Placing the Water Source
Every irrigation plan starts with the water supply entry point. Place a source component to anchor the system and establish the origin of the pipe network.
Water Source PointThe Source object places the supply entry for an irrigation plan — either a mains tap or a pump connected to a tank or borehole. Once placed, the Inspector lets you set the Source Type (Water Tap or Pump) and a Fixture Style (Hose Bib, Pump Housing, or Well Head) that controls how the symbol appears in the 3D view. Place the source first, before drawing any pipes, so the main supply line has a fixed anchor from which all downstream valves, zones, and heads extend.
Place the source at the supply entry location
Click on the canvas at the physical location of the water supply — for example, at the building wall where an external tap is mounted, at the pump housing position in the garden, or at the well-head cap location. Snap to the property boundary or building footprint for accurate positioning.
Choose the fixture style
Set the fixture style in the Inspector: 'hose-bib' renders a brass faucet symbol on the wall (standard tap), 'pump' renders a pump housing box symbol, 'well-head' renders a pipe cap at ground level. The fixture style communicates the physical installation type to the reader of the plan.
Connect the source to the supply pipe
Use the Draw Pipe tool to begin a pipe run from the source point. Draw the supply pipe toward the first protective component (backflow preventer or filter). The source acts as the terminal endpoint of this first pipe segment. All water flow in the system radiates outward from this point.
Choose a Fixture Style
In the Fixture Style section, pick the style that matches the physical fitting from the icon grid: Hose Bib (a faucet on a wall bracket), Pump Housing (a pump enclosure), or Well Head (a pipe cap at ground level). The chosen style sets which 3D model renders at the source location when the plan is viewed in 3D.
Rename the source for clarity
In the General section, update the Name field to something descriptive such as 'Front Garden Tap' or 'Pump — Rainwater Tank'. A clear name makes the plan easier to read and helps identify the source in reports and any PDF export.
Draw the main supply pipe from the source
Place a Pipe from the Distribution section and click near the water source to start a run. Draw the main supply line toward the first valve or zone. All water flow in the irrigation plan originates from this point, so the main line should follow the shortest practical route to the first valve or manifold.
Place the water source before drawing any pipes. Its position determines the route and length of the main supply line, which feeds into cost estimates and helps communicate the layout.
The Water tab is a schematic planning tool and does not simulate real-world water pressure or flow performance. Always have a qualified irrigation contractor verify specifications before installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
I have two separate water supplies — a mains tap and a rainwater pump. Can I place both?
Yes. Place a separate Source for each supply, set one to Water Tap and the other to Pump, and name them clearly (for example, 'Mains Tap' and 'Rainwater Pump'). Draw independent pipe runs from each source to the zones they serve.
Where are the Source Type and Fixture Style options?
Both appear in the Inspector when you select a placed source. Source Type offers Water Tap and Pump. Fixture Style offers Hose Bib, Pump Housing, and Well Head as an icon grid. If you do not see them, make sure you have clicked the source symbol to select it.
Does the Fixture Style affect the 2D plan symbol or only the 3D view?
The Fixture Style controls the 3D model that renders at the source location. The 2D plan shows the standard water source symbol regardless of fixture style.
Can I move the water source after placing it and connecting pipes?
Yes. Select the source and drag it to a new position. Check that the pipe routes still make sense after moving — particularly the length of the main supply line.
What happens if I delete the water source that pipes are connected to?
The pipes remain on the plan but lose their starting object. Redraw or reconnect them to a new source, or undo the deletion with Ctrl/Cmd+Z to restore the source.