What Hunter Industries Does

Hunter Industries is a manufacturer of irrigation equipment — sprinkler heads, controllers, valves, and related parts — used in residential yards, commercial landscapes, and golf courses. The company does not install systems or provide water service; it makes the physical components that go into an irrigation setup. If you are shopping for parts to build or repair a sprinkler system, or if a contractor has recommended Hunter equipment for your property, this guide explains what the company makes and how those products fit into a working system.

Hunter is one of the largest irrigation equipment makers in North America. You will find their products at irrigation supply stores, big-box home improvement retailers, and through landscape contractors. The brand is known for mid-range pricing and reliability, making it a common choice for homeowners and small commercial properties.

Key Takeaways

  • Hunter Industries manufactures sprinkler heads, controllers, valves, and sensors — the parts that make up an irrigation system — but does not install systems or sell water.
  • Hunter sprinkler heads come in different types (spray, rotor, drip) designed for different yard layouts and plant types.
  • Hunter controllers are the "brain" of a system and can be programmed to water on a schedule or in response to weather and soil moisture.
  • You can buy Hunter parts individually at supply stores or as part of a complete system kit through a contractor or retailer.
  • Hunter equipment is compatible with many other brands' parts, though mixing brands can sometimes create performance issues.

Hunter Sprinkler Heads and How They Spray

The most visible Hunter product is the sprinkler head — the device that pops up (or stays fixed) in your yard and sprays water. Hunter makes several types, each suited to different spaces and watering needs.

Spray heads shoot water in a fixed pattern — usually a quarter circle, half circle, or full circle — and work best for small areas close to the head. They throw water 4 to 15 feet depending on the model. Rotor heads rotate as they spray, covering larger areas (15 to 50 feet) and are better for open lawns. Drip irrigation emitters deliver water slowly and directly to soil, used for garden beds and trees where you want to avoid wetting foliage. Hunter makes all three types under product lines like the Pro-Spray, I-20, and MP Rotator series.

Each head screws onto an underground water line and is connected to a valve that turns the water on and off. The head itself does not control when it waters — that job belongs to the controller. What the head does is determine the pattern, distance, and volume of water that flows once the valve opens.

Controllers: The Brain of Your System

A Hunter controller is a timer and switch that tells the valves when to open and close. It is usually mounted on a wall indoors or in a weatherproof box outdoors, and it connects to the valves via low-voltage wiring (typically 24 volts). You program it with a watering schedule — for example, "water the front lawn on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 6 a.m. for 20 minutes" — and it sends electrical signals to the valves at those times.

Hunter makes controllers ranging from straightforward battery-powered timers (good for a single zone or small yard) to large multi-zone controllers (for properties with many different watering areas). Many newer Hunter controllers can connect to Wi-Fi or a smartphone app, letting you adjust the schedule from your phone or have the system respond to weather data. Some models include a rain sensor input, so the controller can skip a watering cycle if it has rained recently.

The controller does not measure soil moisture or water pressure itself — it straightforward follows the schedule you set. If you want the system to respond to weather or soil conditions, you add separate sensors (also made by Hunter or compatible brands) that feed information to the controller.

Valves, Sensors, and Other Components

Below ground, Hunter valves sit at the point where water enters each zone (a zone is a group of sprinkler heads that water together). When the controller sends a signal, the valve opens and water flows to the heads in that zone. When the signal stops, the valve closes. Hunter makes solenoid valves (electrically operated) in sizes from 1 inch to 2 inches, designed to handle the flow rates typical of residential and commercial systems.

Rain sensors are optional devices that detect rainfall and tell the controller to skip the next scheduled watering. Hunter makes wired and wireless rain sensors that work with their controllers. Soil moisture sensors measure how wet the soil is and can trigger watering only when moisture drops below a set level. These are less common in residential systems but are used in commercial and golf course applications.

Hunter also makes backflow preventers (devices that stop irrigation water from flowing backward into your home's drinking water supply — often required by local code), pressure regulators (which keep water pressure in the safe range for sprinkler heads), and filter assemblies (which remove sediment that could clog heads). These are usually installed where the irrigation line branches off from your main water supply.

Buying Hunter Equipment: Kits vs. Individual Parts

You can buy Hunter products in two ways. Complete system kits include a controller, valves, sprinkler heads, and basic fittings — everything needed to build a straightforward system. These are sold at home improvement stores and online retailers, often with instructions for DIY installation. Kits are priced for small to medium yards and assume you will do the digging and assembly yourself.

Individual components are sold separately at irrigation supply stores and online. This route is common if you are replacing a broken head, adding a zone to an existing system, or if a contractor is building a custom system for your property. Prices vary by product line — Hunter's basic models cost less than their premium lines with more features or better durability.

If you are working with a landscape contractor, they often source Hunter parts through their supplier accounts and include them in the installation bid. Ask the contractor which Hunter product line they recommend and why — different lines have different warranties and expected lifespans.

Compatibility with Other Brands

Hunter sprinkler heads, valves, and controllers use industry-standard connections and voltages, so they can often work alongside equipment from other brands like Rainbird, Toro, or Orbit. A Hunter controller can operate Rainbird valves, and a Rainbird head can screw onto a Hunter water line, in most cases.

That said, mixing brands can sometimes cause problems. Different manufacturers design their products to work best as a system — water pressure, flow rate, and electrical signal timing are optimized for their own parts. If you mix brands, you may find that heads do not spray evenly, the controller does not recognize a sensor, or performance is straightforward not as good as using all one brand. Before buying parts from different makers, check the product manuals or ask a supplier whether the combination will work.

If you are replacing a single broken head in an existing system, using the same brand and model is the safest choice. If you are building a new system or doing a major renovation, sticking with one brand throughout usually gives better results.

Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Hunter equipment is generally reliable, but like any outdoor system, it needs basic care. Sprinkler heads can clog if sediment gets into the line — flushing the line before connecting heads, or installing a filter, prevents this. Heads can also get damaged by lawn mowers or foot traffic; replacing a single head is straightforward and inexpensive.

Controllers can lose their programming if the battery dies (in battery-powered models) or if power is interrupted. Wired controllers usually have a backup battery to preserve settings during outages. If your system stops watering, check that the controller is powered on, the schedule is set correctly, and the wiring to the valves is intact.

Valves can stick if they sit unused for a long time, especially if sediment has accumulated. Running the system regularly — even in winter, if your climate allows — keeps valves moving. If a valve will not open, a contractor can usually repair or replace it without replacing the entire system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install a Hunter system myself, or do I need a contractor?

Small systems from kits can be installed by a homeowner with basic tools and some research. Larger systems, systems that require trenching, or systems that need to tie into existing plumbing usually benefit from a contractor's experience. Check your local code — some areas require a licensed plumber or irrigation contractor to install backflow preventers or connect to the main water line.

What is the difference between Hunter's product lines?

Hunter sells entry-level, mid-range, and premium product lines. Entry-level products (like the I-20 spray head) cost less and work well for basic residential yards. Premium lines (like the MP Rotator or PGJ rotor) offer better water distribution, longer range, or more durability. The choice depends on your yard size, soil type, and budget. A contractor or supplier can recommend which line fits your situation.

Do Hunter controllers work with smart home systems?

Many newer Hunter controllers have Wi-Fi and can connect to a smartphone app or a smart home platform. Older models are wired timers only. If smart control is important to you, check the product specifications before buying. Some controllers can be retrofitted with Wi-Fi modules, but this is not always an option.

What warranty does Hunter offer on its products?

Warranties vary by product and where you buy. Sprinkler heads and valves typically have one to three year warranties against defects. Controllers often have longer warranties. Check the product documentation or ask the retailer for the specific warranty on the item you are buying. Warranties usually cover defects but not damage from freezing, improper installation, or misuse.

Can I use Hunter parts if my water pressure is very high or very low?

Hunter sprinkler heads are designed to work within a specific pressure range, usually 30 to 80 pounds per square inch (PSI). If your water pressure is outside this range, a pressure regulator (which Hunter makes) can bring it into the safe zone. Very low pressure may require a pump. Check your water pressure before buying heads, and install a regulator if needed.