How to Install Extra Sprinklers

If you have a sprinkler system, you know how easy it can be to use--just set the timer and let it do its thing. You may also know how important proper maintenance of the system is to the quality of your turf grass and overall landscape health. The following steps will describe how to add additional sprinkler heads to an existing sprinkler system to treat burn spots or to add additional coverage.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Extra pipe (PVC or other sprinkler pipe)
• Trenching machine
• Trenching shovel
• Sprinkler heads
• Nipples
• PVC fittings as needed
• Plastic riser extractor
• PVC cutting tool
• Head adjustment screwdriver
• Thread seal tape
• Flexible PVC
• Funny pipe
• Drain valves (if needed)
• Heavy-duty plastic tarp or wheelbarrow
• PVC pipe primer
• PVC pipe adhesive
• Cloth or paper towels

1. Survey the landscape and determine the locations that would benefit from additional water coverage. Dig a test hole to determine the location and availability of sprinkler pipes.

2. Dig a hole large enough to allow some movement in the sprinkler pipe. Begin with a hole 24 inches in diameter and make it bigger if needed. Dig the hole deep enough to allow 6 to 8 inches of clearance under the sprinkler pipe. As you dig, place the dirt and sod on a tarp for easy removal, or use a wheelbarrow. Remember to water the sod a few time per day until it is put back into the ground.

3. Cut into the sprinkler pipe using the PVC cutting tool. If the pipe is brittle and shatters as you cut, the pipe may be old enough to replace. If the pipe cuts cleanly, wipe the dirt away with a towel and apply PVC primer to the cut ends. PVC primer cleans the pipe ends and prepares the PVC to accept PVC adhesive. Apply primer to the appropriate PVC fitting as well.

4. Apply PVC adhesive to one cut end of the pipe and one end of the fitting. Join the coated ends together by applying pressure and twisting the fitting slightly as the pipe slides into place to remove any air bubbles. This will ensure a tight seal. Be sure that the fitting will dry in the correct position, as PVC adhesive sets quickly.

5. Apply thread sealing tape to one end of a nipple riser. Thread this end into the sprinkler head that will be used for that location. Apply thread seal tape to the other end of the nipple riser and thread that end into the PVC fitting. At this point, each new joint should be watertight. Test the joints for leaks before filling the hole in. If there are no leaks, the hole can be filled in and the sod put back into place. If there are leaks, begin again at Step 3.

Tips & Warnings

• All sprinkler heads indicate where the water will come out from. Be sure they point in the right direction before testing the water integrity of the joints. Proper planning goes a long way when adding additional sprinkler heads to an existing system. Ask for help at your local hardware store or sprinkler supply store if needed. Adding or replacing sprinkler heads is best done on a sunny day. Water the sod that was removed by hand a few times a day until it is re-established.
• PVC primer and PVC adhesive can be very messy. It would be wise to wear latex or blue nitrile gloves when working with these products. PVC primer and PVC adhesive do not wash out of clothing.

Resources

• Orbit Irrigation, Inc. offers resources for irrigation.
• Toro offers many resources for do-it-yourself irrigation.
• Rainbird offers resources for the homeowner and for the irrigation professional.