How to Install Yard Irrigation Pipe

You can install an irrigation system for your yard. Irrigation both helps grow grass and prevent weeds because the healthier the grass, the harder it is for weeds to survive in the sod. Few tools are needed to install irrigation. If your yard will be sodded, install the irrigation first. Save yourself some digging.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Shovel or trenching tool
• Hacksaw
• PVC pipe, 1-inch diameter
• Pipe "Ts," elbows and end caps
• Pipe glue, also sometimes called pipe cement
• Sprinklers

Prepare the Site

1. Measure the area to determine how many sprinkler rows and heads you need. Most yard sprinklers have an effective spray radius of from 8 to 15 feet, depending on the water pressure. Most manufactures provide that information with the sprinkler head.

2. Find the area of the yard. Once you have that number, divide it by the area each sprinkler head will water.

3. Draw a diagram of how the sprinklers will be placed.

4. Place the sprinklers now if the yard is going to be sodded. On an established lawn, dig trenches for the pipes. Dig the trenches only deep enough so that the sprinkler head is even with the ground level. If you live where it gets cold enough to freeze the ground, have a low point drain so your pipes will not break during the winter.

5. Determine whether or not you will need a control box to water the lawn in sections.

Prepare and Install the Pipe and Sprinklers

6. Cut the pipe to length.

7. Glue the sprinklers in place using the "Ts" and let the glue dry. It is easiest to do this alongside the trench or close to where you are going to place the pipe.

8. Join your rows of sprinklers to the feed pipe using "Ts" and elbows as needed. Make sure the sprinkler heads are plumb or close to it.

9. Install the sprinkler valve controller and the timer if you are going to use one.

10. Attach the feed pipe from the valve box.

11. Charge the pipes with water to check for leaks.

12. Bury the pipes and sprinklers, sit back and enjoy your lawn.

Tips & Warnings

• Water pressure usually determines whether or not the lawn needs to be watered in sections. As water travels through a pipe, it looses pressure. Too many sprinklers means that the sprinklers at the end of the line will not spray as far or as effectively as those close to the inlet.
• Sprinklers are adjustable so you can control the radius of the spray.
• Discover the effective spray radius for the sprinklers you buy so you will know how many sprinklers you need for thorough coverage of the lawn area.
• Install retractable sprinklers for lawn use so the lawn can be mowed.