How to Add Sprinkler Heads to Your Lawn Sprinkler System

Add heads to your sprinkler system.

Automatic sprinkler systems make watering the lawn and garden an easy endeavor. No more standing in the yard with the hose for hours to get everything watered. No more moving the sprinkler around the yard and getting wet. However, some systems are installed without the correct number of heads for the project, or heads need to be added to water a new feature of the landscaping.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Ratcheting pipe cutter
• Shovel
• Compression fitting tees
• New heads
• 2 feet of 1/2-inch poly tubing per head
• Fittings for attaching the heads to the poly tubing -- each head is different

1. Turn off the irrigation system and make sure the system is drained. Most home systems will hold a small amount of water in the lines under very low pressure, less than 5 psi.

2. Determine the location of the new heads. Mark with flags or paint.

3. Dig holes at the new head locations and locate the nearest supply pipe from the irrigation system. Once the pipe is located, dig along the pipe so a 3-foot section of the pipe is fully exposed, this will aid in placing the tee in the line.

4. Cut the irrigation pipe in the middle of the exposed 3 feet. Cut 1/2 inch of pipe out of the supply line. Then install the tee where the pipe is cut. Most compression tees install the same. Slide the nut on to the pipe, then a metal pressure ring then the tee and tighten.

5. Install the poly line to the third side of the tee. Make sure all of the connections are tight, but do not over-tighten. Then install the head to end of the poly line.

6. Fill the hole and tamp the soil making sure the irrigation head is in the proper location. The head should be buried in the proper location by hand to ensure it is correct.

7. Turn the system on to make sure the heads are aimed properly and working.

Tips & Warnings

• Pipe needs may be different from system to system. Try to match the new pipe to the existing installed pipe.

• Check with your local irrigation pro for any questions.

Resources

• Tootoo Supply.com: Plastic Compression Fittings