Table of Contents
How do you install a lawn sprinkler system?
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 you install your own sprinkler system?
The bottom line on DIY sprinkler installation 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.
Are lawn sprinklers worth it?
The system is susceptible to underground leaks and can be damaged by lawn mowers hitting the sprinkler heads. And it requires ongoing maintenance, such as blowing out the water in the lines in the fall to prevent the pipes from freezing and cracking in the winter. But for some people, a sprinkler system is worth it.
How deep are sprinkler pipes?
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.
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.
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 long does a sprinkler system last?
While different parts of your system may need replacing throughout its life, you can expect the average sprinkler system to last for upwards of 20 years. During that time, you’ll likely need to replace your sprinkler heads around the 10-year mark if using high-quality heads.
How deep should a sprinkler trench be?
Mark the sprinkler locations with flags or the stakes. Typical trench depths range from 6 to 12 inches. To run pipe under existing walkways you can “drill” using water pressure.
When should I install a sprinkler system?
Believe it or not, the best time to actually get a sprinkler installation is the fall. There’s no “worst” time to do it, but if you want to not have any worries about your lawn come springtime, it could be beneficial to invest in a new irrigation system right now.
How do you bury sprinkler lines?
In most areas, burying the pipes 8 to 12 inches below the surface is adequate. This measurement is from the top of the pipe to the surface of the soil, which means your trenches must be slightly deeper to accommodate the pipes.
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.
What pressure should a sprinkler system be?
Water pressure is measured in pounds per square inch – also called psi. The average water pressure for most homes and businesses is between 30 psi and 50 psi; most sprinkler systems are designed to use pressures of around 30 psi.
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 can I water my big lawn without sprinklers?
4 Best Ways on How to Water Your Lawn Without a Sprinkler System Use Garden Hoses For Lawn Watering. Consider Using The Traveling Tractor Sprinkler. Use A Hoover Wand System. Install A Drip Irrigation System In Your Garden.
How do you find sprinkler pipes in the ground?
You can tell (roughly) where the pipes will be for that zone by finding the shortest path from the valve box that connects all the sprinklers in a zone. As long as you dig carefully, you shouldn’t have too much trouble. The pipes are usually pretty tough and are usually buried about a foot or so under the ground.
How do I find my sprinklers before 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.
Is it OK to cap off a sprinkler head?
Capping the pipe at the upstream sprinkler prevents a “dead end” of pipe that would fill with water but not have any outlet. During winterization, the water could get trapped in the “dead end” and potentially freeze, breaking the pipe. Dig up the pipe and fitting prior to the upstream head.
