Top Sprinklers: 5 Best Impact Sprinklers for Low Pressure

That being said, quite often, houses aren’t equipped with water systems that provide the required pressure to run a sprinkler at full capacity. In such cases, you’ll need a low-pressure sprinkler to keep your lawn hydrated.

But that doesn’t end all your problems. With the availability of a wide range of sprinklers in the market, choosing the best sprinklers that meet your requirements is quite challenging and time-consuming, to say the least. So, what should you do? Breathe a sigh of relief!

After extensive research, we bring you detailed reviews of the 6 best impact sprinklers for low pressure, these are the selected picks out of a group of 11 sprinkles, 5 out of which failed to perform under low pressure. Furthermore, we provide a comprehensive impact sprinkler buyer’s guide at the end of the article to help your decision-making, this contains lessons we've learned through our trial and error with the 6 test sprinklers, but more on that, later on!

So, without further delay, let’s dive straight into the reviews.

Listed below are the 5 best impact sprinklers for low pressure from our list:

• Rain Bird LG3HE In-Ground Impact Sprinkler: This device offers full or part circle coverage with infinite pattern adjustments and wide coverage, perfect for medium to large lawns, but may require multiple units for uniform distribution in larger areas.
• Orbit 58308Z Brass Impact Sprinkler: This offers an adjustable tripod base for flexible targeting and a significant coverage area, although it could suffer from water leakage issues due to insecure hose attachment.
• Rain Bird P5R Low-Pressure Impact Sprinkler: The P5R offers water conservation benefits due to its spray-guiding arm that controls flow, minimizing consumption, but may be somewhat limited in terms of area coverage.
• Orbit 56186N Brass Impact Sprinkler: This sprinkler ensures even distribution over large areas, and it's suitable for dirty or reclaimed water, however, its lightweight design could potentially compromise its stability.
• Melnor 65607-AMZ Pulsating Sprinkler Impact Sprinkler: Known for its durability, this sprinkler includes a timer to prevent over or underwatering, backed by a 7-year warranty, but may experience issues with its rotation function that could limit its 360-degree coverage.

Here is the list of the 6 best impact sprinklers for low pressure that you can use to effectively water your lawn and garden.

1. Rain Bird LG3HE In-Ground Impact Sprinkler - Best for Medium to Large Lawns

Rain Bird is a leading manufacturer of the most reliable irrigation products and services designed to minimize water consumption. And the LG3HE in-ground impact sprinkler is no exception! Ideal for watering medium to large areas, the impact sprinkler ensures full or part circle coverage with infinite spraying pattern adjustment.

Our team discovered through using this product that we have to appreciate the wide coverage of the Rain Bird LG3HE, which, in turn, makes it perfect for medium to large lawns, the wide coverage is not a given for all low-pressure sprinklers, we learned. You can adjust the coverage anywhere from 0 to 360 degrees (full circle or part circle coverage) to ensure a uniform distribution of water.

That’s not all; this impulse sprinkler boasts of a spraying distance ranging from 26 to 41 feet, allowing the water to reach a larger distance. At the same time, its 3-inch pop-up height makes it easy to water lawns with tall grass.

Moving on to its installation, we were impressed by how convenient it is to set up impact sprinklers. There’s no trenching required, simply dig a small hole, place the sprinkler backfilled with dirt, and watch it in action!

What’s the best part? The complete assembly remains in place for the entire season, removing the hassle of setup every time you have to water your lawn. All you need to do is connect your garden hose via the click-n-go connect, and you’re good to go.

Over time, you may see brown patches of turf on your lawn due to uneven watering our research shows. This usually happens in large lawns, where the sprinkler fails to reach the middle areas, despite its extensive coverage. In such cases, we’d suggest adding more impact sprinklers that partially overlap to cover the entire property.

2. Orbit 58308Z Brass Impact Sprinkler - Best for Adjustable Tripod Base

Next up on the list, we have a popular heavy-duty brass sprinkler on a tripod base from Orbit, a leading brand when it comes to smart watering systems for lawns. Designed to fit the changing needs of your growing plants and grass, its impact head offers better reach for extensive coverage.

For us, the highlight of the 58308Z sprinkler from Orbit is its tripod base, which not only makes it easy to set up but also ensures quick adjustability. In other words, you can position the stand as per the required height without any hassle using its ergonomically designed clamps.

When we trialed this sprinkler we learned that once set, the heavy-duty construction of the impact sprinkler base firmly plants it to the ground to resist the force created by the impact head, thereby preventing tipping. It allows you to keep the sprinkler watering for a long time by attaching your water hose to its gooseneck hose attachment.

Our analysis of this model revealed is perfect for large lawns, covering an area up to 6,360 sq.ft., thanks to its wide and adjustable coverage ranging from partial section to full circle watering. You can customize the spray distance radius and stream using the diffuser screw and deflector shield.

Last but not least, its anti-backsplash arm makes sure that the water is sprayed in the desired direction in a consistent pattern.

There’s no doubt that the Orbit 58308Z Sprinkler is an ideal option for the uniform watering of large lawns. However, we couldn’t help but notice a few of its minor design flaws. For instance, the gooseneck hose attachment wasn’t secure enough, which led to water leakage issues.

3. Rain Bird P5R Low-Pressure Impact Sprinkler - Best for Water Conservation

Rain Bird continues to rule the impact sprinkler industry with its wide range of innovative products designed to maintain the beauty of your lawn. So, it makes sense to introduce you to the P5R plastic impact sprinkler from the brand. Equipped with a spray-guiding arm, it controls the spray pressure and pattern to conserve water.

The Rain Bird P5R features a high-impact polymer and stainless steel construction, making it a durable option for you to consider, our research indicates that nothing beats it in terms of reliability and performance, especially in dirty water conditions, such as ponds, irrigation canals, etc. This is why it’s an excellent choice for reclaimed irrigation water systems.

Apart from a straight-through-flow design, the model comes with a spray guiding arm that controls its water flow and prevents side splash. Hence, the impact sprinkler surpasses expectations in minimizing water consumption, which is undeniably a feature that makes it stand out from the rest.

As per our expertise, the Rain Bird P5R is significantly easy to install using its 1/2-inch threaded pipe outlet. Once set up, the double-weighted arm ensures slower rotation and increases spray distance. You can also use the diffuser screw to reduce the water pressure for the uniform watering of your lawn.

You’ll always have to keep the radius coverage low to ensure an even distribution of water when it comes to a large lawn. This is because if the sprinkler head is adjusted to a larger area, the water tends to reach the regions nearby and the outer perimeter. The middle area remains dry and unwatered.

4. Orbit 56186N Brass Impact Sprinkler

We now bring you yet another dependable impact sprinkler from Orbit, which is ideal for watering a large lawn when it’s set to a full circle. Attached to a wheeled base, the impact sprinkler can easily ensure even distribution of water, covering the entire area without getting tipped or stuck.

The Orbit 56186N is designed to ensure uninterrupted water flow for irrigating lawns and gardens covering an area of up to 6361 sq. ft. There’s no need to worry about clogging, even when used with dirty or reclaimed water from ponds and canals.

After conducting experiments with it, we learned it will spray water consistently season after season without getting stuck or tipping over, thanks to its brass/zinc and wheeled construction. The impact sprinkler can easily adjust to high water pressures and severe conditions without breaking or rusting. So, you can rest assured of its durability at all times.

What’s more? You can adjust the spray coverage of the model from a partial section to full 360-degree watering, depending on your lawn's requirements. To expand your watering coverage, its flow-through design allows you to connect multiple sprinklers as per the water pressure.

We found the Orbit 56186N a bit light compared to the other options on the list. This doesn’t affect its overall performance in any way, but it may compromise its stability. Also, we came across minor water leakage issues in the rotational section. So, we’d recommend checking the product before making a purchase.

5. Melnor 65607-AMZ Pulsating Sprinkler Impact Sprinkler

Melnor has come a long way in the innovation of lawn and garden watering tools and equipment since its foundation in 1946. On that note, we decided to introduce you to the 65607-AMZ pulsating sprinkler from the brand. Backed by a 7-year limited warranty, this impact sprinkler serves as one of the most reliable options out there.

The Melnor 65607-AMZ is designed to help tackle all your watering chores, allowing you to maintain a healthy and pristine lawn at all times. It’s equipped with durable nozzles and wands, which, in turn, add to your convenience during operation.

While testing this product we loved the inclusion of the timer since it helps prevent underwatering or overwatering, thereby minimizing water consumption. As a result, the sprinkler serves as an easy watering solution to keep your large lawn or garden lush and green.

You don't need to think twice about buying this impact sprinkler as Melnor guarantees quality, which is backed by a 7-year limited warranty. And with its rust-proof design, expect years of reliable service.

Furthermore, the impact sprinkler comes with a quick-connect system that makes connecting and disconnecting tools a snap. Simply attach the threaded end of the nozzle to your garden hose to begin spraying.

We weren’t entirely impressed by the construction and design of the sprinkler, despite its durability. This is because it compromises some of its functions, such as rotation. It tends to get stuck while rotating, failing to ensure a full 360-degree coverage - a design flaw that needs attention.

Buying Guide for the Best Impact Sprinkler for Low Pressure 

By now, you’ve gone through our list of the top recommendations for low-pressure impact sprinklers. So, were you able to make a choice? Well, we’d be pleased if you have, but even if your answer isn’t affirmative, there’s no need to worry!

We understand that selecting the best impact sprinkler for low pressure from a hand-picked list of excellent options is easier said than done. This is why we’ve come forward with this comprehensive buyer’s guide, explaining a few crucial points that need attention when it comes to buying a sprinkler for your lawn, our analysis of the impact sprinklers for low pressure taught us it's simple but not easy, as the sprinkler needs to fit your exact use case.

Read on to learn more about choosing impact sprinklers!

Water Pressure Requirements

You know that your home is equipped with a low-pressure water system, so you’ve decided to opt for a low-pressure impact sprinkler. Great! But it doesn’t end there.

It’s essential to compare the sprinkler water pressure requirements with that of your home water system for optimum coverage. In other words, the sprinkler’s PSI (pounds per square inch) or flow rate should be compatible with the low-pressure system.

Spraying Distance & Great Coverage

To determine the overall coverage of impact sprinklers, it’s important to consider the spraying distance and radius of the sprinkler. Also, don’t forget to measure the total area of your lawn or garden.

That said, make sure the sprinkler is adjustable to ensure uniform water flow throughout the area that requires irrigation. In case your lawn covers an extensive area, you can consider going for more than one impact head.

For this, you need to ensure that the sprinkler comes with a quick connect feature, allowing you to attach the heads in a chain.

Good Construction & Design

You’d want your sprinkler to ensure reliable service over the years, right? That’s why checking the materials used for its construction is imperative.

Always opt for a unit made using heavy-duty metal, such as zinc, brass, stainless steel, aluminum, and plastic. These materials make the sprinkler resistant to rust and corrosion. That’s not all; impact sprinkles made using durable metals can withstand moisture and severe weather conditions.

Furthermore, its base plays a vital role in determining its sturdiness. You can consider choosing a unit that comes with a wheeled base for its easy positioning. It ensures uniform water distribution without getting stuck or tipping over.

Tripods also stand out in terms of adjustability and wide coverage. They add height to the impact sprinkler, making them perfect for large lawns with tall grass.

Spraying Pattern

Ideally, sprinklers spray water uniformly in a circular motion caused by their arms’ impact hitting the ball bearing. That said, opt for a unit that comes with an easy-to-use diffuser screw to help you adjust its spraying pattern and water flow. It also allows you to control the spraying distance as per your lawn’s requirement our test group shows.

Apart from this, the sprinkler should come with a deflector shield. This will help you control the movement of the impact head to adjust the arc of water.

Are there any restrictions on where I should install impact sprinklers for low pressure?

While impact sprinklers work well in various environments, it’s essential to factor in surrounding landscape features and choose the most appropriate spray pattern and radius.

Consider factors such as plants and structures in the area and your desired watering pattern.

Can I connect multiple low-pressure impact sprinklers to my water source?

Yes, you can typically connect multiple impact sprinklers to a single water source. However, consider the water pressure available and consult the manufacturer’s recommendations to avoid overburdening your system.

Can I use an impact sprinkler for watering delicate plants?

Yes, some impact sprinklers have adjustable spray patterns and nozzle sizes that can be tailored to the needs of delicate plants, providing a gentle watering experience.

How do I maintain my impact sprinklers for low pressure?

Perform regular inspections to ensure that your sprinklers are clean and functioning properly, adjusting the spray pattern and radius as needed. Be sure to clear clogs and debris from the nozzles and replace any worn or damaged parts.