how do you dig out sprinkler lines

^{How to Get Dirt Out of Sprinkler Lines}

1. Open the irrigation control box outside and identify the first zone on the sprinkler system. The first zone is typically the one closest to the supply pipe.
2. Turn the solenoid on top of the valve counterclockwise to begin the manual flow of water.
3. Inspect each sprinkler head on the zone for signs of dirt clogs. A clogged sprinkler will spray erratically or not at all.
4. Tighten the solenoid on the valve and watch as the sprinklers go down. Note the position of the last sprinkler to stop spraying.
Grab the top of the sprinkler that you have identified as the last on the line and turn the body counterclockwise until it releases from the plastic riser ...
Turn the solenoid on the sprinkler valve counterclockwise again to start the flow of water. Water will gush out of the sprinkler riser that you removed.
Replace the sprinkler on the riser and tighten clockwise by hand. Any large particles of dirt that were trapped in the line should now have been flushed out.

Full Answer

How deep should sprinkler lines be digged?

Start near the sprinkler heads and dig, with a hand trowel, carefully. You don’t want to damage the pipes by scraping them with a shovel. The lines should be at least 3 inches deep, but sometimes they are as deep as 8 inches. Once you find which direction the line heads there’s no reason to dig up the whole line unless you’re looking for a leak.

How do you know which way to dig for sprinklers?

Confirm the lines that are closest to your new dig spot. Start a sprinkler head and carefully dig around where the line should be, with a hand trowel. Once you confirm the direction the line runs, that should be enough to know whether or not the map is correct.

How do you get dirt out of a broken sprinkler?

Once it does, turn off the valve and replace the head. If a sprinkler head breaks or you remove one, dirt can fall directly into the pipe. You can get it out by flushing the pipe, but you may not have to go to the trouble if the area around the sprinkler is dry.

How do I find irrigation lines in my yard?

What's the best way to find irrigation lines in yards? The experts at Sprinkler Warehouse explain the working parts of an electric underground sprinkler system, including the irrigation controller, pipes, irrigation heads and sprinkler system valves. Wires extend from the controller (timer) to each valve with a solenoid to receive the signal.

Why do we dig around sprinkler heads?

Why do people have sprinkler systems?

Do sprinkler heads have to stick out?

Can you contact Andy's Sprinklers?

Do you have to dig up a sprinkler line?

How do I dig out my sprinkler system?

How to Dig a Trench for Lawn SprinklersMarking flags to show where you'll be digging.Measuring tape that covers the length of your yard.A trenching shovel.A drain spade, also known as a sharpshooter, to dig deep into the ground.A sod shovel that's square to dig straight into the soil to lift out sod, roots, and dirt.More items...•

How deep are sprinkler wires buried?

Q: How Deep Do You Bury Sprinkler Wire? A: Like the pipes, you should bury the conduit at least 6 inches deep.

How do you remove sprinkler lines?

1:083:28How to Remove a Sprinkler System - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipDig a trench along the path of the underground pipes to expose them follow the path of the supplyMoreDig a trench along the path of the underground pipes to expose them follow the path of the supply lines from sprinkler head to sprinkler head and finally to the manifold at the irrigation.

How do I dig my sprinkler system for grounding?

Dig Trenches By Hand: To soften the soil, water the ground approximately two days before you dig. Dig trenches 8 to 12 inches deep. Put sod on one side of the trench and soil on the other. Note: Before digging any trenches, you must have all underground utilities marked to avoid any damage.

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.

Can I direct bury sprinkler wire?

Sprinkler wire can generally be buried directly in the ground without conduit and you don't necessarily need to dig it below grade. A shallow burial is fine.

How much does it cost to have a sprinkler system removed?

Replacing a sprinkler system costs $1,700 to $3,500 for installation of the new system and $50 to $100 per hour in labor to remove the old system. Take a look at the difference in cost for repairing versus replacing sprinkler parts that commonly need attention.

How much does it cost to remove an irrigation system?

If you want to have a pro remove your irrigation system, you'll pay an average of $50 to $100 per hour.

Is it hard to remove sprinkler system?

Things You'll Need This is a task that is pretty straightforward, but one which also requires a significant amount of physical labor. To remove the system completely, you will need to dig up sprinkler heads and pipes, and plug the line that now feeds the system.

What is the best size pipe for a sprinkler system?

One of the most commonly used sizes of PVC pipe for irrigation systems are 13mm, 19mm, and 25mm. For irrigation laterals, PVC pipes that are at least ¾” thick (19.05mm) are preferred since those that are ½” thick (12.7mm) clog much faster and often.

How many sprinkler heads can you put on a zone?

If your home's water capacity was 10 GPM, you could place 3 heads per zone.

What size Trencher do I need for sprinklers?

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. It's a job that can be costly if you hire a professional, so it's one task that you may want to DIY.

How deep does electrical have to be buried?

36 inchesDirect buried cables or cables in flexible nonmetallic enclosures shall be installed at a depth of at least 36 inches. Lesser depths shall be permitted to be employed if the cable is armored with a minimum of No.

How deep should sprinkler lines be in Texas?

Dig the trench to a depth of between 8 to 18 inches. Because Austin typically experiences mild freezes, you can dig your trenches on the shallow side. For each area where you plan to lay down a sprinkler line, repeat steps 1 through 3.

How deep do sprinkler lines need to be in Colorado?

Sprinkler Lines If they were buried below the frost line (around 10 – 12″ below ground for Colorado) they might have survived significant damage during the freezing temperatures. But if they were buried shallow just below the surface to about 8″ down the lines could have hemorrhaged and broke during a hard freeze.

How do I find an underground sprinkler valve?

The cheapest and easiest way to find buried irrigation valves is often to probe the soil with a thin rod, such as a long screwdriver. Often you can estimate the rough location of the irrigation valve, then find a buried valve box by probing the ground.

Locating underground lawn sprinkler pipes - DIY Home Improvement Forum

I have need to place a wire underground to service a lamp post in a back yard. The problem is that there is a lawn sprinkler system in this yard and the homeowner has no idea how the pipes run. She did turn on the sprinklers, but that only shows me where they are located. This 45-50 foot ditch...

Finding a Broken Sprinkler Pipe in Your Underground Irrigation System

The water that comes out is dirty – leaks in your sprinkler system not only release water in less than ideal spots, they also allow soil to enter the pipes and mix in with the water that gets released by the sprinkler heads.; If you notice any of these signs, you need to get it fixed without delay. It’s not just a high water bill and a ruined garden you will be dealing with – leaks on ...

locating underground sprinkler lines - DIY Home Improvement Forum

I want to store 2500 pound pop-up camper in my backyard. Other times, I have the need to get a pickup down there with firewood, dirt, etc. I also plan to have a shed delivered. I know where my sprinkler heads are. But how can I determine where the lines are? I assume they are PVC. Don't...

How to Locate Underground Plastic Pipes | Hunker

If you don't have any luck, the alternative is to use a PVC pipe locator, which uses an acoustic signal or ground-penetrating radar to locate the pipe.Plastic pipe locators are neither cheap nor easy to use. Renting one generally isn't an option because it takes skill and experience to interpret the signals from these devices.

Where are sprinkler lines buried?

Unfortunately, they are usually buried in your lawn, and there’s no way to be sure where they are without digging unless you can find your sprinkler system map.

How deep should a water line be?

The lines should be at least 3 inches deep, but sometimes they are as deep as 8 inches. Once you find which direction the line heads there’s no reason to dig up the whole line unless you’re looking for a leak. Instead, mark out the direction of the line on your map.

Can you find a map of a sprinkler system?

Your sprinkler system installation team may have given you a map of the system. If you can find it, and you haven’t made any changes to the system since it was installed, you’re in luck.

How to get dirt out of a sprinkler line?

Grab the top of the sprinkler that you have identified as the last on the line and turn the body counterclockwise until it releases from the plastic riser underground. This will expose the riser and give dirt that's trapped in your line a place to escape.

How to stop water from gushing out of sprinkler riser?

Allow the water to flush through the line for at least three minutes. After that time, tighten the solenoid to stop the flow of water.

Why do sprinklers need to be flushed?

Flushing a sprinkler line will remove dirt and other debris. Automatic sprinkler systems rely on clean pipes and steady water pressure to operate properly. If your sprinklers are showing signs of slowing down, erratic spraying or no spraying at all, chances are there is dirt trapped within the sprinkler lines.

What is the best way to put sprinkler pipes in a lawn?

In addition, a small hand spade will give you some fine control to carve a narrow pathway in your lawn that’s the perfect size for placing sprinkler pipes. If you don’t have one at least consider buying a trench shovel, they make this job so much easier than using a full size shovel or a small hand spade!

How deep should irrigation lines be buried?

Irrigation lines for residential sprinkler systems should be buried between 8 and 12 inches under the soil surface. Colder climates should be buried closer to 12 inches while warmer climates can be buried closer to 8 inches. Thinner lines should usually be buried slightly deeper to give them better protection from disturbances and cold weather.

What is the Standard Pipe Depth?

Generally speaking, most pipes are set about 8 to 12 inches below your ground’s surface. This is far enough that disturbance is unlikely but close enough to allow the easy installation of sprinklers and other tools if necessary.

How deep should a PVC pipe be for a sprinkler system?

Most standard PVC pipes used for sprinkler systems have diameters between 1.5 and 2 inches. This is perfect for the above general depths that we recommended. When it comes to your sprinkler system and choosing between sizes, keep in mind that the diameter effects the overall water flow of your sprinkler system.

How far should a trench be in the ground?

Obviously, when it comes to the raw ground you won’t be able to get everything perfectly even all the way, but it should all be within a quarter of an inch or so. Use a smaller tool or your hands to sculpt the trench if necessary. In addition, save all the dirt that you displace when digging the trench.

How deep should a lawn pipe be?

The pipes will be far enough down to not disturb any grass seeds or other small flowers that might take root in your yard. Anything shallower than 8 inches or so runs the risk of becoming damaged during winter or compromising your soil and preventing grass from growing properly.

What are the two types of sprinklers?

There are two basic kinds of sprinklers: pop-up and stationary. Stationary sprinklers are always above ground and remain where they are all the time. Pop-up sprinklers, on the other hand, will dart into the ground when they’re not in use, only emerging when it’s time to water your lawn.

How to attach irrigation controller to irrigation system?

Lay unopened garbage bags on each side of the trenching lines. Insert the tip of a shovel on one side of an irrigation line mark where the system will attach to the controller. Push the shovel straight down until the top of the blade is at the ground level. Move the shovel handle forward and back to loosen the soil. Pull the shovel up, insert it next to the first area and repeat loosening the soil the entire blade depth.

How to loosen a shovel?

Push the shovel straight down until the top of the blade is at the ground level. Move the shovel handle forward and back to loosen the soil. Pull the shovel up, insert it next to the first area and repeat loosening the soil the entire blade depth.

Why do you put soil in garbage bags?

Placing soil on garbage bags as you dig trenches saves the soil from going into the grass on your lawn. When soil covers grass roots, it keeps them from receiving sunlight, water and nutrients for growth. If you encounter large roots or rock during trenching, slightly alter your course to go around them.

How to make a grass chute?

Bring your hands together to form a chute out of the bag. Pour the soil on top of the irrigation lines. Pick up the grass sections with roots and place the grass sections on top of the soil. Press the grass down firmly with your feet to make good root to soil contact.

What to do if you encounter large roots?

If you encounter large roots or rock during trenching, slightly alter your course to go around them. Do not cut very large tree roots, as you may injure or kill the tree. Writer Bio. Mary Lougee has been writing for over 10 years.

Can you replace grass over trenches?

Digging the grass correctly when you are trenching allows you to replace the grass over the lines, saving an additional cost of reseeding the area, which also takes time to fill in the bare lines.

How to avoid digging up sprinklers?

How to Avoid Digging Up a Sprinkler System. Whether its trimming bushes, pulling weeds or planting new flowers, gardens always seem to need tending. This means at some point you are inevitably going to have to dig for one reason or another, risking cutting into your sprinkler system.

How to locate a valve 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 to tell which way the water line goes?

Turn on the water to that area and watch the sprinkler heads. Note which heads turn on first to determine what direction the lines are running. The heads that get water first will pop up and operate before the others, giving you an indication of which way the water line go from head to head.

What is the best phone number to locate a valve?

Call 811. Tips. 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. Writer Bio.

Why do we dig around sprinkler heads?

We also sometimes have to dig in order to be sure we have found the part that needs work. It’s common to do light digging around sprinkler heads to find a leak, or we might have to dig up valves in order to diagnose them (or install a box).

Why do people have sprinkler systems?

Having a sprinkler system is great. It helps everything grow better, and it’s extremely convenient. That’s why so many people have them installed. These systems do have a caveat though. When your system is buried underground, it can be hard to know exactly where the lines are located. If you need to do some digging in the yard, you certainly don’t want to put a shovel through your lines. Also, when the lines need service, it’s vital to locate them so you don’t have to dig up the whole lawn. For these and other scenarios, Andy’s utilizes a few tricks to find the buried lines.

Do sprinkler heads have to stick out?

Your sprinkler heads have to stick out of the ground or they won’t work. This is great for us as it gives us something visible to identify. Once the heads are marked in a grid, we know that the water lines have to run between them. A small amount of probing or digging around each head allows us to verify the direction of the lines, giving us a solid picture of the layout of your system.

Can you contact Andy's Sprinklers?

If you need to know where your lines are, we can help you locate them. If you need any other work with sprinklers or drainage, we’re here for you. You can contact Andy’s Sprinkler, Drainage and Lighting at any time. We’re always happy to help.

Do you have to dig up a sprinkler line?

Ultimately, most sprinkler work requires digging. If we need to access a line or other component beneath the ground, we have to dig it up; there really is no other way. Everything we’ve illustrated in this article allows us to dig as little as necessary to do the work, but digging is always the final step.