How long should I water?
The chart below shows how different sprinkler heads apply water at different rates. A higher precipitation rate means a shorter run time. For example, 1.3 inches per hour = 23 minutes.
Head type
Precipitation rate
Run time for 0.5" of water
Cycle recommendation
Spray
1.3" - 2.0"
23 - 15 min
3 cycles (8 or 5 min)
Rotor
0.4" - 1.0"
75 - 30 min
3 cycles (25 or 10 min)
Multi-stream, multi-trajectory
0.4" - 0.6"
75 - 50 min
3 cycles (25 or 17 min)
Cycling Recommendation: Instead of running sprinklers all at once, split the total run time into three shorter cycles with 30–45 minute breaks in between. This ‘cycle and soak’ method helps the soil absorb water and reduces runoff.
This guide assumes you are applying 1/2″ of water with each irrigation event. The chart on this page gives you an idea of how long you may need to run your system to apply 1/2″. Every system is a little different. For a more accurate runtime recommendation, please visit the DIY Water Check page for information and tools.