How to Install a Sprinkler System

A sprinkler system is a water irrigation method and a garden tool, by which water is distributed via a system of pipes and sprinklers. Water pumped through the sprinklers attached to the pipes, gets sprayed into the air and moistens the entire area (soil). Sprinklers can be used in a garden of any size as well as farms, and are capable of providing efficient and adequate water coverage. For all those who find the watering the garden tedious, here are a few easy steps on how to install a sprinkler system.

Installing a Sprinkler System

When designing a sprinkler system, it is important to get your basics about the soil type, water retention and drainage of the garden, climate, water availability and flow rate, and size of the system should be well-studied. Once you have this information, it is time to work on the material requirements to install a sprinkler system.

Materials Required

• PVC pipes
• Sprinkler head
• Control box
• Casings
• Measuring tape
• Pipe cutters
• Shovel
• Chalk markers
• String

Draw a diagram; even a rough one will do for the areas you want to irrigate. Chalk out a routing plan on the actual site of pipelines and placement of sprinkler heads, using strings and chalk markers. Start by digging up trenches, while you are doing this. It would be in your best interest to have a layout of your property. You do not want to dig up an electric cable or water pipeline. The trench should be dug at least eight inches deep. Dig trenches all over, so the entire area can be covered by the sprinklers.

Cut the PVC pipes, as per the required length. Make sure they are not damaged, while cutting them. These pipes will carry water from the main source to all sprinkler heads. Any leaks will reduce the water supply, waste water as well as it will be a tedious job to dig the trenches again and fix the leaks. Interlock the pipes using casings, this will ensure no mud particulate deposits in the pipe.

Choose locations to affix the sprinkler heads. There are different types of sprinkler heads available in the market, such as pop-up, fixed, arc, semicircle, etc. Choose as per your requirement, and place them at least about 50 feet apart to allow some overlap. The sprinkler system has its own openings which should be attached to the pipe and the sprinkler head using screws. The sprinkler head should be well above the trench for the water to be sprayed efficiently.

Once the pipe and sprinklers have been laid out, it is time to join the pipe to the main water source. Affix a tee to the water meter and connect it to the sprinkler system. Secure it well using nuts and bolts. Install the control box, which consists of the valves as well as the timer, on the tee. The setting up is mostly governed by the manual instructions that come with them. Test the sprinkler system by turning on the main tap, and check and correct defects.

If one is unsure of installing the lawn sprinkler systems, you could call in professionals or take advice from someone who has done it before. Now that you know how to install a sprinkler system, you will never have to drag pipe hoses all over the garden, and yet have a lawn that is never dry. So go ahead and care for your lawn, the easy way!