Many of the most beautiful lawns are watered through an in-ground sprinkler system. In-ground sprinklers usually do a more adequate job of watering your grass than hose-end sprinklers. A properly installed in-ground system should be placed so that the sprinklers are located in the best areas of the yard to ensure that your whole lawn is watered thoroughly and efficiently. While you can buy the sprinkler system and have a professional installer put it in for you, you can also install it yourself.
Before you begin to install your system, however, there are a couple of things you need to check out. Some areas require homeowners to apply for a building permit before they can install a sprinkler system, so be sure and find out the regulations pertaining to your area. Another very important point to remember is that you need to check for underground utilities before you start to dig. Call your local utility department to find this out. You also need to check with your local water department to find out if there are any municipal watering ordinances.
You will need to take a good look at your yard and create the most efficient layout for your system before you ever start to dig. It is important to consider any existing shrubs, trees, landscaped areas, fences, and sunny or shady areas when you are mapping out where you will install the sprinklers. You also want to mark where your water supply line is located in order to place the sprinkler’s manifold system nearby.
Because you want to cover every inch of your area, it is a good idea to plan on overlapping the sprinklers’ spray patterns. Since each sprinkler head is designed for different watering needs, you should place sprinkler heads in areas based on the coverage needed in that location.
Once you have taken care of the legalities that can surround installing your sprinkler system, and you have mapped out your watering area, you need to decide what type of system you want. Visit your local building supply stores and gardening centers, taking your layout map with you, and ask for advice concerning the different type systems. Be sure and tell the store employee that is working with you about the type of soil you have and what size area you will be watering.
The most common pipe that is used is PVC (polyvinyl chloride). However, polyethylene is often used in colder climates because its flexible material stands up well to cold temperatures. You can cut both of these pipes with a handsaw or pipe cutter.
You will need to lay out the design of your system using stakes and string, with some type of flag or other marker to designate where the sprinkler heads will be installed. You will need to dig your trenches from six to twelve inches deep, and the sprinkler heads need to be low enough that they won’t be hit by a lawn mower. You can use a garden spade or ditch spade to dig by hand, but if you want to save yourself some time, rent a trencher.
Try to keep your trenches as level as possible, and plan on working on a section at a time. Be sure you save any grass or sod you have dug up, so you can cover the ditch with it. You probably want to begin working from the manifold close to your water source. A good hint is to preassemble as much as possible. Lay your pipe along side of where you will be digging.
Measure and cut your PVC pipe as level as possible, smoothing the edges with a file to ensure a smooth fit. Place the pipe into the fitting and adjust it. Then, mark the pipe so you know where to replace it after you add the cement. Remove the pipe and clean its surfaces. Next, apply cement to the outside and the inside of the pipe. Now, push the pipe back into the fitting, allowing a little room to be able to twist the pipe to align the marks. It is important to remember that the cement is a very quick drying compound, so you want have much time, no more than thirty seconds, to correct any mistakes.
If you are using polyethylene piping, you will use clamps in place of cement. You’ll place the clamps onto the pipe to connect the pieces after you have cut them to size.
Read the directions before you install the heads. They usually attach with threading, but various models have different methods. Be sure and flush the water lines before you complete the final connection.
You are now ready to connect the sprinkler system to the water source. Some people prefer to connect the system straight to an outdoor faucet, while others prefer their systems be connected to the water service line. If you choose the latter, you will need to shut-off your water before you attempt the connection.
Next, cut off approximately one inch of the service line that is located between the main shut off and your house. You will need to add a compression tee fitting and a valve. This will allow you to control the sprinkler system independent of your home’s water system. You may also need to install a backflow preventer. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for this. Once you have finished your installation, you can begin to cover the pipes and replace the grass or sod. Make sure you pay close attention to all of the areas of your yard. Brown spots could indicate a clogged sprinkler head. A properly installed sprinkler system can help maintain a healthy lawn for many years.
