Installing a DIY Underground Sprinkler System.
- Step 1: Learn More About Your Water Supply. You need to gather information about your water supply to ensure you purchase the right components and ...
- Step 2: Craft an Irrigation Map.
- Step 3: Buy Supplies.
- Step 4: Guide Your Installation Using String and Stakes.
- Step 5: Dig the Trenches and Connect the Pipe.
How to plan for installing your own sprinkler system?
- back flow preventer (check with a licensed plumber to verify your required back flow preventer)
- Y-shaped hose connect with shut off
- 1/2″ pvc pipes
- Elbow connectors in 45˚ and 90˚ bends
- PVC primer
- PVC glue (cement)
- Shut off turn valve
- Timer
- Rain gauge
- Short length of hose (can be cut from an old hose and clamped with a hose clamp)
How to install your own underground sprinkler system?
underground cables and pipelines on your property, such as: Gas Power Other _____ Phone TV & Internet cables Planning & Design Sprinkler System Layout & Installation Guide 3 Main Sprinkler Line 1" Anti-Siphon Device Sprinkler Timer Sprinkler Wire Header Line 1" P Lateral Sprinkler Line 3/4" Valve Manifold S
Should I install my sprinkler system myself?
Pros and Cons of Installing a Sprinkler System for Your New Home
- Sprinkler Installation Cost. How much does it cost to have a residential irrigation system professionally installed? ...
- Pros: Benefits of an Irrigation System. ...
- Cons: Possible Irrigation System Deterrents. ...
- Planning and Installation. ...
- Creating Coverage Zones. ...
- Breaking Ground. ...
- Command Central. ...
- Dialing It In. ...
- Inspection. ...
How to tell if your sprinkler system needs repair?
To Winterize:
- See if your system has auto-drain valves. ...
- If you have manual drains, you'll need to use an air compressor with pressure between 50 and 100 PSI. ...
- Open the valve manifolds to allow any remaining water to drain.
- Hook up the air compressor and run air through each zone in your system until you've cleared all zones of water.
Can I install my own sprinklers?
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. Even experienced DIYers may need a plumber or electrician to complete certain aspects.
How do you install a simple irrigation system?
5:2218:53Irrigation System Installation - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut all this is is I put a valve box in here filled a little bit of dirt. Put this over it and thenMoreBut all this is is I put a valve box in here filled a little bit of dirt. Put this over it and then this goes to our backflow preventer. So some places you don't have to have one of these a lot of
Do it yourself garden sprinkler system?
6:009:14Make the best garden sprinkler--fast, easy, inexpensive! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou can just use the T fitting and attach a garden hose connection to each end then you can connectMoreYou can just use the T fitting and attach a garden hose connection to each end then you can connect a series using garden hoses.
How deep are the water lines buried for a sprinkler system?
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.
How do you build a sprinkler system with a garden hose?
2:405:55DIY Garden Hose Sprinkler system - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo after using some water hoses I just ran them so let's take a look see what it looks like. SoMoreSo after using some water hoses I just ran them so let's take a look see what it looks like. So here's the base. And the impact sprinkler that I chose. It's a plastic rain bird impact sprinkler.
How are sprinkler systems laid out?
1:292:45Irrigation Design Tip - Sprinkler Head Layout - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWithin the irregular shaped area. Whether. It is square or equilateral triangle once you have yourMoreWithin the irregular shaped area. Whether. It is square or equilateral triangle once you have your string line laid out place a flag next to each loop to mark the placement of the heads in your grid.
How can I make an inexpensive sprinkler system?
1:366:57Easy DIY Automatic Irrigation System for any Garden! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo I always have access to fill a water can or use a garden hose irrigation components with hoseMoreSo I always have access to fill a water can or use a garden hose irrigation components with hose threads like this rely on a rubber gasket to create their watertight seal.
What is the best sprinkler for a garden?
The best garden sprinklers 2022Gardena Comfort Pulse Sprinkler. ... Karcher Premium Oscillating Sprinkler OS 5.320SV. ... Hozelock Rectangular Sprinkler. ... Cost Wise Lawn Bar Sprinkler. ... Gardena AquaZoom M. ... ENJSD Garden Lawn Sprinkler. ... Hozelock Round Sprinkler Pro. ... Gardena Turbo-driven Pop-up Sprinkler T 100. Best pop-up lawn sprinkler.More items...•
How do you build a PVC garden sprinkler system?
1:119:20How to Build a PVC Drip Irrigation System - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd with the holes in the lines that we'll show you in a few minutes it reduces the pressure. So youMoreAnd with the holes in the lines that we'll show you in a few minutes it reduces the pressure. So you don't have to glue everything.
How do you plan a sprinkler layout?
How to Design a Sprinkler System for a Big LawnStep 1: Measure the Lawn Size That You Want to Install the Irrigation System On. ... Step 2: Measure the Water Supply That Will Power the Sprinkler System. ... Step 3: Design Irrigation Systems Using Hydrozones. ... Step 4: Select Sprinkler Heads and Other Sprinkler System Equipment.More items...
How deep should I dig for sprinkler system?
6 to 12 inches deepThe 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. Dig the trench by hand or rent a trencher (a real timesaver).
How do you dig a trench for sprinklers?
0:309:07Trenching, Pipes, & Sprinklers - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFor this installation we're digging trenches 6 to 8 inches deep the area where we are installingMoreFor this installation we're digging trenches 6 to 8 inches deep the area where we are installing this system is not prone to hard freezes.
Prepare for Your Sprinkler System
Living landscapes need water to survive and flourish, but relying completely on natural rainfall isn't always a reliable way to supply water. An underground sprinkler system offers the convenience of spraying water directly where it needs to go and the opportunity to automate your watering schedule according to your needs.
Determine the Water Pressure
There are two measurements of water pressure: working (when the water supply is turned on) and static (when the water supply is shut off). You'll need a pressure gauge to determine your working water pressure number. The gauge attaches to the outside faucet and provides a pressure reading in PSI.
Determine the Water Meter Size
If you're on a municipal water system, you should find the size printed on the meter itself. If you can't locate it, look on your utility bill or call your water provider. Water meters are 5/8 inch, 3/4 inch or 1 inch.
Determine the Service Line Size
To match the size of the irrigation pipe to your existing water service, you'll need to determine the size of your incoming supply line. To do so, get a piece of string and wrap it once around the water pipe. Measure the length and compare it to the chart below.
Map the Sprinkler System
When you've completed all of the preliminary research, it's time to start laying out your system. Most yards have a variety of elements that have to be considered when laying out an irrigation system:
Plan the Coverage
When installing a sprinkler system, 100% coverage is essential to avoid dry spots. You can achieve this by overlapping the spray pattern. Head-to-head coverage refers to the sprinkler head layout that allows spray from each sprinkler head to reach the adjacent head, ensuring overlap.
Know the Primary Parts
Done with the planning? Take your water measurements and maps with you when shopping for parts. You'll need to select your system components to match your water supply and water pressure. A mismatch will either stress the system or provide insufficient irrigation.
How deep should I dig for a sprinkler system?
Then, dig ditches that are at least 10 inches deep for the main pipe and the branch pipes that will run from the main pipe to the sprinkler heads.
How far apart should bubbler sprinkler heads be?
If you’re installing bubbler sprinkler heads, map them out so that the heads are located about 1.5 feet (0.46 m) apart, since each will cover a radius of roughly 1.75 feet (0.53 m). As a rule of thumb, it’s better to have too much overlap than not enough.
How to prevent water from syphoning into potable water?
Attach a backflow preventer to the water supply line. Connect the water supply line into the manifold (time and control valves). Be sure to also attach a backflow preventer so that if the water system loses pressure you will not syphon water from the sprinkler system into the potable water.
How far can a sprinkler head spray?
They pop up as directed by a timer and revolve 360 degrees in order to spray water across a large area. You can adjust the distance that each head will spray from 8–65 feet (2.4–19.8 m).
How many square feet can a bubbler irrigate?
Each bubbler can only irrigate an area of about 3 square feet (0.28 m 2 ), so they need to be placed relatively close to each other. Bubbler-type sprinklers only work on flat ground. If you try installing a bubbler on a sloped patch of your yard, you'll end up with a small river running downhill.
How far apart should rotor heads be?
If you’re using rotor heads, situate each head about 45 feet (14 m) apart to allow adequate overlap.
Can you use multiple sprinkler heads?
Installing a sprinkler system will allow you to water areas that would otherwise wither and dry out in dry seasons. Evaluate the size and shape of the area (s) you plan to water and determine which sprinkler types are most effective for your situation. Keep in mind that you can use multiple types of sprinkler heads.
Step 1: Learn More About Your Water Supply
You need to gather information about your water supply to ensure you purchase the right components and tools.
Step 2: Craft an Irrigation Map
Map out your property including any shrubs, trees, and flower beds. Be sure to mark out where the sprinkler heads, pipes, and control valves will go. Space them out nicely so that they provide adequate coverage.
Step 3: Buy Supplies
Once you have your irrigation map and the specifications of your water system, it's time to gather the components of your sprinkler system.
Step 4: Guide Your Installation Using String and Stakes
Use flags or stakes in your yard to highlight where each sprinkler will go. Then connect them together with string to show where the pipe will lay.
Step 5: Dig the Trenches and Connect the Pipe
Use the string as a guideline as you dig your trench. It should be 4 inches wide and 8 to 12 inches deep.
Step 6: Plug in the Water Source
It's finally time to connect your main water source after your pipe is assembled. Then connect your control valve box directly to the supply line or an existing faucet. At this step, turn off the water at the meter to avoid wasting water and a resulting mud puddle.
Step 7: Turn on the Water
This step is to ensure you flush out the system of any debris that got caught up in the pipes during construction. If left unchecked, the heads will not function properly.
Skill
5 Easy Depends on the size of your lawn. You'll work up a sweat wrestling with the trenching machine, but all parts of the sprinkler system are lightweight and easy to install
Estimated Time
A landscape flush with green grass, healthy trees, and colorful flowers increases a home's curb appeal. Automatic sprinklers are the best way to maintain such a luxuriant setting while minimizing water use.
Step 1: In-Ground Sprinkler Overview
WARNING: Check with the local building department to obtain all necessary permits, and contact a one-call center to have the local utilities mark any buried electrical cables, gas lines, or sewer lines.
Step 2: Dig the Trenches
Locate the pipe for the water source that you'll be tapping into. It might be at the water meter in the basement or buried underground.
Step 4: Install the Zone Valves
Dig a trench from the main water line to the valve box location, as indicated on your plan. At the end, dig a hole about 18 inches deep and 2 to 3 feet long.
Step 5: Place the Pipes in the Trenches
Following the plan, lay PVC pipe in all the trenches leading from the valve box. If necessary, join pipe sections with couplings and PVC cement.
Step 6: Connect the Pipe at the Valve Box
Use 90-degree elbows to join the PVC water pipes in the trenches to the zone valve pipes protruding from the valve box.
How to make a landscape water faucet?
Include trees and other obstacles. Check your water pressure by attaching a pressure gauge to the outdoor faucet. Then remove the gauge and fill an empty 5-gallon bucket using the faucet.
How far apart should a hose be for plants?
Emitters should be a foot apart (30 cm.) in sandy soil, 18 inches (46 cm.) apart in loamy, and 24 inches (61 cm.) in clay soils.
What is drip irrigation?
Drip or micro-irrigation is an irrigation method that applies water slowly to individual plants. Drip systems are fairly easy to set up yourself and require four easy steps: laying out the irrigation grid, assembling the hoses, installing tees, and then installing emitters and feed lines.
Why is it important to have an irrigation system?
Printer Friendly Version. Image by PaulMaguire. An irrigation system helps to conserve water which, in turn, saves you money. Installing an irrigation system also results in healthier plants by allowing the gardener to water deeply and less often, which encourages plant growth.
How to keep groundwater from backing up into tap water?
To keep groundwater from backing up into your tap water, install a backflow preventer valve. Also, attach a hose adapter to fit the diameter of the hose. Connect the main line to the backflow preventer and run it to the garden. Punch holes according to the above lengths in the line and place the emitters in position.
Step 0: Planning
I helped my dad (through the magic of the internet, him being two states away) draft this plan for the sprinkler system in the backyard. It’s hard to tell, but there’s two sprinkler zones for the yard, color-coded orange and yellow, and two drip zones for gardens and planters. Each circle is coverage from one head.
Preparing the backyard: weeding
The backyard was overgrown, as you will see below. I sprayed weed killer and took a trimmer to what was left. Trimming took three hours and left my hands incredibly sore. I probably should have waited longer to let the weed killer work; take that as a word to the wise.
Step 1: Trenching
My wife and dad rented a trencher while I was at work on June 2. Though there was confusion with a gentleman who thought he reserved the trencher – I had tried earlier in the week and was told that, at Home Depot, nothing for rent could be reserved in advance – they successfully towed the machine back to our home.
Step 2: Lay the pipe
The first part of this step is easy – connect the pipes and lay them into the trenches. We used 1-inch pipe, though depending on how much water flow you need, based on the size of your yard and pipe length, you might need ¾-inch pipe. Be sure to get parts that match that size.
Step 3: Connecting the wires
The hard part is out of the way. Connecting the wires from the valves is surprisingly simple. First, we ran sprinkler wire from the water main to the original timer. Once we had the length right, it can be cut and later buried. The original timer, put in by the landscaper provided by our house builder, is pretty complicated.
Step 4: Adjust the heads
The last major step is adjusting the heads of the sprinklers. Be sure you’ve put both the filter and nozzle in the heads by this point. We used rocks to prop up the heads, taking into account there would be topsoil and sod. The heads I used had notches to indicate the start and end of the arc of water.
Step 5: The garden drip zones
Remember the two drip zones? You can see the new water valves we installed in the bigger box to the left in top part of the photo. The drip valves, which won’t fit in the buried box, each point a different way – handy to know at a glance which valve covers which half of the yard.
How far can a sprinkler head cover?
Choose a sprinkler irrigation system to cover more distance. Sprinkler heads can water a radius between 3 feet (0.91 m) to 30 feet (9 .1 m), depending on the flow rate and water pressure. Pick a sprinkler system if you have a large yard that needs even watering.
What is the best way to water a yard?
Irrigation systems are a simple, safe, and efficient way to water your yard or garden. As long as you have the right materials, your irrigation system can water individual plants or cover large areas of your yard.
How to attach barbed connector to irrigation system?
Push the barbed connector through the hole in the irrigation tubing. Attach a length of 1⁄4 in (0.64 cm) tubing to the opposite side of the barbed connector, cutting it with pruning shears when it reaches the area that you want to water.
How to find the area of a yard?
Measure your yard's perimeter and area. Take measurements of the perimeter and area of your yard. Take measurements of the length and width, then multiply these numbers to find the land's total area.
