Table of Contents
How do you install a sprinkler system in your yard?
Sprinkler System Installation in 10 Steps Step 1: In-Ground Sprinkler Overview. Step 2: Dig the Trenches. Step 3: Make the Water Connection. Step 4: Install the Zone Valves. Step 5: Place the Pipes in the Trenches. Step 6: Connect the Pipe at the Valve Box. Step 7: Install the Pop-Up Sprinklers. Step 8: Roll Out the Irrigation.
Can I install a sprinkler system myself?
Installing your sprinkler system is doable if you’re willing and able to put in the work and time required to do it right. However, it is one of the more challenging projects a homeowner can take on themselves.
How deep does a sprinkler system need to be?
Dig for Your Sprinkler System The trenches will be relatively shallow, usually 6 to 12 inches deep, depending on your area’s freeze cycles and frost severity. The trench must also be deep enough to allow the sprinklers to retract underground to prevent breakage from lawn machines.
Where are PVC sprinkler lines?
If you don’t immediately hit a pipe, insert your probe rod a few inches to the left and then to the right until you find the pipe. Sprinkler pipes are often 8 inches below the surface, but main supply lines can be up to 18 inches below.
How many lawn sprinklers do I need?
Each square should equal 1 square foot of lawn. Consider the distance of each sprinkler head. If they distribute water in a circumference of 8 feet around, place them 4 feet apart to ensure every part of the lawn gets watered.
How many sprinklers can I put on one valve?
At different pressures, the sprinkler head and nozzle will consume different amounts of water. For example, at 35 pounds per square inch (PSI) the 5000 Series Rotor using the 3.0 nozzle will use 3.11 gallons per minute (GPM). If your home’s water capacity was 10 GPM, you could place 3 heads per zone.
Does a sprinkler system add value to your home?
A sprinkler system indirectly increases a home’s market value by enhancing the home’s overall curb appeal. Since attractive landscaping requires sufficient watering, an automatic sprinkler system ensures the protection of your investment.
Can sprinklers go above ground?
Above ground vs. in-ground lawn sprinklers. Above-ground systems hook up to a hose and sit on top of your lawn. Most sprinkler heads can be fitted as either option (except for pop-up sprinklers, which are exclusively in-ground).
What kind of sprinkler wire do I need?
Most manufacturers include recommendations about what wire size to use with their valves, but typically, you can use 18-gauge wire if the length of the wire (not the distance) from the controller to the valve is less than 200 feet, and it’s being installed as a residential system, says Sprinkler Warehouse.
Do sprinkler systems have wires?
The purpose of the sprinkler wire is to deliver electricity from the timer to the automatic valves, which allows the valves to open. Every valve has a solenoid with two wires; one common wire, and one zone wire. However, if a common wire is connected to a zone where the sprinkler timer is, it will fail.
Does sprinkler wire need conduit?
Sprinkler wire can generally be buried directly in the ground without conduit and you don’t necessarily need to dig it below grade.
How can I find my sprinkler lines without digging?
If you prefer to locate the lines and heads of your system without digging, rent a valve locator or even a metal detector and mark areas once found – better yet, call call 811, a federally mandated service, and ask someone to come out and locate the system for you.
How do I find buried sprinkler heads?
Many valves have metal parts you can locate by running the metal detector over the surface of the ground. Valves are located directly under sprinkler heads. Look for large, dry, brown spots in your lawn. This can indicate the location of a buried sprinkler head.
How long should you run a sprinkler?
A watering session should be long enough to soak the area sufficiently so all the roots receive a beneficial drink. Sprinklers should be set to run for about 30 to 35 minutes at a time twice a week. Your goal is at least 1″ of water a week for your lawn.
How many sprinkler lines do I need?
With your 10 gpm flow rate at your spigot, you could run two sprinklers at 5 gpm each. The best set-up is to run two hoses from the spigot–each to one sprinkler. Suggested sprinklers for this set-up are the Residential Sled Base Sprinklers or the Tripod Sprinklers.
How does a lawn sprinkler head work?
The sprinkler heads work on a pressure system that when the water goes through the pipe, it pushes them up above the ground. When the water pressure stops, they retract back down to ground level. Sprinkler heads in a garden are usually a raised-head type.
What size pipe should I use for sprinkler system?
For schedule 40 PVC, use 1/2-inch pipe for a 4 GPM system, 3/4-inch pipe for 8 GPMs, 1-inch pipe for 13 GPMs, 1 1/4-inch pipe for 22 GPMs, 1 1/2-inch pipe for 30 GPMs, and 2-inch pipe for 50 GPMs.
How do I increase water pressure in my sprinkler system?
Remove a few sprinkler heads from each of the zones in your system and cap the plumbing that led to them. Decreasing the number of sprinkler heads will increase the water pressure in those that remain. Install a boost pump on the main irrigation line.
What psi should I blowout my sprinklers?
Air pressure must not exceed 50 pounds per square inch (psi) during the blow out procedure. A pressure-regulating valve must be used to avoid over pressurization of the system. Air volume should be high and air pressure low.
