How to install in-ground automatic sprinkler systems
Moderately Difficult
Introduction
So you're looking into installing a sprinkler system, well you have come to the right place! Automatic sprinkler systems take the work out of maintaining your yard. You don't have to remember to move that sprinkler and you don't have to keep track of where you watered last. Today's sprinkler systems utilize a timer to insure all of the zones you set to be watered, are watered evenly and on schedule. This leaves you the extra time to do the things you enjoy. In most areas of the country automatic sprinkler systems are set to run in the evening or in the early morning, this has proven to be the best time to water giving the yard the ability to stay wet a little longer than if you watered during the heat of the day. Automatic sprinklers systems offer the ability to save water. This is done by giving you the ability to modify the watering times to meet the minimal needs of each specific area in your yard. If some areas in the yard do not get as much direct sun light you can reduce the watering time for that area only. With automated sprinkler systems you can even add a drip system (covered in another article) to economically water the flowers and landscaping plants around your property. The DIY Home Pro will provide you with all of the information to make this project a snap. We'll even make sure you don't get soaked on the parts. All it takes to complete this project is a little planning, a few necessary tools, and some help from The DIY Home Pro! We have rounded a few resources that will send you on your way to completing this underground sprinkler project in a timely and cost efficient manner, lets get started!
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What You'll Need
The following is a list of the tools and materials you will need to install your in-ground automatic sprinklers.
The Tools You'll Need
Pipe Cutter
A PVC pipe cutter makes easy work of cutting the PVC pipe to size. You will make many cuts in the construction of your automatic in-ground system. The PVC Pipe cutter makes a quick cut every time leaving a smooth edge which will be needed when you glue the joints together!
Shovel
You will need a shovel to dig out corners where your pipe joints will be made, and perhaps if it is a small job you will use the shovel to dig the trenches where the pipe will be laid.
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Drill/Screwdriver
A drill/power screw driver will be utilized to install the timer on the wall. This is a multi-purpose tool that is readily used for many things around your home and is handy to have for all of your projects! A power drill/ screw driver can quickly secure the timer as well as the brackets that hold the wiring to the house.
Electrical Pliers
Electrician's pliers are used to strip the wires at each connection point. The pliers are also used to cut the wires to size. This too saves a lot of time when you get to the wiring stage of the process.
The Materials You'll Need
Timer
When installing your new sprinkler system you will need a timer such as this 6 station Orbit with remote. Timers are one of the key elements in your new automatic sprinkler system, they give you the flexibility to individually modify the watering times in each specific area of your yard. Timers come in different sizes with different capabilities, it is better to have a timer with extra stations than one with barely enough, especially if there is a possibility of adding a drip system at a later date, or adding on to the current system.
Electric Valves
These valves are installed into a manifold system and connected directly to each specific watering zone. The valves communicate with your timer turning water on and off for each zone according to the times you have specified. Electric valves are another key item in your new sprinkler system, choosing a good brand like Rain Bird or Orbit will reduce maintenance later. Great Deal on Electric Valves at Amazon
Anti-Siphon Valve
Anti-siphon valves are required in almost all areas. These valves keep the water in the sprinkler lines from draining back into the domestic water system (your drinking water) after the system shuts off each day. These valves are usually hooked into the manifold system directly at each zone right next to the electric valve. These anti-siphon valves do not require electricity, they work on a pressure switch which automatically closes the valve when the electric valve turns off the pressure.
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Low Wire Voltage
A low voltage wire is connected from the electric timer directly to each of the electric valves. This wire feeds power to each of the zones at the time you have specified. The wire is very thin and can be purchased in harness containing up to 12 wires in a single line, or they can be purchased by the single wire. In either case they serve the same function and the preference is yours to choose for your specific needs.
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PVC Pipe
Plastic pipe carries the water from the electric valves to the sprinkler head. This pipe is sized according to the amount of water to be supplied at each zone. The amount of water is determined by how many sprinklers you have on each zone. Don't panic! there is an easy formula to calculate this below.
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Fittings
The fittings join the sections of pipe together and allow the pipe to turn corners by the use of a corner fitting, or they can allow the pipe to go into two different directions by the use of a "T" fitting. In order to know how many fittings you will need and their sizes, you must first lay out your system. You can then count the number of turns and "T" connectors you will need.
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Primer
Once you have cut the pipe you will need to primer the ends of the pipe and the inside of the joints. This prepares them for the glue. Primer is a necessary step in joining the pipes and fittings together.
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Pipe Glue
The pipe glue is used to permanently join the pipe sections with the fittings under the ground. The glue is specifically formulated for each type of pipe. Underground sprinkler systems typically use schedule 40 PVC pipe so you should be sure that the glue you purchase specifically mentions PVC glue on the label!
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Sprinklers
Next you will need to determine how many and what type of sprinklers you intend to use. Sprinklers come in all ranges and types. You can have a full circle sprinkler or a half or quarter circle as well. These are utilized in the cases of a corner where a sidewalk or driveway border the lawn. By choosing the right sprinkler you only water the grass. There are also gear driven sprinklers that make relatively no noise when operating, or water driven sprinklers that make that old familiar sprinkler sound like what you hear at the park when their sprinklers are running.
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The Technique
We have divided the technique into several short videos due to the different processes involved in completing your new system. For a detailed summary article of the entire installation of underground sprinklers please see the topic at the bottom of this section.
The Manifold System
This video clearly details the basics of putting together the manifold and the zone switches for your new system. The manifold and zone switches are one of the major elements in your new automatic sprinkler system. By learning this section of the system thoroughly, you will have mastered one of the major processes in installing the system. This is very detailed and good info!
The Basic System
This video explains the basics of how the system will work. In this video it is explained on how to hook the system up to an existing water bib, which is the most accepted in the case of an existing plumbing system. If you are able to hook into the system at the street where the water meter is, you can in most cases access a larger input line which will allow you to use a larger line to feed each zone. This affords more water pressure for a sprinkler zone that contains a lot of sprinklers, if you have a very large yard.
Digging The Trenches
This video explains how to mark out the trenches in your yard. The video shows a trencher in use which you will see makes the job much easier. Do not let the trencher intimidate you, they are easily rent-able at your local equipment rental store and they are very easy to use.
Assembling the pipes
This video shows you how to assemble the pipes in preparing to place them in the trenches. This is a very simple process and should take little time to complete.
Installing the Sprinkler Head
This video is a quick clip that simply shows how to install the sprinkler heads after gluing your lines together. You will note the type of connection in the video, this can be replaced with a simple 90 degree glue-in fitting and a single glue-in female threaded fitting to screw the sprinkler into if you choose!
Summary Article of the Entire Process:
This link is an excellent resource which contains a lot of very detailed information, it covers virtually everything from water pressure, to layout, and construction. They make several good points about checking for under ground lines such as gas lines or electrical lines before you start digging. You should also measure the size of the yard that you want to water and then break it down to several manageable zones. there should be no more sprinklers on a single zone than your water pressure can handle. This will be regulated by placing a large bucket under your existing water bib and timing the amount of water output per minute. you can then calculate this by multiplying the out-put by 60 to get the GPH or gallons per hour. Each sprinkler you purchase states how many gallons per hour are required to run that sprinkler. Divide this amount by your GPH and you will know how many sprinklers you can have per zone. View the article >>>
Books and DVDs
Sprinklers and Drip Systems Step By Step
This book gives you the step by step design, layout, and installation process. You will see how to plan out your system, calculate your GPH (gallons per hour ) water out put, determine the materials needed for your specific system, and finally install the system step by step. This book is a "Must Have" for all home owners and do-it-yourself people!
Sprinklers and Watering Systems
Sprinklers and Watering Systems is a complete guide to planning and installing your new system! Whether you are planning a small two zone project, or a large multiple timer/multiple zone system, this is the book you will need. Inside you will understand the basics of how the system works, you will learn how to calculate your materials and supplies. This book will guide you through the entire process.
Hire A Professional Contractor
Not convinced you want to go it alone? Reliable Remodeler is a great place to find local professional contractors who specialize in any home improvement and home repair project you may have.
Questions & Comments
