Skip to content
KinPilot™Learn & Explore
Menu
← TopicsReading path →

Grades K–2 · Systems

How can one water pipe supply several sprinklers?

A sprinkler system can send water from one pipe along several routes. A branch is a place where the pipe divides. Each smaller route can lead to a sprinkler head, the part that sprays water.

S28 visual explanationThe diagram has one supply and two branching routes to sprinkler heads. The supply is present and the right valve is open. It does not establish equal branch flow.One pipe branches toward two sprinklersWater supply presentOpen valveWater reaches 2 pictured sprinkler heads

In the diagramOne pipe branches toward two sprinklersWater supply presentOpen valveWater reaches 2 pictured sprinkler heads

The supplied pipe branches toward two sprinkler heads. Both open routes carry water, without implying equal amounts in the two branches.

In this picture, one supply joins two branches. With water arriving and both routes open, both sprinkler heads can receive water. The branches share that supply; they do not make more water.

A valve can close one branch. Water then cannot follow that route to its head. The other open branch still has a path from the supply.

About this explanation

Starting knowledge: Follow a joined route and distinguish an open valve from a closed one.

Sources

  • U.S. Environmental Protection Agency — Sprinkler Spruce-Up: Connect Sprinklers, Pipes, and Valves
← Grades K–2 topics