Glossary of Irrigation Terms

A sprinkler head is a device connected to an irrigation system and is responsible for distributing water under pressure through the air to the ground surface. Sprinkler heads come in a variety of shapes and sizes and deliver water in different types of spray patterns and water droplet sizes. Common types of head include rotary, spray, and drip heads. Because of the task they perform, they need to be able to withstand exposure to water, sunlight, and other environmental factors and are typically made of durable materials like plastic, brass, and stainless steel.

Submersible motors are designed to run when completely submerged. In an irrigation application, the submersible motor can drive a turbine pump while completely submerged. The submersible motor is purpose-designed to be robust and corrosion-resistant; water is kept away from the motor by incorporating special features such as precision-machining, hermetic seals and barriers.

Interchangeably known as electric submersible pumps, these are common in applications such as drainage, sewage and irrigation where the pump must be completely submerged in water. The motor that runs the pump (see submersible motor) is also specially designed to remain water-tight while the whole assembly is under water.