13 Steps To Install A Lawn Sprinkler System
Before starting a DIY project, you may need a plan. Many manufacturers custom design a system specific to your region and yard.
They provide instructions on how to check water flow and pressure to support a sprinkler system. Book a consultation and they will give you a list of tools and materials needed to put the system together.
Prepare for Your Sprinkler System
In-ground sprinkler systems offer the opportunity to spray water directly where needed and the convenience of automating watering schedules. Underground sprinkler system installation also saves you money.
To decide if you need a sprinkler system installation, consider:
- The type of grass installed in your landscape.
- Some turfgrasses require more water than other grass varieties.
- The type of soil in your lawn also affects the efficiency of the irrigation system. For example, sandy soil absorbs water more quickly than clay.
- Irrigation systems help you control the moisture content of soil.
For permanent installation, you’ll also need to:
- Check for a local building permit.
- Underground utilities before digging.
- Research local municipal watering ordinances.
- Check if your local regulations require a certified professional installation.
Decide the Type of Pipe
PVC pipes are most commonly used for irrigation material. These are rigid and stronger than polyethylene pipes. Connections are made with adhesives.
Polyethylene pipes suit best to colder environments as these are flexible, and adapt to freeze cycles. The pipes come in rolls, can be curved around man-made and natural obstacles, and require fewer fittings than PVC. Specially designed clamps are used for connections.
Dig the Trenches
After deciding on the design and piping material, the next step is digging for sprinkler installation. Mark the location or place a flag where sprinkler heads will be located. Trenches are relatively shallow- usually 6-12 inches deep, depending upon the frost severity and freeze cycles of your area. The trenches must be deep enough to prevent sprinkler breakage from lawn machines.
You can rent a trencher to dig trenches. If you choose to hand dig, a garden spade is probably the best tool. All trenches must be leveled, otherwise, gravity will affect the efficiency of sprinklers
Place the Pipes in Trenches
Follow the plan to lay PVC pipes in trenches. If needed, join pipe connections with PVC cement and couplings. Splice in a tee fitting for a sprinkler head, then attach a short flexible pipe that connects to the sprinkler head. In drip-irrigation tubing, attach a small, upturned elbow pipe, and pressure reducer with microfilter.
Make the Water Connection
Turn off the water supply to the house at a meter. Cut the water line and place a tee with primer and PVC cement. If the water line is made of copper, opt for a copper tee. Then thread the adapter to the tee fitting installed on the main water lines.
Tip: If uncomfortable, call professional plumbers to do the fitting job.
Connect the Heads
Heads are usually threaded onto the riser. Follow the model’s instructions carefully, as the system varies by manufacturer. Flush all the debris from the lines before making the final connections of sprinkler heads. The flush also helps you spot undetected leaks in the pipes.
Determine Water Pressure
Use a pressure gauge to determine the working water pressure number. The gauge provides reading in PSI (pound per square inch). Water pressure is measured in two ways: Static (water supply is OFF) and Working (water supply is ON). Make sure all water faucets are turned OFF while taking the reading.
Map the Sprinkler System
After completing the preliminary research, it’s time to install the irrigation system. Most lawns have a variety of elements that need to be considered before installation such as shrubs, trees, sidewalks, fences, slopes, and mulched areas or flower beds.
Because of these features, you will need multiple zones (different areas of lawn having different watering needs). Zones are determined by the water capacity and physical attributes of your lawn. A map is necessary to establish watering zones.
Plan the Coverage
You can overlap the spray pattern for 100% coverage of the landscape. This can be achieved by head-to-head coverage. It refers to the sprinkler head layout that allows water sprinkles from each sprinkler head to overlap with the adjacent head.
The sprinkler head style and size, and the number of zones depend on the location of shrubs, trees, and sidewalks. Large areas, corners, and under shrubs require different sprinkler head styles.
Roll out the Irrigation
Roll out drip-irrigation tubing along the trees and flower beds; space tubing 12 inches apart. If needed, join tubings together with a push-in coupling. When you reach the end, cut tubing with a utility knife, flush with water, fold, and slip on an end clamp.
Tip: Setting the tube in the sun for a few hours before installation makes it softer and easier.
Install the Ground Stakes
Secure the irrigation tubes with plastic ground stakes. Space the hooks 18-24 inches apart. Hook each stake and press in the dirt. Cover the area with a bark mulch to hide the tubing and prevent water evaporation. Spread the mulch to at least 4 inches deep as it prevents weed sprouting.
Install Backflow Prevention
Chemicals from the lawn can enter the water supply and contaminate it. This happens when there’s a reverse pressure from the system (the backflow). Most municipalities require irrigation systems to install a backflow prevention device. This mechanism shuts off the system when not in use. Make sure you have installed a backflow preventer. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for successful installation.
Connect the Timer Wires
Mount the timer on a house wall. Following the manufacturer’s instructions, attach the wires to the timer terminals. After the attachment, run a test to check if all zones and sprinklers are working properly. Adjust the nozzles, if any, that are spraying off-course.
Underground Sprinkler Maintenance
- Check the Water Pressure
- Repair Clogged Sprinkler Heads
- Adjust the Sprinkler Heads
- Look for Leaks
- Replace Sprinkler Heads
- Fix Damaged Pipes
Questions To Ask A Contractor
While some prefer DYing their sprinkler installation, others want someone else to do the heavy lifting. If you don’t have the required time and skills or desire to install a lawn sprinkler system, consult experts like Guerrero Landscaping.
Here is a list of a few suggested questions you may ask:
- How long have you been in the landscaping industry? How many years of experience do your professionals have?
- Do you have local and national permits for your installation services?
- What piping materials and tools do you use in the installation process?
- Do you pull or trench the pipe in sprinkler installation?
- Do you offer after-sale service?
- What is the warranty on the system?
Save Water With A Sprinkler System With Guerrero Landscaping
Guerrero Landscaping provides satisfactory answers to all these questions. We provide customized designs that meet your lawn requirements. Read more on how our 4-step process makes the lawn sprinkler installation easy and hassle-free for you.
Call us at (469) 398- 9896 or get a free quote.
