How to Install Sprinkler Lines in a Yard
A sprinkler system is a method of irrigation that provides a controlled flow of water to a specific area at a timely rate. Typically featuring a system of buried pipes, sprinklers irrigate the yard effectively and efficiently, reducing water wastage. The pipes are connected to sprinkler heads at predetermined points that send water to the spots. Because of the significance of the investment, you should use quality pipes and fittings that tolerate frost heaving and will last many years. Installing a sprinkler system is easy when you design its layout beforehand. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Graph paper
- Wood stakes
- String
- Trenching machine
- Compression tee
- Manifold
- Backflow preventer
- Shutoff valve
- 3/4- to 1-inch PVC pipes
- Pipe cutters
- Sandpaper
- PVC cement
- Riser tee
- Sod or grass seed
Instructions
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1
Map out your yard on paper to determine the placement of the sprinkler lines. Draw utility lines, softscaping and permanent features on the sketch. Decide where in the yard to install full-, half- and quarter-circle sprinkler heads, according to the watering requirements of the existing plants, so their coverage overlaps and ensures no areas are left dry.
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2
Mark the locations for underground lines in the yard using stakes and string. Refer to the sketch for the exact locations of the pipes and sprinkler heads. Keep the string between adjacent stakes as straight as possible and pull it taut.
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3
Dig 5- to 12-inch trenches into the ground along the stakes and string, according to the severity of the freeze-thaw cycle in your area. Use a trenching machine to reduce time and labor during the process.
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4
Insert a tee into the water line just behind the bib. Also connect a manifold, a backflow preventer and a shutoff valve to the pipe. If necessary, hire a professional to install the fittings to the main water line.
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5
Cut lengths of PVC pipes to their required lengths and smooth out their edges with sandpaper. Apply PVC cement along the inner and outer edge of a PVC pipe and the inner edge of a fitting. Push the pipe into the fitting and turn it lightly to help the cement spread.
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6
Measure the space between the pipes and the top of the ground. Cut riser tees so the sprinkler heads they will be attached to fall 1/4-inch below ground level. Attach tees to the predetermined spots along the sprinkler lines. Twist the sprinkler heads to the other ends of the tees.
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7
Backfill the trenches with soil and tamp the surface to remove trapped air. Depending on personal preference, lay sod or plant grass seed over the soil.
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Tips & Warnings
Before installing the sprinkler lines, check the water flow and pressure of the faucet to determine whether it can support the irrigation system. Ideally, the pressure should fall between 30 and 35 psi, and the flow rate between 11 and 14 gpm. If required, hire a professional plumber to adjust the pressure and flow rate.
