Table of Contents
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 do sprinkler lines 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.
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 gallons of water does a sprinkler use in an hour?
Watering with a typical sprinkler using a standard 5/8″ garden hose for one hour uses about 1,020 gallons of water; if you water three times per week, that’s about 12,240 gallons per month.
What kind of pipe is used for sprinkler systems?
The two piping types most commonly used for irrigation systems are white PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and “black roll pipe ” (polyethylene). PVC Pipe. Figure 1. Polyethylene or “Black Roll Pipe” Figure 2. “Swing” Pipe. Just imagine that your sprinkler system is installed and working nicely. Summary.
How many sprinkler heads do I need?
As a general rule, HomeTips experts recommend placing the sprinkler heads, so their spray doesn’t overlap. The optimum distance is for one sprinkler head’s throw (how far the water from the sprinkler will travel) to touch the next sprinkler head, or “head-to-head” coverage.
Does sprinkler system add value to home?
A sprinkler system adds value to a home because it offers time-saving and energy-efficient lawn maintenance. According to freshome.com, “An irrigation system that works properly and covers the full yard can add value.” Proper maintenance and upkeep of a sprinkler system contribute to its added value.
Can you use 1/2 inch sprinkler pipe?
Using 1/2″ pipe means you have to have another size of spare pipe and fittings on hand for repairs. But the biggest reason is that 1/2″ pipe leaves no flexibility for future changes or additions to your sprinkler system. If you ever need to add another sprinkler to the pipe you’re screwed.
How much psi does a sprinkler need?
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 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.
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 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.
How do you dig a trench for underground sprinklers?
Tips for Digging Irrigation Trenches by Hand Use your outdoor sprinkler system design to guide you as you mark and then dig trenches for your in-ground sprinkler system. Remove all sod using a sod shovel that will dig deep enough to remove the grass layer, roots, and extra soil.
How deep should sprinkler trench be?
Most trenching for a sprinkler system needs to only be 8-12 inches deep. If you live in a climate where the ground freezes, then it must be a maximum of 18 inches.
What is the fastest way to dig a trench?
What is the Fastest Way to Dig a Trench by Hand? Water the soil for 1 hour the day before excavation. Use a trenching shovel to quickly excavate the trench. Use a pick mattock to dig up rocks and break through tough soil.
