SPRINKLER TALK FORUM - You Got Questions, We've Got Answers

This is the first time that I have had to do anything concerning a sprinkler system. I have visited several web sites to try to do my best in reserching the subject. But I would appreciate all the advise that I can aquire. I have resently started up a landscaping and lawn care buisness and I have encountered several of my customers tht have requested new irrigation systems. I have not installed a system yet. But I feel that I will be put in that situation soon and I am trying to bone up on the subject. Could anyone please help me with understanding the basics. Such as all the basic components and their function and operation and where they fit in the component layout. I understand about the psi needed to run the sprinkler heads and the calculations on the head pressure as it pretains to water and the piping. I am more concerned anti-flowback valves, zone valves , manifolds and the various programable controllers.[?] Thanks in advance for any help you can give.

Gentelmen...
I am over-whelmed by your assistance. I am 44 years old and a 10 year veteran of the Merchant Marine. I hold a Masters License (Captain).
I worked my way up through hard work and dedication. I worked in the Construction Industry for almost 20 years prior to that. I have had to resign my position due to an illness in the family. But I still have all the obligations and responsibilities of a 44 year old man and can not afford to work for minimum wage to learn the basics. I wish that I could. So I am asking as humbly as I know how, could you just lay out the basics for me. Thank You for your time and patience.

Thank you.
I am indeed interested in getting a certificate. Where would I go to get it? Is it something that you would have to take a college course to get or does the state offer some kind of course to certify you? By the way I do happen to live in the Great State of Texas. South East Texas.
I do appreciate you pointing me in the right direction.
Thanks again.