How to Install Lawn Sprinklers

If you want to install lawn sprinklers in your yard, the project will occupy a couple of weekends or can be spread out over several days in your spare time. Before tackling the actual installation, do your homework on how much pipe, how many valves and joints and how many sprinkler heads you'll need.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Spray paint
• Sprinkler system from manufacturer
• Shovel
• Hacksaw
• PVC cement

1. Mark the lawn with spray paint to outline the layout of pipes. To plan the gridwork of sprinkler heads, allow a 15 to 18 foot diameter spray for each sprinkler.

2. Attach a pipe to the water supply in the house. Install a stop-and-waste valve on the pipe from the house so that water can be shut off and to drain the sprinkler system before the onset of winter. Also add a backflow prevention valve so that contaminated water won't flow into the home's supply lines.

3. Dig v-shaped trenches 8 inches deep for the pipe. You can dig the trenches by hand with a shovel or you can rent a trenching machine at a rental or hardware store.

4. Cut the pipes to the length needed with a hacksaw. Slip the pipes, valves and sprinkler heads in the V-shaped trenches according to your design. Join the segments with PVC cement. Be sure the sprinkler heads are on the level and are level with the ground.

5. Add the manifold, which is a set of control valves for the individual lines, and connect it to the pipe from the house. Turn on the water and flush the system to remove any debris that got into the lines during the digging process.

6. Adjust the sprinklers and valves for best water distribution to your lawn and to avoid pressure drops.

Tips & Warnings

• Check with local utility companies to be sure you don't dig up power lines or cables. Note their location in your yard.