Irrigation Technician Course

Lesson 1 • Water Sources and Supply Systems

Examines municipal, well, and reclaimed water sources used in irrigation. Students will assess supply characteristics that affect system design decisions.

Lesson 2 • Water and Irrigation Basics

Covers properties of water relevant to irrigation, including pressure, flow, and volume. Establishes the physical principles that govern all system design and operation.

Lesson 3 • Types of Irrigation Systems

Introduces drip, sprinkler, surface, and subsurface system categories. Students will distinguish system types by application, efficiency, and site suitability.

Lesson 4 • Core Components and Terminology

Identifies valves, pipes, emitters, controllers, and backflow preventers. Accurate terminology is essential for reading plans and communicating on job sites.

Lesson 1 • Backflow Prevention Requirements

Details mandatory backflow protection for potable water connected to irrigation. Students will select and install correct devices based on hazard classification.

Lesson 2 • Regulatory Framework Overview

Explains the hierarchy of plumbing codes, standards, and authority having jurisdiction. Students will understand how regulations are adopted and enforced at the local level.

Lesson 3 • Water Conservation Regulations

Addresses mandatory efficiency standards, water budgets, and restricted watering schedules. Students will design systems that meet conservation compliance requirements.

Lesson 1 • Compression and Barbed Fittings

Covers assembly of compression and barbed fittings used in drip and poly tubing systems. These connections allow tool-free installation and field modifications.

Lesson 2 • Solvent Welding PVC Pipe

Teaches cutting, priming, and cementing PVC pipe to produce leak-free joints. Correct technique shall prevent joint failure under operating pressure.

Lesson 3 • Threaded and Glued Fittings

Addresses NPT threaded connections and transition fittings between pipe materials. Proper thread engagement and sealant use prevent leaks at valve and equipment connections.

Lesson 4 • Pipe Material Properties

Compares PVC, HDPE, copper, and polyethylene tubing by pressure rating, flexibility, and cost. Material selection directly affects system longevity and installation method.

Lesson 1 • Reading and Producing Irrigation Plans

Develops skills to interpret and draft irrigation layout drawings and hydraulic schedules. Plan reading is required for permit submission and field installation accuracy.

Lesson 2 • Hydraulic Fundamentals for Irrigation

Reviews Bernoulli's principle, friction loss, and velocity head as applied to irrigation piping. These calculations underpin every sizing and layout decision in system design.

Lesson 3 • Pipe Sizing and Flow Calculations

Teaches flow rate determination and pipe diameter selection to maintain design pressure. Correct sizing shall prevent excessive velocity and pressure loss at emitters.

Lesson 4 • Zone Layout and Hydrozoning

Covers grouping plants by water need and dividing sites into hydraulically balanced zones. Proper hydrozoning shall maximise efficiency and prevent over- or under-watering.

Lesson 1 • Irrigation Controller Programming

Teaches programming of run times, start times, and watering days on standard controllers. Accurate scheduling shall prevent overwatering and meet regulatory watering restrictions.

Lesson 2 • Low-Voltage Wiring and Troubleshooting

Covers 24-VAC control wire installation, splicing, and fault diagnosis. Wiring faults are among the most common irrigation service calls and must be resolved efficiently.

Lesson 3 • Master Valves and Flow Sensors

Covers master valve installation and flow sensor integration for leak detection. These components shall protect the system and enable smart controller diagnostics.

Lesson 4 • Solenoid Valve Operation and Installation

Explains solenoid valve construction, flow control, and wiring to controllers. Correct installation shall prevent valve failure and ensure reliable zone activation.

Lesson 1 • Pump Types and Applications

Compares centrifugal, submersible, and jet pumps by application and performance range. Correct pump selection depends on flow demand, head requirements, and water source.

Lesson 2 • Pump Installation and Piping

Covers suction and discharge piping layout, priming, and vibration isolation for pumps. Correct piping shall prevent cavitation and extend pump service life.

Lesson 3 • Pump Electrical Connections and Controls

Addresses motor wiring, pressure switch setup, and pump start relay integration. Safe electrical connections are mandatory before any pump commissioning.

Lesson 4 • Pump Commissioning and Performance Testing

Guides startup procedures, flow measurement, and pressure verification at design conditions. Commissioning shall confirm the pump meets system requirements before handover.

Lesson 1 • Site Preparation and Layout

Covers staking, marking, and utility locating before excavation begins. Accurate layout shall prevent conflicts with existing utilities and ensure design compliance.

Lesson 2 • Trenching and Pipe Burial

Addresses trench depth requirements, bedding, and backfill for buried irrigation pipe. Proper burial shall protect pipe from damage and meet code depth requirements.

Lesson 3 • Drip System Installation and Flushing

Details drip mainline, distribution tubing, emitter placement, and end-cap flushing. Drip systems require precise emitter spacing to deliver uniform water application.

Lesson 4 • Sprinkler Head Installation and Adjustment

Covers pop-up head installation, arc setting, and radius adjustment for full coverage. Proper head adjustment shall eliminate dry spots and reduce runoff.

Lesson 1 • Preventive Maintenance Schedules

Establishes monthly, seasonal, and annual maintenance tasks for all system components. Scheduled maintenance shall reduce emergency repairs and extend system service life.

Lesson 2 • System Startup and Operational Checks

Guides sequential zone activation, flow verification, and controller confirmation at startup. Systematic startup shall catch installation errors before the client takes possession.

Lesson 3 • Seasonal Winterization and Startup

Covers compressed-air blowout, drain valve operation, and spring recommissioning steps. Proper winterization shall prevent freeze damage to pipes, valves, and backflow devices.

Lesson 4 • Irrigation Auditing and Uniformity Testing

Teaches catch-can testing and distribution uniformity calculation for sprinkler zones. Audit results shall identify coverage deficiencies and guide system adjustments.