How to Install a Sprinkler System Yourself

A sprinkler system adds to both the convenience and value of a home. The installation of a system requires planning and physical labor, but only average do it yourself skills are required. A description of the installation process is helpful to the home owner considering installing their sprinkler system themselves.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring Tape
• Shovel
• Control Valves
• Anti-siphon valves
• Hacksaw
• PVC pipe
• PVC primer
• PVC cement
• Sand paper
• Threaded sprinkler risers
• PVC pipe fittings
• Electronic sprinkler system controller

Instructions

1. Take measurements of the area you wish to irrigate with the sprinkler system and obtain a water pressure reading by attaching a water pressure gauge to the hose bib on the house nearest the area.

2. Get a plan and layout for the sprinkler system. The plan will provide all the details of the system ; including how many valves to use, where to lay the pipe, and where the sprinkler heads should be placed.

3. 

   Build the control valve manifold. Connect each valve to a short piece of PVC pipe and in turn to a piece of PVC that will connect to the water supply (see photo). Install anti-siphon valves onto the control valves and then place the manifold in a covered box, in a location with easy access to the water supply.

4. Dig the trenches for the pipe of the sprinkler system according to the layout of your plan. Dig to a depth of 12-18 inches, depending on the freeze depth in the area where you live.

5. Tap into your home's water supply. The most common locations for this are behind an outside hose bib and from the main supply line coming in from the street.

6. Place the pipe into the trenches you have dug. Make connections by cutting the pipe to the proper length and then sanding the edge with sandpaper. This will remove any burrs and also roughen the surface of the pipe in preparation for the primer and glue. Swab the areas to be joined with PVC primer, then with the PVC cement, and side together to connect.

7. Cut the threaded risers to a length so that the sprinkler will sit at the correct height, then install the risers so that they are at a 90 degree angle to the pipe to which they are connected. Install sprinkler heads to the risers.

8. Install the electronic controller in a convenient location and out of the weather. Run wires from the controller to the control valves, shovel the excavated dirt back over the pipe trenches, and you are finished.

Tips & Warnings

• The resources section has a link where you can obtain a free plan from the Rain Bird company. Other sprinkler manufacturers offer the same type of service, and your local home improvement store will usually have free brochures that explain the making of a plan.Also consider renting a trencher. It will save you hours of labor and prevent a sore back.

• Prevent dangerous digging accidents by calling all local utility companies and having them come out and mark the location of their underground lines.

References

• Install Your Own Underground Sprinkler System

Resources

• Lawn Sprinkler Systems Parts