them for an update-to-date estimate of your water’S PSI measurement. You may already have a utility company water gauge installed in your home, so be sure to check your main water line as well.

If the aforementioned options don’t apply, you can purchase a water gauge online or utilize one of these basic math equations to get the number you are looking for. It is important to remember that you will have to work with whatever water pressure you have. However, knowing your system’s full potential empowers you to find the most appropriate sprinkler system.

Once you have your impact sprinklers in hand, you need to add a coupling and attach it to a water source. Most sprinklers boast male couplings and are universal in size. It pays to add a bit of plumbing tape to create a leak-free seal.

Choose a location to install your sprinkler. Be sure to place in a hazard-free location with an optimal radius. After you have properly installed the sprinkler, make adjustments to tailor the direction of the spray.

Adjust the turn or arc radius setting. You can do this by pinching and rotating the two metal wire collars below the head. Each one represents a cutoff point for the sprinkler, as the metal arm will hit it and reverse direction.

On some models, you can set the arc to 360 degrees by releasing a rear trip pin. Next, adjust the pattern of the spray by adjusting the trip pin. This screw-like part winds in and out.

You can adjust the diffuser flap to fine-tune the distance of the arc. When it is pulled back all the way, water will go the greatest distance. However, with low water pressure, this measurement does not always match the manufacturer’s proposed distance.

Maintaining your impact sprinkler

Many people don’t realize that they need to maintain their impact sprinklers regularly to keep them running well. To do so, periodically disconnect your impact sprinklers from irrigation lines to clean them. While it’s disconnected, inspect it to ensure that all parts are in working condition.

Oftentimes, minerals and hard water deposits can build up inside a sprinkler, creating the potential for blockages and failures. If you suspect a clog, remove the head and clean it to remove any buildup.

Screws and connections can become loose or damaged. Individually inspect each head and replace any broken ones. Refer to the manufacturer’s warranty when applicable.

You can also keep tabs on your impact sprinklers by observing your yard or garden. If the area around your sprinkler is extremely wet, this may be a sign that the connection is loose or something is amiss.

If there are substantially dry areas in your lawn, you may need to make further adjustments to the arc, pattern, or distance of the sprinkler’s spray.

Reviews

Sale
Rain Bird 25PJDAC Brass Impact Sprinkler
  • The #1 best-selling brass impact sprinkler
  • Traditional favorite with classic impact sound
  • Brass, bronze, and stainless-steel construction lasts longer than competitors' zinc sprinklers

Last update on 2024-03-19 // Source: Amazon Affiliates

The Rain Bird brass impact sprinkler offers a wide adjustable angle of coverage with an infinite amount of pattern adjustments. Being able to focus water spray anywhere between 20 and 240 degrees ensures that you can cover a wide area with a minimal amount of sprinkler connections. There is also a separate setting for 360-degree coverage.

The spray distance for the Rain Bird is also extremely far, ranging between 20 and 41 feet depending on the level of water pressure. With such a wide potential for coverage, the Rain Bird is easily one of the most bargain-friendly impact sprinklers on the market.

It comes as no surprise that the brass Rain Bird is the best-selling brass impact sprinkler on the market. The affordable brass sprinkler has an adjustable deflector flap that allows you to fine-tune the distance of the spray.

It also does a fabulous job of evenly distributing water at low PSI’s, with a potential for covering up to 5,200 square feet. Plus, it boasts an incredibly easy-to-install male connector.

If your low-pressure water system prevents pop-up sprinklers from fully extending, you should take a look at these free-standing irrigation heads. They disperse water evenly and efficiently.

They feature a corrosion-resistant coating that holds up well against minerals and other water contaminants.

Pros Cons
  • Durable brass, bronze, and steel construction
  • Easy to install
  • Easy to adjust full or part circle
  • Adjustable deflector flap
  • Limited one-year warranty
  • No major cons


Sale
Rain Bird P5R Plastic Impact Sprinkler
  • #1 selling plastic impact sprinkler
  • Double brass-weighted arm for slower rotation and better water coverage
  • Diffuser screw creates smaller water droplets for more uniform coverage

Last update on 2024-03-19 // Source: Amazon Affiliates

The Rain Bird plastic impact sprinkler is yet another satisfying irrigation system for low-pressure water systems. This adjustable sprinkler head offers 0 to 260-degrees of spray in an infinite number of patterns, much like its brass predecessor.

Beyond that, it projects up to 41 feet of water. With such a low price and expansive reach, multiple Rain Birds can be easily compiled for inexpensive home irrigation solution.

The plastic Rain Bird has an easy-to-use collar, guard, and pin adjustment options. You can quickly and easily tailor the distance and pattern of the spray.

It comes as no surprise that the Rain Bird is the number one plastic impact sprinkler on the market. It can handle both hard and dirty water without falling victim to clogs.

It boasts a bayonet nozzle that can be snapped on or off for easy cleaning. The only drawback of this impact sprinkler is it’s plastic build that makes it less durable.

Pros Cons
  • Inexpensive
  • Double Brass-weighted arm for better water coverage
  • Diffuser screw for uniform coverage
  • Water saver spray guide arm
  • Superior performance in dirty water conditions
  • Less durable because of plastic build


Last update on 2024-03-19 // Source: Amazon Affiliates

The ikris garden sprinkler offers extensive coverage as far as 5,800 feet, ensuring you can irrigate moderate to large-sized gardens and yards without manually moving the sprinkler.

The water coverage can be adjusted via an easy-to-access diffuser pin. Whether you desire to fine-tune the height of the arch, the distance of the spray, or pattern of the mist, this trusty impact sprinkler has you covered.

It is incredibly durable, with a die-cast aluminum head and a durable metal ground stake. The quality construction ensures that it won’t rust or wear prematurely and can be used for years to come.

We also love that the ikris sprinkler comes with a 100-percent satisfaction manufacturer’s guarantee. This ensures that customers can try this product with little to no risk.

You may find that this sprinkler works great to cover a large area but it’s not adjustable to cover a small one.

Pros Cons
  • Die-cast aluminum makes it durable
  • Covers up to 5800 square feet
  • Diffuser screw allows easy adjustment
  • Easy to install
  • 100% satisfaction guarantee
  • Not adjustable for small coverage
  • Poor instructions manual


Orbit 55025 Satellite 2 Impact Sprinkler
  • ADJUSTABLE DISTANCE WITH DIFFUSER PIN — Orbit’s Satellite 2 Pop-Up Impact Sprinkler puts you back in control of your lawn and garden. The diffuser pin gives you the ability to adjust the Impact sprinkler from a distance of 25 to 45 feet. You can simply shorten or lengthen the distance of your impact sprinkler by screwing the diffuser pin into or out of the stream of water.
  • EASY TO ADJUST PATTERN — FULL OR PART CIRCLE — This Impact Sprinkler will tailor to the needs of your lawn. It sits flush with your lawn and pops up to 3 inches in height while in use. The Satellite 2 sprinkler allows the user to adjust the sprinkler spray pattern from 20 to 360 Degrees. Slide the adjustment friction collars on the impact sprinkler to adjust the spray pattern for optimal spray to keep your landscape green all year round.
  • HEAVY DUTY CANISTER WITH ½” OR ¾” DUAL INLETS — Orbit Irrigation has created an exceptionally durable canister that installs flush with your lawn. With its dual inlet feature on both the sides and bottom of the sprinkler, installation becomes easy. The bottom inlet accepts both ½” and ¾” connections. The Satellite 2 Impact sprinkler has been engineered to bring years of reliable service.

Last update on 2024-03-19 // Source: Amazon Affiliates

The Orbit Satellite sprinkler consists of a compact 3-inch canister with a pop-up sprinkler head. The head is responsible for 25 to 45 feet of radial water spray.

The angle of the spray can be adjusted from 20 to 360 degrees. This ensures that you will need a minimal amount of sprinkler heads to cover an expansive area of your lawn or garden.

We love that the Orbit impact sprinkler blends into your lawn when it is not in use. This prevents it from becoming a hazard to feet, lawn equipment, and more.

Its canister-like design allows for some of the easiest adjustments. All you need to do is slide the collar to adjust the spray pattern. The distance and height of the arc can also be customized.

The Orbit’s compact design doesn’t take away from its durability either. It is made from weather-resistant materials and is engineered to withstand adverse outdoor conditions as well as mineral-rich water.

It is also a particularly good fit for low-pressure systems, as it has a clog-resistant design and integrated flow regulators.

It has dual male hookups which allow you to integrate multiple Orbit heads into a single irrigation line.

Pros Cons
  • Adjustable from 25 to 45 feet with diffuser pin
  • Easy to adjust full or part circle pattern
  • Durable and long-lasting design
  • Accepts both 1/2 inch and 3/4 inch connections
  • No major cons


Sale
Rain Bird 2045A Maxi-Paw Impact Sprinkler
  • Deluxe Impact Rotor Pop-Up Sprinkler - Proven impact drive
  • Straight-through flow for superior performance in dirty water - Blue #8 nozzle included
  • Five interchangeable, color-coded MPR nozzles with standard trajectory (sold separately)

Last update on 2024-03-19 // Source: Amazon Affiliates

The Rain Bird Maxi-Paw is yet another amazing canister-shaped pop-up impact sprinkler. The unique design of the Rain Bird ensures that it is not easily damaged by ground-level activity.

Like the Satellite, the Maxi-Paw retreats and becomes flush with the ground when not in use. This eliminates a potential trip hazard.

We also love that the Maxi-Paw has a filter screen and wiper seal to protect from premature blockages and corrosion. Regardless of how high or low the water pressure is, the Rain Bird omits a steady and uniform stream of water.

It offers a reliable retraction action, ensuring you do not need to spend any of your personal time troubleshooting the device. The high-quality seal prevents the sprinkler from leaking and causing subsequently flooded areas.

The Rain Bird canister is constructed from durable black plastic. It puts out around 3.7 gallons per minute with a PSI of 45. Therefore, you can expect a modest amount of output when paired with a low-pressure water system.

The joints of this sprinkler can be less durable and you need to remember it does not come with a nozzle set.

Pros Cons
  • Straight-through flow gives superior performance
  • Can be used with dirty or secondary water
  • Easy to change nozzles
  • Heavy-duty plastic case with sturdy design
  • Double-weighted arm for slower rotation
  • Less durable joints
  • Nozzle set is not included


Conclusion

If your lawn or garden irrigation has ever been impeded by low water pressure, you know how frustrating this can be. Fret not; there are plenty of impact sprinklers that are designed with low-pressure systems in mind.

In our opinion, the Rain Bird 25PJDAC Brass Impact Sprinkler is the best impact sprinkler for low pressure under 30 PSI. This spectacular sprinkler provides a high arc, considerable coverage, and unmatched durability.

A close second, the Rain Bird P5R Plastic Impact Sprinkler is an adequate plastic impact sprinkler that just happens to be our favorite budget-friendly model.


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