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.
How do I know how many sprinkler zones I need?
Draw Your Sprinkler Zone Plan With simple math, you can determine how many heads in each zone and then take the total number of sprinklers you need, and divide that by your head/zone number and that will tell you how many zones you need.
How many sprinklers can I put on a zone?
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.
How long should sprinklers run in each zone?
Water Thoroughly: Rotor zones should run for about 30-40 minutes per zone and spray zones 10-15 minutes per zone.
Does each sprinkler zone have its own valve?
An irrigation system is typically divided into several zones, each of which feeds sprinkler heads in a different area of the lawn or garden, and each zone is controlled by a valve that receives signals from a centrally located controller. Often the valves are located inside one or more in-ground valve boxes.
How do sprinkler zones work?
An automatic sprinkler valve controls the flow of water from the mainline to each zone. The sprinkler wire connects each automatic valve to the sprinkler timer or controller. The sprinkler timer tells each valve to open at a specified time, run for a specified time, and then close.
What pressure do you pump a sprinkler system?
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 much psi does a sprinkler need?
The optimum operating pressure for most residential sprinkler heads is between 30 and 50 pounds per square inch (PSI). With correct water pressure, each head will perform the way they were designed, and the result will be even spray-patterns and efficient use of water.
How far apart should pop up sprinklers be?
Types of Sprinkler Heads Because of the lower PSI the distance of the spray rarely exceeds 15ft. Meaning that spray heads should never be placed further than 15 ft. apart as this would create dry spots (i.e. dead grass) in your lawn. It is always important to install sprinklers with overlap for full coverage.
What height should pop up sprinklers be set at?
For the pop-up size 100mm or taller is desirable. The taller pop-up shaft allows it to clear the grass and then pop back down lower than the ground level.
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 long should I water each zone in my yard?
Water Slowly. Try this: Cut in half the amount of time you water each zone, but run your watering program twice. In other words, instead of watering each zone for 30 minutes, water each zone for 15 minutes, then cycle through all the zones again for another 15 minutes.
How long should you water your lawn per zone?
If you’ve found that your lawn needs 30 minutes of water each time you water it, try dividing it by half and watering each zone for 15 minutes.
How long does it take to get 1 inch of water?
To determine how long you need to water to get one inch, place a plastic container in your yard and set a timer. On average, it will take 30 minutes to get a half inch of water. So, 20 minutes, three times per week will give a lawn about an inch of water. This formula works best with healthy, well-cultivated soil.
Can you run two sprinkler valves one zone?
Yes, it is often possible to run two valves at once. You may need to do some adjusting of the sprinklers as the water pressure operating them is likely to be less when two valves are on. Both valves running at the same time may require more water than the pipe supplying them can reasonably handle.
Can one sprinkler valve control two zones?
Running multiple zones at once is usually not possible due water-pressure and flow limitations at residential properties. As with any standard irrigation controller, you can wire multiple solenoids/valves to the same zone output if you want.
How do I turn on my sprinkler zone manually?
How do you zone your yard?
Add Curve Appeal. A sandstone pathway divides this yard into a series of curved lawns before reaching a seating zone. Build an Outdoor Room. Another way to differentiate areas is by building an outdoor room. Create Contrast. Screen for Privacy. Put In a Place to Pause. Slow Your Journey. Include Secret Spots. Play With Levels.
Why would a sprinkler zone not work?
Each zone consists of several sprinkler heads controlled by a valve that is electrically activated. If a single zone is not working, the problem is usually an electrical issue or a defective controller or solenoid.
Do sprinklers need pressure regulator?
California implements mandatory irrigation regulations for 2020. At the start of the year, California implemented new irrigation system regulations, which require all new sprinklers to contain pressure regulators that will restrict the water flow to manufacturer-recommended levels of 30 pounds per square inch (psi).
Do I need a pressure regulator for sprinkler system?
In short – no, pressure regulators are not optional in a drip irrigation system. Pressure regulators help prevent leaks, emitter blowouts, premature system damage, and irregular water application. If you want your irrigation system working fully, you need a pressure regulator.
What is the minimum distance between sprinkler heads?
The minimum distance a sprinkler can be installed below a ceiling is 1 inch. The maximum spacing between two sprinklers is determined by the rating on the sprinkler head (usually 15 feet, but there are other spacing distances, depending on the manufacturer). The minimum spacing between two sprinklers is 6 feet.